Abu dhabi: The 29th meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Council will open tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. Over the course of two days, more than 400 government officials from IRENA’s Members, comprising 169 countries and the European Union, will gather to provide strategic guidance on the Agency’s work programme and to address pressing issues shaping today’s global energy transition.
According to Emirates News Agency, a key highlight for the 29th Council will be a programmatic discussion on energy security, exploring pathways to diversify supply chains, support next-generation technologies, and strengthen regional manufacturing capabilities. The session will feature IRENA’s latest analysis on the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape of renewable energy supply chains, with a specific focus on the solar PV sector.
‘Diverse, resilient and transparent supply chains are essential to achieve the tripling renewable power capacity target by 2030,’ said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. ‘While the shift toward renewables is a key enabler for energy security and independence, global supply chains remain concentrated in a few nations. Efforts to diversify them, however, must contend with complex economic realities, making the 29th IRENA Council an important opportunity to advance this discussion collectively.’
In his capacity as 29th IRENA Council Chair, Francisco Chac³n Hern¡ndez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the UAE, KSA, and Jordan, stated that IRENA has been a successful, inclusive vehicle for countries seeking solutions towards sustainable energy. He emphasized that topics such as energy transition, decarbonization, and renewable energies will be central to their discussions, highlighting a commitment to collaboration and mutual respect.
IRENA Members will also discuss advancing investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are recognized as central to decarbonizing long-haul aviation. The Agency will present its latest work on supporting SAF projects and mobilizing investments through its financing platforms, helping countries and developers move projects from concept to bankable ventures.
The 29th Council will conclude by setting out priorities for IRENA’s future work, key institutional matters, and preparations for the 30th session.