IRENA officially tasked with monitoring progress of UAE Consensus

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 13 May 2024 – Today, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber officially tasked the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) with the establishment of a special annual report series dedicated to monitoring progress and providing recommendations on achieving key energy goals of the UAE Consensus set at COP28.

The call to triple renewable power capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 reflects vital components of the global response to address climate change and keep 1.5°C within reach. The UAE Consensus calls for 'transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner' with the aim to achieve net zero by 2050.

COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber said, “Tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 are central parts of the UAE Consensus, agreed by all 198 Parties at COP28. IRENA’s annual report will track and monitor global progress against these targets, which are crucial in ensuring we turn agreement into action and keep 1.5°C  within reach. The energy transition offers the greatest opportunity for social and economic development since the industrial revolution, and in IRENA we have a partner who understands both the need to transition to renewable energy and the huge economic opportunity this offers.”

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera welcomed the recognition of IRENA’s new custodian role: “I confirm the unwavering commitment by IRENA to the successful implementation of the historic UAE Consensus. Given the centrality of the Agency’s World Energy Transitions Outlook 1.5°C Pathway to the tripling of renewables and doubling of energy efficiency goals, IRENA is best placed to monitor progress towards these vital outcomes and ensure commitments are transformed into firm action and progress on the ground.”

The new annual tracking report, which will be led, developed and published by IRENA, as official Custodian Agency, each year from 2024 to 2030, will feature the latest data and projections concerning the tripling of renewables and doubling of energy efficiency by 2030, providing timely and accurate inputs to future COP engagements.

About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)  

IRENA is the lead intergovernmental agency for the renewables-based energy transition in pursuit of a systemic change across the energy sectors. A global energy agency comprised of 168 countries and the EU, with 15 additional countries in accession, IRENA provides knowledge, technical assistance and capacity building, project and investment facilitation. The Agency enables international cooperation and partnerships to fight climate change and promote sustainable development, energy access, energy security and resilient economies and societies.