Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, UAE’s Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), has underscored the nation’s consistent efforts in bolstering local and global IRENA initiatives for expediting the transition to renewable energy.
Collaborative actions between the UAE and IRENA aim to hasten the adoption of renewable energy across communities.
Dr. Al-Hosany informed WAM that IRENA is poised to unveil results from the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform at the upcoming COP28, hosted by the UAE in November.
She reiterated the UAE’s steadfast support for the platform, originating from COP26 in 2021, highlighting the significant role of the “Empowering Lives and Livelihoods — Renewables for Climate Action” initiative co-launched by the UAE and IRENA this year.
This initiative focuses on providing renewable energy sources to underserved regions, particularly for agriculture and healthcare, aiming to develop solutions for these areas.
Addressing the UAE’s pivotal role in accelerating renewable energy solutions globally, she emphasized the nation’s contributions to projects in developing countries and the resultant cost reduction in renewable energy solutions.
Dr. Al-Hosany stressed the importance of investing in modern technologies like thermal and geothermal energy, as well as carbon capture, to expedite the renewable energy transition.
Highlighting the role of young talent in advancing IRENA’s activities and the renewable energy sector, she emphasized youth involvement in decision-making for sustainable, long-term solutions to climate and energy challenges.
She highlighted IRENA’s initiatives, including the “Energy Transition Education Network (ETEN)” platform, for supporting and enhancing young individuals’ skills in renewable energy domains.
Regarding the future of renewable energy, she stated, “Amid the challenges of climate change and rising temperatures, we acknowledge the central role renewable energy must play in long-term climate solutions.
Energy transition’s significance spans international, governmental, and individual levels, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to influence energy transformation.”