IRENA at the 15th Clean Energy Ministerial and 9th Mission Innovation meeting (CEM15/MI-9)

Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

Scheduled on the margins of the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting (ETMM), the 15th Clean Energy Ministerial and 9th Mission Innovation meeting (CEM15/MI-9) will take place from 30th September to 3rd October in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. The four-day program will gather government leaders, international organisations, the private sector, academia, innovators, civil society leaders, researchers and policymakers for dialogues, side events and discussions, focused on various aspects of the clean energy transition.

Mabu Thermas Grand Resort, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
9:00 – 10:00 UTC -3:30

Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Solar Manufacturing
This event will explore the infrastructure necessary to develop sustainable solar manufacturing to meet the COP28 target of tripling renewable energy. It will address the role of organisations, policies, and regulations in supporting national solar manufacturing, ensuring rapid deployment while maintaining social and environmental responsibility. The event will also cover ways to reduce risks in solar PV supply chains, both nationally and globally, while promoting ESG standards and sustainable manufacturing. Insights will be drawn from IRENA’s report, “Transforming Solar PV Supply Chains: A Brief Overview on ESG Landscape”, offering strategies for policymakers and industry leaders.
10:15 – 11:15 UTC -3:30

How Mission Innovation Can Support Developing Countries (Co-organised by IRENA)
Organised by Mission Innovation (MI) and IRENA, this event focuses on advancing clean energy investment and innovation in developing regions. Despite significant global investments, Africa has received just 2% of renewable energy funds between 2000 and 2020. Mission Innovation aims to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration with stakeholders like the African Union and IRENA. Key discussion topics include grid planning, energy trade, and national pilot projects to display feasibility, as the event aims to identify priorities and create a strategic roadmap to enhance sustainable development and accelerate clean energy adoption in developing countries.
11:30 – 12:30 UTC -3:30

Power Systems for a Sustainable Future: A Joint CEM and MI Framework for Action (High-Level Event)
The event will present the CEM15/MI-9 Power Sector Infrastructure Emblematic Deliverable, highlighting its key elements and voluntary endorsements by CEM and MI members. The sessions will feature high-level remarks and a panel discussion to explore challenges and opportunities in modernising power systems. Panellists will discuss innovation pathways and ongoing collaborations aimed at achieving global and national energy goals, including decarbonisation and grid resilience, while promoting further joint action to meet COP28 targets.
11:30 – 12:30 UTC -3:30

Financing the Clean Energy Transition in Emerging Economies by Leveraging Public Finance and Through Coordinated Actions Between Governments and Non-State Actors (Co-organised by IRENA)
This side-event organised by HLC, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and IRENA highlights the need to double annual investment in renewable energy, grids, and storage to meet the global goals set at COP28. Emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) face challenges, with only 15% of global clean energy spending reaching these regions. Drawing on lessons from G20 members like Brazil, India, and Indonesia, the event will explore policy solutions and case studies to overcome barriers. This event will offer a platform for non-state actors to share best practices, promote mutual learning, and strengthen south-south collaboration by leveraging each country's unique experiences in coordinating actions with governments.
11:30 – 12:30 UTC -3:30

Clean Energy Ministerial side-event: Financing energy transition by leveraging public finance and coordinated actions
IRENA’s Director-General will deliver a keynote at this event, with the session exploring solutions to scale up renewables investment in emerging markets, where only 15% of global clean energy spending occurs. Discussions will focus on derisking investments, policy frameworks, and leveraging national development banks. Panellists will address high capital costs and the role of state-owned enterprises. The session will highlight the importance of coordination between governments and non-state actors, drawing lessons from G20 member nations.
14:00 – 15:00 UTC -3:30

Aviation: A New Frontier for Low Carbon Fuels in Brazil and South America (High-Level Event)
This event will gather key aviation stakeholders, including airlines, airports, fuel producers, and government officials, to explore Brazil's progress in biofuel production, highlighted by Itaipu Binacional's recent opening of its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demonstration plant. The roundtable aims to highlight how Brazil and other South American nations can contribute to advancing sustainable aviation fuel pathways, leveraging momentum from G20 discussions on sustainable fuels.
14:00 – 15:00 UTC -3:30

Tripling Investments to Double Energy Efficiency by 2030: Mobilizing Financing for Buildings, Industry and Transport with a Deep Dive on Super-Efficient Equipment and Appliances (High-Level Event)
The high-level roundtable will bring together policymakers from CEM/G20 countries and industry leaders to discuss mobilising financing to achieve the COP28 energy efficiency goal, focusing on equipment and appliances, which account for 40% of global electricity demand. The first half will examine public-private actions needed to triple investments. The second half of discussions will feature case studies and tools to explore ways to accelerate the adoption of efficient appliances, particularly in developing economies.
Mabu Thermas Grand Resort, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
10:00 – 11:30 UTC -3:30
Advancing Energy Transition: The joint role of development banks and energy planning in attracting private investments to emerging markets and developing economies: the Brazilian case
IRENA is pleased to host together with BNDES the side event at the G20 Event in Brazil. The event will highlight the role of development banks and energy planning in attracting private investments in emerging markets and developing economies.
More information
10:15 – 11:15 UTC -3:30
Energy Hubs: Moving the Fuels of the Future, Production and Transportation Aligned? (Co-organized by IRENA)
The event gathers public and private stakeholders to discuss the development of large-scale low-carbon fuel hubs at ports. Leaders from various ports will share their progress and challenges in facilitating hydrogen-based fuels and sustainable biofuels for shipping. Key objectives include fostering collaboration between the energy and maritime sectors, presenting advances in port readiness and digital models, and addressing common obstacles such as policy and financing.
11:30 – 12:30 UTC -3:30
Powering Sustainable Growth with Zero-Emission Truck Corridors (High-level event)
This high-level side event will focus on accelerating the transition to zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDV), featuring commitments from 36 countries and 140 stakeholders from the Global North and South. Despite progress, the global transition remains behind the Paris Agreement targets. The session will highlight concrete actions for implementing zero-emission corridors in Latin America, with a focus on the Bi-Oceanic Green Freight Corridor from Brazil to Chile.
14:00 – 15:00 UTC -3:30
Keep Cool: Deploying and Investing in Highly Efficient Innovative Cooling Solutions for All (High-level event)
The high-level ministerial dialogue will launch the new CEM/MI workstream on cooling technologies. Ministers and other leaders will discuss sustainable cooling solutions, including super-efficient air conditioners, passive cooling, and district cooling. The event will foster South-South cooperation, implement G20 outcomes, and mobilise climate finance to accelerate high-efficiency cooling technologies in the Global South, while promoting inclusive approaches and scaling solutions through investment models.
15:15 – 16:15 UTC -3:30
Meaningful Community Engagement for an Inclusive and Equitable Energy Transition – Mission Innovation Think Tank Event (High-level event)
The event will highlight the role of Mission Innovation (MI) in achieving a just net-zero future by 2050. Leading policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives will present examples of community engagement in clean technology projects, emphasising its importance in research, development, and demonstration (RD&D). The event will launch the MI Think Tank Inclusivity Series to foster knowledge exchange on just transitions. A key focus will be Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies and ensuring communities benefit from such projects. The event aims to raise awareness about social responsibility in clean energy initiatives.
15:15 – 16:15 UTC -3:30
IHTF High-Level Side-Event: Breaking Down the “Big Three” for Developing International Hydrogen Supply Chains: 1. Access to Finance, 2. Demand Creation, and 3. Certification (High-level event)
The "IHTF High-Level Side Event: Breaking Down the ‘Big Three’ for Developing International Hydrogen Supply Chains" will focus on the three key enablers for low-emissions hydrogen supply chains: access to finance, demand creation, and certification. Ministers and industry leaders will discuss concrete examples and case studies, offering actionable insights for building global hydrogen corridors. The event will foster dialogue between public and private sectors, exporting and importing countries, and financial institutions to accelerate investment, share best practices, and outline roadmaps for international hydrogen trade, supporting cross-border projects.
16:30 – 17:30 UTC -3:30
Mayors-Ministers Dialogue: Financing Inclusive Energy Transitions (High-level event)
This high-level dialogue explores the vital role of cities, which account for 70% of global emissions, in achieving net-zero goals. National and local leaders will discuss solutions to decarbonise cities by integrating urban and energy planning, highlighting policies, partnerships, and innovative financing that address energy poverty and promote community-led initiatives. It will highlight collaborations between governments, the private sector, and financial institutions to accelerate the implementation of COP28 commitments, scale urban transitions, and support sustainable energy futures aligned with the Paris Agreement.
16:30 – 17:30 UTC -3:30
Hydrogen Energy Ministerial (HEM) Meeting (High-level event) (Closed-door event)
The HEM is the world’s premier ministerial-level forum dedicated to hydrogen. Chaired by Japan, the meeting facilitates discussions on hydrogen policy developments. Ministers from participating countries will exchange policy updates. The event serves as a platform for reviewing progress on the Hydrogen Action Plan ahead of COP29, culminating in a chair’s summary capturing key outcomes.