Fourteenth Session of the IRENA Assembly, Part II
14th Assembly Part II – 16-18 April 2024 (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Outcome of COP28: Infrastructure, Policies and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition
Part II of the fourteenth session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and related meetings, were held in-person from 17 to 18 April in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Assembly session delved into the crucial theme of “Outcome of COP28: Infrastructure, Policies and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition”. Marking the 4th World Energy Transition Day, the Assembly session also gathered global leaders and energy decision-makers to chart a strategic way forward across countries, regions and the world, in light of the findings of the first Global Stocktake at COP28.
Given the urgent need for extraordinary levels of political momentum and international cooperation, several Ministerial and High-level sessions were convened as part of the Assembly session, as well as during the Pre-Assembly Day on 16 April 2024, to facilitate interaction between decision-makers on pressing issues related to the energy transition in the coming decade and beyond, and inform the future work of the Agency
In line with the inclusive nature of discussions, the Legislators Forum, Public-Private Dialogue and Youth Forum provided opportunities for insights and discussions with and among actors that are vital to our collective ambition in achieving a just and inclusive future, based on renewables. For more information, kindly refer to the 14th Assembly Executive Overview and 14th Assembly Schedule.
14th Assembly President
- Rwanda, represented by H.E. Mr Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure
14th Assembly Vice-Presidents
- Angola, represented by H.E. Mr Joao Baptista, Minister of Energy and Water
- Dominican Republic, represented by H.E. Mr Antonio Almonte Reynoso, Minister of Energy and Mines
- Georgia, represented by Ms. Margalita Arabidze, Head of Unit at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
- Iraq, represented by H.E. Dr. Mudhafar Mustafa Al Jbori, Permanent Representative to IRENA and Ambassador to the UAE
14th Assembly Rapporteur
- Paraguay, represented by H.E. Mr Jose Rafael Aguero Avila, Permanent Representative to IRENA and Ambassador to the UAE
14th Assembly Executive Overview
14th Assembly Schedule
14th Assembly Bus Schedule
Programme
| Room A1 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 9:00 – 10:30 |
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IRENA 2024 Youth Forum "Youth at the core of Just Energy Transition: Skills, Empowerment and Innovation" This session was dedicated to empowering young leaders to foster a just and inclusive energy transition. It focused on building skills and capacities in renewable energy among youth, amplifying their voices in energy discussions, and encouraging youth-led innovation for sustainability. The dialogue aimed to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance global education and training, and provide practical skills for renewable energy careers, seeking to ensure young people's perspectives are integrated into energy agendas and to support their innovative solutions. |
| 11:00 – 12:30 |
| IRENA 2024 Legislators Forum "Building Blocks for a Renewable Future: Accelerating Progress Towards the COP28 Pledge" This forum was a crucial platform for legislators worldwide to discuss advancing renewable energy within their regions, considering the urgent climate action needed and the ambitious COP28 pledge to triple global renewable energy by 2030. This session explored a holistic policy approach, focusing on not just deployment but also enabling policies, structural changes for a just transition, and the modernisation of energy infrastructure to support a renewables-based system. |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 12:30 – 14:00 |
| Harvesting Synergies: The Water-Food-Energy Nexus for Enhanced NDCs This session focused on the crucial connections between water, food, and energy systems, emphasising the need for a transformative approach to sustainability and climate commitments. The discussion sought to motivate stakeholders across different sectors to exchange strategies and innovations in sustainable agriculture, emphasising the use of renewable energy. |
| 14:00 – 15:30 |
| SIDS Ministerial: Charting a Resilient and Sustainable Energy Future for SIDS With a keynote speech by Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister for Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, Antigua and Barbuda, this ministerial meeting aimed to set a direction for the 4th International Conference for SIDS (Small Island Developing States) by focusing on sustainable development and climate priorities. The meeting discussed updating the approach for development partners to ensure initiatives like the SIDS Lighthouses remain effective in mobilising necessary finance and boosting decarbonisation, with an emphasis on inclusivity and strong partnerships. |
| 16:00 – 17:30 |
| High-Level Public-Private Dialogue "Building momentum towards a 100% Renewable energy system" With the aim to foster multi-stakeholder engagement, this session built on the achievements of COP28, encouraging global strides towards ambitious renewable energy goals and enhanced policy innovation. Key discussions focused on enhancing cross-sector collaboration, maintaining COP28's momentum for ambitious climate and energy efficiency targets, and exploring innovative strategies for electrification and sustainable energy use. |
| 18:30 – 20:30 |
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Women in Diplomacy Hosted by IRENA and the UAE, the event aimed to empower women diplomats involved in renewable energy and climate change, enhancing their influential roles in promoting sustainability. It also highlighted the Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership, encouraging discussions on gender mainstreaming in energy transitions and strategies for advancing gender equality and sustainable energy. |
| Room A2 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 11:00 – 12:30 |
