29th IRENA Council To Address Energy Security And Supply Chain Diversification In Abu Dhabi

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Council is set to convene its 29th meeting in Abu Dhabi, drawing over 400 officials from 169 countries and the European Union. This two-day event will focus on providing strategic direction for IRENA's initiatives and addressing critical issues influencing the global energy transition.

A major topic at this meeting will be energy security, with discussions centred on diversifying supply chains, supporting new technologies, and enhancing regional manufacturing. IRENA will present its latest analysis of the geopolitical and economic factors affecting renewable energy supply chains, particularly in the solar PV sector.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasised the importance of diverse and resilient supply chains to meet the goal of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030. He noted that while renewables are crucial for energy security, current global supply chains are concentrated in a few countries. The council meeting presents an opportunity to collectively address these challenges.

Francisco Chacón Hernández, Costa Rica's Ambassador to the UAE, KSA, and Jordan, chairs this session. He highlighted IRENA's role as an inclusive platform for countries seeking sustainable energy solutions. He stated that topics like energy transition and decarbonisation are priorities, reflecting Costa Rica's commitment to collaboration and mutual respect.

Another key agenda item is advancing investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which IRENA identifies as vital for decarbonising long-haul flights. The agency will showcase its efforts to support SAF projects through financing platforms, aiding countries and developers in transforming concepts into viable projects.

The meeting will conclude with setting priorities for IRENA’s future work and preparing for the next session. Discussions will also cover institutional matters essential for guiding the agency's ongoing efforts in promoting renewable energy globally.

With inputs from WAM