The International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) will highlight the transformative role of renewable energy at the agency's fourth assembly which kicks of in Abu Dhabi on January 18.

The two-day event will feature more than 55 ministerial-level participants, the heads of state and delegation from approximately 150 countries and 120 organizations at the event to be held at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, said the organisers.

Irena in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), will announce funding of transformative, innovative and replicable renewable energy projects in developing countries.
 
Setting the stage for this year’s Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Irena will present “REmap 2030”, a roadmap for doubling the global renewable energy share by 2030.

The “REmap 2030” report argues that renewable energy can and must play a vital role in overcoming the energy challenges of the 21st Century. The study maps out a path to doubling the global share of renewable energy with technology options that exists today.

This includes widening energy access and strengthening energy security, as well as analysing the adverse effects of inaction. “REmap 2030” will be published on January 19, said the organisers.

Ahead of the conference, Irena launches a major new report on this topic, Renewable Energy and Jobs. The Renewable Energy Jobs Conference will take place on January 21 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

A first-of-its-kind, the conference focuses on sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices on the social and economic benefits of renewable energy, particularly job creation.

The transformative socio-economic impact of renewable energy will be the focus of the Irena Renewable Energy Jobs Conference, they stated. The summit will gather experts, practitioners, academics and other stakeholders from the public and private sector, they added.

“Renewable energy is the driving force in the global energy transition, and Abu Dhabi is emerging as a clean energy hub where the world’s renewable energy leaders convene to discuss the path forward,” remarked Adnan Z. Amin, the director general.

“Irena research provides analysis and data, as well as policy recommendations for this energy transition, and has become a partner of  choice for leading countries and companies in the renewable energy space,” he noted.

The renewable energy projects that will receive funding through the Irena/ADFD Project Facility will be announced at the event.

The financed projects will benefit rural communities that currently lack access to modern energy systems and offer off-grid solutions such as mini-grids and stand-alone installations, said Amin.-TradeAraba News Service