Wind turbines on the side of the Moon Bay coastal road in Binhai County, Yancheng
The United Nations officially launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in January 2016, of which SDG 7 aims to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.
It is widely accepted that renewables are leading a major transformation in the global energy industry. With the rapid development of green energy technologies such as solar and wind energy, these sustainable forms of energy not only help to reduce environmental pollution, but also reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Globally, countries and regions are increasing investment in these clean energy sources to combat climate change and drive economic development to ensure a greener and more sustainable future. UN News Zhang Jing recently conducted an exclusive interview with Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency. La Carmela said that the important role of renewable energy in today's world cannot be ignored, and it is the key to the transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy system.
As technology advances and costs continue to fall, renewable energy is becoming more affordable, providing a viable and sustainable solution for the global energy transition. Therefore, strengthening support and investment in renewable energy is not only a necessary measure to combat climate change, but also a smart choice to promote sustainable and healthy economic development.
In an interview with UN News, La Carmella said that with the support of governments, renewable energy development can make a real difference and achieve equal access to affordable and clean energy, but only if governments turn their commitments into action.
UN News/Jing Zhang
IRENA Director-General Francisco La Carmela visits the State Power Investment Corporation of China's offshore wind project in Binhai County, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province.
UN News: What challenges have you faced in trying to persuade governments, international organizations and other stakeholders to embrace renewable energy?
La Carmela: It's not difficult to convince governments to embrace renewable energy, but there is always a lag between commitment and action. It is important for the countries of the world and our Member States to support them in finding the right way to translate their commitments into action. I think that's the challenge that we have to face: how can we triple our installed renewable energy capacity by 2030? The key now is how can we actually get there.
UN News: How can these challenges be overcome to ensure that countries are committed and acting?
LA CARMELA: All countries have made commitments. We must rewrite the way international cooperation works. From that perspective, all relevant entities had to make an effort. For example, at the International Renewable Energy Agency, we have been working with Kenyan President William Ruto to build a partnership to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in Africa. The Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) initiative was launched last year during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, where leaders signed a joint statement on the sidelines of COP28 to advance the renewable energy transition as part of the Initiative to ensure Africa's energy access, Strategic solutions for energy security and green development.
Now, seven African countries such as Kenya and developed countries such as Denmark, Germany, and the United States are participating, and the UAE has also joined. This is an example of our efforts to rewrite the landscape of international cooperation. Together, we are transforming international cooperation mechanisms and developing plans to support these countries in developing their own renewable energy development plans and turning them into reality.
联合国新闻/Daniel Dickinson
A farmer in Madagascar connects a solar-powered water pump to irrigate his crops.
UN News: Are there significant differences in approaches, commitments and responses between developing and developed countries when it comes to the energy transition?
La Carmela: Developed countries have to change their energy systems. However, due to the lack of a real energy system, developing countries have the opportunity to achieve leapfrog development and directly transition to a new energy system. The main difference between countries in the world is that the state of energy systems varies from region to region, which is part of a larger inequality.
On the other hand, developed countries may have the tools, means and financial resources to drive change. Developing countries need support from all fronts. Countries need financial and technical support for the exchange of experiences and technologies. These are the obstacles that need to be overcome to accelerate the transition, especially in the African region. From this perspective, Africa is probably the region with the most potential for renewable energy and green hydrogen development in the world. However, Africa is not too backward in terms of infrastructure to make this potential work for the benefit of the people of Africa and the world. Ports, pipelines and civil infrastructure are particularly critical.
UN News: Can you give an example of a field trip to illustrate the critical role that renewable energy plays in achieving SDG 7 by 2030?
La Carmela: One of the examples that stood out to me was Mauritius, where we supported the installation of solar panels in private homes, private buildings and public buildings, which really changed the face of the country and contributed significantly to SDG 7.
联合国图片/Jawad burned
A power line that supplies electricity to Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
UN News: Do you think the example you mentioned can be replicated elsewhere in the world?
La Carmela: In order to accelerate the transition, we need to overcome some of the structural obstacles that exist right now. Infrastructure is the first hurdle to overcome. Without an efficient power generation system, we cannot make progress without improving the connectivity and flexibility of energy storage, and without enhancing the balance of the power grid. The construction and modernization of infrastructure is a priority.
In addition, there are issues related to the existing legal and policy framework. The design of the market is still not conducive to the application of renewable energy. Many places are still heavily subsidizing fossil fuel projects, and I think these should be addressed immediately.
In addition, the design of PPAs hinders the development of renewable energy. Market pricing mechanisms tend to be detrimental to renewables, which require long-term contracts to guarantee the stability and security of electricity supply and cost payments. Finally, we need skilled professionals and a workforce.
If we really want the energy system to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, as called for at COP28 in Dubai a few months ago, we must overcome these three obstacles.
UN News: How can ordinary citizens contribute to the energy transition?
La Carmela: We are trying to improve the efficiency of all our practices, but more importantly the law. The law should make everyone feel compelled to act, and we can't rely solely on moral appeals. Society should also create an environment that makes it easier and simpler for people to make the right choices in terms of efficiency and energy savings.
Note: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental agency that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. On January 26 this year, the United Nations celebrated the first International Clean Energy Day, which coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency.