Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have released a landmark report at COP28, emphasizing the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change and the importance of weather and climate services in this transition. The report, titled “2022 Year in review: Climate-driven Global Renewable Energy Potential Resources and Energy Demand,” marks a significant step in understanding the interaction between renewable energy and climate variability.
According to World Meteorological Organization, renewables, particularly solar and wind power, have become the dominant sources of new energy supply. In 2022, 83% of new capacity was renewable, with solar and wind leading the additions. This trend aligns with the goal of achieving decarbonized energy systems by 2050 and reducing fossil fuel consumption. Currently, about 40% of global power generation is renewable, a significant increase over the past two decades.
WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas highlighted the surge in renewable energy, driven by solar, wind, and the water cycle, as a crucial element in combating climate change and securing a sustainable future. However, the report underscores the need for more decisive actions to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and enhance the climate resilience of renewable energy operations, management, planning, and investment.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized the importance of renewables in the energy transition and mitigating climate change. “To maintain the 1.5°C climate pathway, global renewable capacity must triple by 2030. Policymakers must also future-proof energy infrastructure against climate change impacts and growing demand,” he said.
The report provides insights into how weather and climate conditions affect renewable energy resources, such as the potential capacity of wind, solar, and hydropower, and the impact of climate change on energy supply and demand. It also highlights the importance of understanding climate variability, particularly for renewable energy sources that experience fluctuations due to natural climate variations.
Key insights include the need for improved understanding of climate drivers and their impact on renewable resources, mainstreaming climate into energy resource management, adapting market structures for flexible power systems, and harnessing renewable potential in developing countries, especially in Africa.
The report marks the beginning of an annual series as IRENA and WMO enhance their collaboration to support climate action, providing policymakers, energy planners, resource managers, and grid operators with critical information on the role of climate in renewable energy supply and demand.