International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Energy security in renewables-based systems requires multi-dimensional thinking. The energy transition represents not merely the substitution of one fuel source for another, but rather the creation of an entirely new energy system. I highlighted this perspective at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (#BETD25) this week, emphasising that effectively navigating the geopolitical complexities of the energy transition is critical to ensuring lasting energy security. Reflexively transposing the geopolitical considerations of the fossil fuel era to the era of renewable energy risks significant oversights and ill-considered investments. The systemic nature of the ongoing transition, along with its wide-ranging social and economic impacts, warrants holistic thinking. IRENA’s 2025 geopolitics work programme prioritises these issues. Our work on geopolitics has been elevated as a priority, reflecting our continued focus on the evolving geopolitical dynamics affecting the energy sector. Against this background, IRENA will be initiating the Global Dialogue on the Geopolitics of Energy Transformation, providing a platform for global leaders to address key challenges in supply chains, energy security, and geopolitical risks.

An incredibly productive week at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (#BETD25), with great discussions, including with German Foreign Minister H.E. Annalena Baerbock and African Development Bank Group Vice President Kevin KARIUKI, on how to address investment gaps in geopolitically challenging times. Throughout the week, I emphasised three key points: 1- Clear, stable, and transparent regulatory environments are essential to attract investments and mitigate energy transition risks. Policy frameworks must not only outline climate and environmental plans to boost renewable energy deployment but also address energy security concerns through renewables. 2- Financing remains a major barrier, particularly for developing countries. High perceived risks and currency fluctuations deter private investment. Innovative financial mechanisms such as blended finance, risk guarantees, and concessional funding must be expanded to de-risk investments and unlock capital. I also highlighted the importance of working with multilateral financial institutions to expand and modernise energy infrastructure and power grids to support renewables. 3- Significant progress is being made through the Accelerated Partnerships for Renewables in Africa (APRA). At the first APRA Investment Forum in Nairobi last October, we presented 25 projects from across APRA countries, representing a total capacity potential of 1 GW and a project cost of $2.7 billion. These figures highlight both the scale of investment opportunities available and the effectiveness of APRA’s collaboration model. The know-how is there. The solutions exist. Now, we need bold action, stronger policies, and scaled-up investment to close the financing gap and accelerate the energy transition.

Tripling renewables by 2030 is a commitment the world must deliver on—but we are falling behind. As the tracking custodian of the #3xRenewables target, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s latest data collection at #BETD25 reveals that G20+ nations must install 9.7 TW of renewables by 2030 to align with 1.5°C pathways. Yet, deployment remains highly uneven. G20 nations alone account for 80% of energy consumption and emissions—without urgent action, this goal will not be met. The path forward is clear: double annual renewable capacity additions, scale up grids, and accelerate clean energy policies. Governments and industries must move decisively.

The energy transition needs both policy leadership and industry action. That’s why IRENA and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) will join forces at #COP30 to advance the #3xRenewables target. Great to meet GRA CEO Bruce Douglas at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue to discuss how we can put public-private collaboration at the center of the road to #Belém. #BETD25

In 2023, 96% of global renewable capacity additions came from #G20 countries, with #China (64%), the #EU-27 (14%), and the United States (7%) leading the way. This concentration highlights a major challenge—while some regions are making rapid progress, others risk being left behind. As the tracking custodian of the global goal to triple installed renewable capacity by 2030, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s latest data collection shows that deployment must expand beyond the G20. Bridging this gap requires stronger policy frameworks, greater financial support for developing regions, and a coordinated global effort to turn commitments into action.

G20 nations account for 80% of global energy consumption and over 80% of CO₂ emissions—making them central to the world’s ability to triple installed #renewable capacity by 2030. But progress is slow and uneven. New IRENA dataset, released today at #BETD25, reveals that to meet the global 11.2 TW target, installed renewable power must grow from 3.4 TW to 9.4 TW across G20+. As the tracking custodian of this target, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights that urgent action is needed in three key areas for 2025: ➡ Electrification of key end-use sectors ➡ Targeted policies & investments to scale up sustainable biofuels in shipping & aviation. ➡ Doubling energy efficiency and fast-tracking clean hydrogen & other clean technologies. Read now: https://bit.ly/4bIDHs7

Coordinated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) is now on LinkedIn! 🌍 Launched at #COP21, now with 56 countries and 59 partners, GGA aims to achieve a 5x increase in geothermal power and 3x growth in heating by 2030 through fostering international cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building, raising awareness, and knowledge-sharing. Follow for more 👇

🚀 IRENA Innovation Week is coming soon! 🗓️ 10-13 June 2025 This year, #IIW25 will bring together industry representatives, academia, youth, and policymakers to discuss cutting-edge innovations that accelerate the global #EnergyTransition and promote sustainable development—powered by #renewables and digitalisation technologies. The Innovation Week 2025 will explore two pivotal streams: 🔹 Infrastructure for Tripling Renewables – Closing infrastructure gaps, leveraging digitalisation, and securing supply chains for global renewable growth. 🔹 Renewable Solutions for Sustainable Development – Advancing resilient power systems, energy communities, and bioenergy for economic growth. 📌 Register your interest now: https://lnkd.in/dmQtDSn

Scaling up Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) can electrify remote communities, reduce poverty, and accelerate the clean #energytransition, bringing us closer to #SDG7. Ahead of #BETD25 next week, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH call for urgent investment and global cooperation in a joint editorial. More from Project Syndicate ⤵️

🆕 This week, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) experts joined global energy stakeholders at the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Global Forum in Barbados, reinforcing the urgent need for accelerated #energytransitions, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The forum highlighted urgent actions for: ✅Building climate resilience in SIDS ✅Addressing disparities in #EnergyTransition investments ✅Robust energy planning ✅Enhancing grid infrastructure Read now: https://bit.ly/3DDgz1J