The future of clean energy: the new IRENA and WMO report on the role of climate in renewable energy

In a significant development for the future of clean energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have joined forces to present a key report at COP28 in Dubai.

This document analyzes the dynamics between renewable energy resources and changing climatic conditions, emphasizing the need to integrate meteorological and climatic knowledge into renewable energy strategies.

Clean energy: approximately 40% of global energy now comes from renewable sources

In 2022, 83% of new energy capacity came from renewable sources, with solar and wind leading the way. The report, titled “2022 Year in Review: Climate-driven Global Renewable Energy Potential Resources and Energy Demand,” illustrates how this trend is crucial for achieving zero-emission energy systems by 2050, drastically reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Today, about 40% of global energy comes from renewable sources, a significant leap due to the rapid expansion over the past 10 years. Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA, underscores the importance of renewable energy in mitigating climate change and achieving the 1.5°C targets.

In particular, he highlights the need to triple renewable capacity by 2030 and to adapt infrastructures to withstand the impacts of climate change.

The Secretary-General of WMO, Professor Petteri Taalas, recognizes renewable energy, driven by solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as a primary engine in the fight against climate change. Specifically, the report delves into the relationship between renewable energy resources and climatic conditions, emphasizing how changes in weather patterns influence renewable energy capacity and demand.

Clean energy: the report highlights the influence of climate variability on energy resources

The report highlights the influence of climate variability on renewable energy resources, noting factors such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) significantly affect these resources. Understanding these factors is essential for the resilience and efficiency of energy transitions.

Market structure adaptation, climate integration into energy resource management, and technological innovation are identified as crucial steps in the transition.

For developing countries, harnessing renewable potential while considering climate variability offers significant socio-economic development advantages. Systematic collection and sharing of energy data are fundamental to improving understanding and management of climate variability and its effects on energy demand and supply.

This report marks a first step towards a deeper analysis of the role of climate in renewable energy, providing policymakers, energy planners, and resource managers with the insights needed to guide the energy transition in a more informed and resilient manner.