Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
Global leading renewable energy groups, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to work together towards a rapid, sustainable, affordable, and inclusive energy transition.
At the signing, which took place on Thursday, the energy groups stated that the world is currently in need of renewables and policymakers must have a clear-eyed focus on delivering them, adding that the new partnership will help ensure this need is met.
The groups disclosed that the partnership will have a laser-targeted focus, which will be on ensuring the delivery of renewable energy around the world, as well as backing policymakers in overcoming the barriers that hinder the rapid growth in the renewable energy that the world needs to stay on the 1.5°C pathway.
The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) represents a major chance for the world to get on track to meet global climate goals and IRENA, alongside GRA will collaborate on a wide range of initiatives comprising of raising awareness on the high-impact corporate sourcing of renewable energy. The activities will build momentum for the dedicated global renewable energy hub at COP28.
The Director General (DG) of the IRENA, Francesco La Camera, said that “now more than ever we must redesign international cooperation and enhance closer collaborations with major players in order to accelerate and scale up the energy transition.
“It is a pleasure to take this significant step with the Alliance, as some of its founding members have been an active part of IRENA Coalition for Action’s family. I am convinced that this new partnership with leading voices of renewables will catalyze tangible commitments at COP28 and beyond, further amplifying our common efforts to get the transition on track.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GRA, Bruce Douglas, also said that the world currently needs renewable energy.
“we need #RenewablesNow. The global energy transition will only be delivered at scale and speed through collaboration. It is vital that industry and governments now work together to accelerate renewable energy deployment. GRA is therefore delighted to be collaborating with IRENA in this critical year for the transition. Our united voices will be fundamental to COP28 delivering the renewable pathway the world needs,” he concluded.