Nations must ramp up their renewable energy ambitions to hit global climate targets, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The energy body is calling for countries to double capacity by 2030, and for the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as the Paris commitments are known, to reflect that need.
Specifically IRENA wants the world to reach 7.7 terawatts (TW) of installed capacity by 2030, a jump from the 3.2 TW trajectory currently on the table. The details are revealed in the new IRENA report: NDCs in 2020: Advancing Renewables in the Power Sector and Beyond, which will be shared with leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid on 11 December.
“Increasing renewable energy targets is absolutly necessary. Much more is possible. There is a decisive opportunity for policy makers to step up climate action by raising ambition on renewables, which are the only immediate solution to meet rising energy demand whilst decarbonizing the economy and building resilience,” said IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera “IRENA’s analysis shows that a pathway to a decarbonised economy is technologically possible and socially and economically beneficial. Renewables are good for growth, good for job creation and deliver significant welfare benefits. With renewables, we can also expand energy access and help eradicate energy poverty in line with the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. IRENA will promote knowledge exchange, strengthen partnerships and work with all stakeholders to catalyse action on the ground. We are engaging with countries and regions worldwide to facilitate renewable energy projects and raise their ambitions.”
