Japan, holding the G20 presidency in 2019, asked the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) for a report on the implications of the global energy transformation for climate and sustainability in a broad sense.
The second edition of REthinking Energy – the flagship report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) – looks at how the transition to renewables could help avert catastrophic global warming. As the report points out, renewable energy is at the core of any strategy for countries to meet climate goals while supporting economic growth, employment and domestic value creation.
This working paper considers how renewables and energy efficiency can work together to contribute to global energy decarbonisation by 2050. It also looks and how this synergy affects energy system and technology cost, and the effect it has on air pollution and avoidance of adverse health effects caused by these pollutants.
This report is prepared by the COP28 Presidency, IRENA and GRA.
This report, a joint study between IRENA and the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), provides new perspectives on the interconnection potential in Northeast Asia and valuable insights for policy makers and key stakeholders.
This set of briefs, prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), highlights challenges and opportunities as the world seeks climate-safe energy solutions.
Mexico has a large and diverse renewable energy resource base. Given the right mix of policies, the country could attract large-scale investments to diversify its energy supply, with the potential to increase the share of modern renewables in total final energy consumption to 21% by 2030, up from 4.4% in 2010.
This joined IRENA-FAO report analyses the role of renewables in agri-food systems and opportunity they offer to advance energy and food security and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.
This working paper reviews approaches to sustainable intensification of pastureland that have had a neutral or positive effect on biodiversity of the affected areas and provides examples through case studies.
IRENA has analysed climate pledges under the Paris Agreement in relation to national energy plans and actual deployment trends. In many cases, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have not kept up with recent, rapid growth in renewables.
The study defines a trajectory to 2030 based on current government policies and plans and identifies the options for additional renewables deployment by energy-use sector and technology.
The historic Paris climate agreement, adopted by countries around the world in December 2015, aims to the rise of global temperature well below 2 degrees Celsius. Renewable energy will play a key role in this effort, which encompasses developing as well as developed countries, by increasing the supply of cheap and accessible energy in a less carbon-intensive manner.
Updates to IRENA’s 2017 analysis of the renewable energy components of NDCs
The report outlines ways in which cities can catalyse the shift to a low-carbon future, in turn supporting regional and national governments with the achievement of sustainable energy targets.
This outlook highlights climate-safe investment options until 2050, policies for transition and specific regional challenges. It also explores options to eventually cut emissions to zero.
This report draws on IRENA’s existing, technology-focused studies to offer key insights from global experiences relevant to China’s energy transition.
This report explores two broad future paths: Current Plans (meaning the course set by current and planned policies) and the path for a clean, climate-resilient Energy Transformation.
G20 countries can work together to step up renewable energy development and drive an accelerated global energy transition.
Renewable energy needs to be scaled up at least six times faster for the world to start meeting key decarbonisation and climate mitigation goals. Yet the envisaged energy transformation cannot happen by itself. This report identifies focus areas where policy and decision makers need to act.
National investment and development decisions designed to address climate change can be strengthened greatly through the incorporation of renewable energy investments.
This report discusses the benefits of renewables-based adaptation and illustrates the importance of renewable energy within an integrated mitigation-adaptation approach to climate action.
This joint study looks at the potential for decarbonisation in the energy sector in G20 countries and around the world. Chapter 3, “Global Energy Transition Prospects and the Role of Renewables”, highlights findings from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The report provides insights on various emerging offshore renewable energy technologies and their underlying potential. It also outlines a possible Action Plan for the G20 countries to drive offshore technologies closer to the commercialisation phase.
This Renewables Readiness Assessment from IRENA highlights the challenges and provides 11 recommendations to harness the potential of renewable energy sources in Belarus.
Energy emissions from industry and transport could be cut to zero by 2060 with pro-active policies and investments. Renewables will be crucial.