Despite the geopolitical uncertainties and risks experienced globally in recent times, the renewable energy transition continues to grow rapidly and at scale, according to the head of the Global Renewables Alliance.
Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the 16th General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Bruce Douglas, chief executive officer of the Global Renewables Alliance, stated that there has been significant growth in renewable energy technologies, particularly in solar, wind, electricity storage, and grid technologies.
Emphasizing that growth is taking place on both the supply and demand sides of renewable energy, including within global energy systems, Douglas said that despite current geopolitical uncertainties and rhetoric, renewable energy continues to grow.
"This is because renewable energy and the energy system ultimately operate according to economic rules," he said and added that growth occurs as countries recognize and capitalize on the major economic opportunity presented by the clean energy transition.
"This applies to both the supply side and the demand side. Growth is taking place in electricity generation through grid, transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as on the demand side through electrification," he added.
- 'Türkiye's capacity growth targets in wind and solar are impressive'
Commenting on Türkiye's climate targets on renewables, Douglas noted that they discussed the positive developments already achieved in Türkiye's renewable energy sector, its 2035 targets, and its ambitious vision with Turkish officials. He praised the planned significant increase in wind and solar capacity as very impressive.
He expressed interest in working closely with the Turkish government and industry in light of Türkiye hosting the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).
"Türkiye is one of the leading countries in industrial development, It has a strong infrastructure in both hardware and software manufacturing," he said and explained that as clean energy grows, this capacity can be significantly expanded and leveraged both for domestic use and for exports to the region.
He said that Türkiye is geographically very well positioned, located at the center of Asia and Europe.
"At the same time, it is politically stable and economically strong. Therefore, we believe Türkiye currently has a major opportunity to realize this potential. We also see that the government is seizing this opportunity. We look forward to working closely together," he said.
- 'Renewables contribute to economy through jobs, growth, security'
Douglas stated that renewable energy contributes to the economy through industrial development, economic growth, GDP increases, job creation, and enhanced security.
He said that as the Global Renewables Alliance, they expect electrification to be set as a global target at COP31 in Antalya.
Noting that electrification is also a key focus for Australia, Douglas said: "The second issue is the goal of 'fossil-free Pacific Islands.' This is a more specific topic for Australia and Pacific countries."
"Bringing the roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels back onto the agenda is another important issue we want to see addressed," he said.
He identified rooftop solar energy as another key topic, emphasizing its enormous global potential.
"When combined with storage, very low-cost solar energy has the potential to create a major transformation, as we have seen in Pakistan and some other countries," Douglas stated.
"This offers a leapfrogging opportunity for both developed and developing countries," he underlined.
He explained that societies can be electrified directly by installing low-cost solar and storage systems, without the need for fossil fuel infrastructure.
Pointing out that around 600 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, Douglas said: "These people can be electrified with clean and affordable energy. I expect solar energy, storage, and electrification to be at the forefront."
By Gulsen Cagatay in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr