EU, IRENA and UAE Lead Discussion on Achieving Renewable Energy Targets at 11th Renewables Talk in Abu Dhabi

The European Union Delegation to the UAE and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Secretariat, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to IRENA, successfully co-hosted the 11th Renewables Talk in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. The event provided a unique platform for IRENA Permanent Representatives, EU speakers, and the diplomatic community to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and best practices related to achieving renewable energy targets and transitioning towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Prior to the discussion, the EU Delegation to the UAE hosted an iftar to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan and provide an opportunity for attendees to network and discuss the importance of renewable energy. Participants listened to keynote speeches by EU Ambassador to the UAE, HE Andrea Matteo Fontana, IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera, H.E. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of UAE to IRENA, Walburga Hemetsberger, Chief Executive Officer of SolarPower Europe, and Mattias Frumerie, Head of Delegation to UNFCCC at the Swedish Ministry of Climate and Enterprise.

As the world prepares for the upcoming COP28 Climate Conference to be held in the UAE in November 2023, the EU remains committed to leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. The event emphasized the EU's commitment to the European Green Deal and its ambitious targets for the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption by 2030.

In his speech, HE Andrea Matteo Fontana, EU Ambassador to the UAE, said:

The EU has set ambitious targets for the share of renewables in our energy consumption by 2030 exceeding 40%, and we are proud to be at the forefront of the global effort to tackle climate change. Our partnership with IRENA is crucial in driving the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, and the Renewables Talk provides an exceptional opportunity for us to share our experiences, exchange ideas and learn from one another with a view to COP28 taking place in Dubai later this year.

IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera said:

The EU’s new ambitious Renewable Energy Directive brings Europe one step closer to becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050. As a strong partner of IRENA, the EU has played a critical role in accelerating the energy transition globally, and the upcoming COP28 in our host country, the UAE, presents a unique opportunity to further reinforce our collaborative efforts in creating lasting, transformative change.

In her closing remarks, H.E. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of UAE to IRENA noted:

The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. While there is no silver bullet for the task at hand, we know that we will not succeed if we act in silos. We must work collectively and collaboratively across the international community to ensure that our transition from the energy system of today, to a future energy system powered by renewables, is just and inclusive. As we look ahead to COP28 in the UAE this year, the UAE’s partnership with IRENA and its membership will have a crucial role to play in putting the energy transition at the heart of the negotiations, dialogues and outcomes of the solutions COP.

The 11th Renewables Talk focused on the challenges, opportunities, and best practices related to the European Green Deal and the transition towards clean and renewable energy systems. The discussions emphasized the importance of accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies and systems, transforming key sectors such as power, transport, industry, and heating and cooling, and putting in place the necessary infrastructure and governance to achieve a sustainable future for all.

Accelerating and increasing the deployment renewables by the end of the next decade is crucial to Europe becoming the world's first climate neutral continent by 2050 and making the European Green Deal a reality. The EU is determinate to gain its energy independence through a faster deployment of home-grown renewable energy, and to meet the EU's 55% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2030. A massive scaling-up and speeding-up of renewable energy across power generation, industry, buildings and transport will reduce energy prices over time and decrease the EU's dependence on imported fossil fuels. The EU also continues to support an accelerated and just energy transition across the globe as a key element of climate action and the chief tool to address energy security concerns.