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Electrification of Road Transport Enabling Policies and Systemic Innovation This session delved into the policies and innovations supporting the electrification of road transport, bringing together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to discuss the transition to renewables-based electrification for various vehicle types. Policy insights and successful practices were shared from different markets and provide input on IRENA’s efforts in promoting electrification in road transport. |
| 12:30 – 14:00 |
| Integration of CMP as an enabler to support project preparation and mobilizing financing for renewable energy projects The event presented key outcomes from the Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP) initiative, engaging with country leaders, African institutions, and global partners to review regional progress. It also aimed to unite members in overcoming financing challenges for renewable projects, advocating for favourable financial frameworks, investment policies, and collaboration with financial bodies to advance renewable energy objectives. |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 14:00 – 15:30 |
| Participatory Strategies for Developing Just and Renewable-Based Energy Pathways This session aimed to showcase the importance of participatory long-term energy scenario planning and policymaking, a collaborative approach that engages different stakeholders to ensure diverse inputs and perspectives are considered. Highlighting successful country examples, it demonstrated how these participatory processes can contribute to advancing the clean energy transition agenda. The discussion also presented key findings from the IRENA LTES Network's work on the topic, offering practical insights to enhance stakeholder involvement and foster effective dialogue in energy planning. |
| 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Alliance for Industry Decarbonization (AFID) Facilitated by IRENA, the AFID unites private and public entities in energy-intensive sectors to expedite net-zero transitions in line with the Paris Agreement. The event presented a set of actions and joint initiatives for short and long-term plans. Feedback on the AFID ambitions and programme was sought from the governments and key stakeholders of industry decarbonisation. |
| Room B1 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 11:00 – 12:30 |
| IRENA/CEM – Progress & options for wider collaboration This event brought together Members to discuss the ongoing partnership with IRENA and Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) initiatives, highlighting progress and exploring cooperation opportunities. The session sought insights on enhancing international collaboration, integrating IRENA's contributions into CEM workstreams, finding common ground for greater impact, fostering collaboration to benefit Global South countries. |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 14:00 – 15:30 |
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Roundtable on the Role of Public Finance and Policy in Achieving Universal Energy Access under SDG7 Gathering government leaders, development bodies, donors, the private sector, and energy practitioners, this panel explored public finance and policy roles in improving energy access. A panel also highlighted cooperation needs and strategies to leverage public funds for extending essential energy services, supporting sustainable development goals, and enhancing local capacities within the energy sector. IRENA’s brief on Structuring public finance for universal energy access was also presented. |
| 16:00 – 17:30 |
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Scaling-up Sustainable Bio-based Energy and Fuels in Emerging Markets This event focused on utilising sustainable biomass in emerging markets to foster sustainable circular bio-economies. It showcased advancements in bio-based cooking technologies and sustainable aviation fuels, highlighting their impact on sustainable bio-economies. The discussion also covered successful risk mitigation strategies and the importance of supportive policies, aiming to enhance investment in bio-based resources and encourage collaboration towards bioenergy potential. |
| Plenary Hall ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 09:30 – 10:30 |
| Resumption of the Assembly session High-level introductory statements |
| Family Photo |
| 10:30 – 13:00 |
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High-level Plenary Session on Tripling of Renewables Member Interventions This session aimed to pinpoint specific, immediate steps to actualise the COP28 outcomes. Discussions explored how to optimise international cooperation for the tripling pledge, effective monitoring of progress and action on course correction towards tripling renewable energy capacity targets. |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 13:00 – 13:45 |
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Press Conference Ballroom Foyer |
| 14:30 – 18.00 |
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General Member Statements |
| 18:30 – 20:30 |
| Assembly Dinner Reception Ballroom Terrace |
| Room A1 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
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High-Level Dialogue on Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Regional Pathway This Dialogue aimed to facilitate discussions on enhancing renewable energy in Latin America and the Caribbean, in line with the COP28 goal to triple renewable energy by 2030. Panellists explored how this ambition can support the region's shift towards sustainable growth and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The event focused on identifying opportunities for transforming the energy sector, and the necessary technological, financial, and policy decisions. |
| Room A2 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
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GOWA Ministerial Dialogue Scaling Finance for Offshore Wind as Key to Reach the Tripling Renewables Goal The Dialogue aimed to bring together offshore wind industry players to stimulate investment and innovation in financing. Discussions focused on utilising de-risking tools, blended finance, and partnerships to overcome market challenges in emerging regions. The dialogue also sought to establish a global agreement on financing practices, supportive policies, and cooperation to rapidly grow offshore wind capacity, ensuring a fair and inclusive transition towards renewable energy. |
| 14:30 – 16:00 |
| Ministerial Roundtable Geopolitics of Energy Security The Roundtable aimed to share insights and lessons learned, while also looking at future energy security challenges as the world moves towards renewable energy. Panellists explored how renewables enhance energy security, impact local production and global markets, and the importance of international cooperation for a secure renewable future. |
| 16:15 – 18:00 |
| Ministerial Roundtable Infrastructure for the Energy Transition: Utilities for Net Zero Alliance This roundtable addressed the crucial role of infrastructure in the energy transition and achieve the goal of tripling renewables by 2030. Members of UNEZA introduced the UNEZA Plan of Actions and Roadmap to foster international cooperation among utilities for developing energy transition infrastructure. Key discussions addressed overcoming barriers, accelerating the energy transition to cut emissions, and unlocking the utility sector's potential to meet Net Zero targets by addressing structural, regulatory, and financial challenges. |
| 18:30 – 20:30 |
| Ministerial Dinner Olea Restaurant |
| Room B1 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
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Accelerating ASEAN's Growth and Resilience: Grid Interconnections Power the Tripling of Renewables This event brought together various stakeholders to create a united vision that highlights how connecting power grids can help solve energy, climate, and development issues in ASEAN. The event aimed to exchange knowledge and improve coordination in the region by discussing successful policies, technical solutions, and financial strategies, further tackling the need for policy reforms, planning integration for better grid connections, and how to use partnerships for advanced technologies and practices, drawing lessons from other regions with successful interconnected power systems. |
| Plenary Hall ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 10:00 – 11:30 |
| Plenary session Accelerating the Development of Bankable Renewable Energy Projects – Leveraging IRENA’s Facilitation Platforms for Global Transition Enhancing the renewable energy mix is vital for a country’s energy transition. However, numerous barriers exist in energy generation, transmission, distribution, storage, and utilisation. These challenges, coupled with funding limitations, impede project development and progress towards universal, affordable, and sustainable energy access. During this session, the panelists discussed country and regional challenges impeding project development and deployment. |
| 11:30 – 13:00 |
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Plenary session Accelerated Renewable Deployment in Africa This session aimed to explore the African Renewable Power Alliance (APRA) and its strategy for boosting renewable energy in Africa through international collaboration. It discussed how adapting to the unique needs of different African regions is crucial and how collective efforts can enhance individual ones. The session, featuring a keynote from Kenya and contributions from APRA members, discussed ways to overcome challenges, leverage partnerships for greater renewable energy investment, and build a resilient local private sector in Africa's renewable landscape. |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| Regional Energy Transition Outlooks for Africa – Setting for a vision a 1.5°C pathway This event introduced the African Regional Energy Transition Outlooks (RETOs). It discussed their role alongside IRENA’s World Energy Transition Outlook (WETO) and support for Africa’s Continental Power System Masterplan (CMP). It aimed to engage members in a participatory RETO process, review African energy and economic priorities, and identify socio-economic opportunities from energy transitions. |
| 14:30 – 16:00 |
| Plenary session Policies and Skills for an Accelerated Energy Transition This session explored policies and strategies to hasten the energy transition, ensure inclusivity, and enhance local benefits. It covered deployment methods like auctions, renewable energy targets signaling long-term commitment, and ways to bolster supply chains and workforce skills. With a particular emphasis on overcoming skills shortages, the discussion focused on scaling education and training, including upskilling and preparing the youth for renewable energy jobs. |
| 16:00 – 17.30 |
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Reports back Arrangements for the 15th session of the Assembly |
| 17.30 – 18:00 |
| Any other business Closing of the session |
| Room A2 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| Global Geothermal Alliance Annual Meeting This event convened Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) member governments and partner institutions to delve into the geothermal sector's challenges and prospects. Despite geothermal energy's potential for electricity, heating, cooling, and agricultural processing, its growth remains slow despite its capabilities. The session addressed this by sharing insights and experiences, discussing emerging trends like technological advances and international collaboration, and tackling obstacles like investment costs and policy gaps. The aim was to advance global geothermal development, contributing to sustainable and cleaner energy futures in line with climate and sustainable development goals. |
| Room B1 ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI |
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| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| LUNCH |
| 13:00 – 14:30 |
| Enablers for trade in green hydrogen and derivatives This event focused on the catalysts for international trade in green hydrogen and its derivates, with aims to identify key drivers, policy frameworks, and technological advancements that can facilitate the global exchange of green hydrogen, fostering a sustainable energy transition. The session explored the necessary conditions, challenges, and opportunities in establishing a robust market for green hydrogen, contributing to decarbonisation efforts world. |