Fourteenth Session of the IRENA Assembly, Part II

14th Assembly Part II – 16-18 April 2024 (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

Outcome of COP28: Infrastructure, Policies and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition

Part II of the fourteenth session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and related meetings, were held in-person from 17 to 18 April in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Assembly session delved into the crucial theme of “Outcome of COP28: Infrastructure, Policies and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition”. Marking the 4th World Energy Transition Day, the Assembly session also gathered global leaders and energy decision-makers to chart a strategic way forward across countries, regions and the world, in light of the findings of the first Global Stocktake at COP28.

Given the urgent need for extraordinary levels of political momentum and international cooperation, several Ministerial and High-level sessions were convened as part of the Assembly session, as well as during the Pre-Assembly Day on 16 April 2024, to facilitate interaction between decision-makers on pressing issues related to the energy transition in the coming decade and beyond, and inform the future work of the Agency

In line with the inclusive nature of discussions, the Legislators Forum, Public-Private Dialogue and Youth Forum provided opportunities for insights and discussions with and among actors that are vital to our collective ambition in achieving a just and inclusive future, based on renewables. For more information, kindly refer to the 14th Assembly Executive Overview and 14th Assembly Schedule.

14th Assembly President

  • Rwanda, represented by H.E. Mr Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure

14th Assembly Vice-Presidents

  • Angola, represented by H.E. Mr Joao Baptista, Minister of Energy and Water
  • Dominican Republic, represented by H.E. Mr Antonio Almonte Reynoso, Minister of Energy and Mines
  • Georgia, represented by Ms. Margalita Arabidze, Head of Unit at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
  • Iraq, represented by H.E. Dr. Mudhafar Mustafa Al Jbori, Permanent Representative to IRENA and Ambassador to the UAE

14th Assembly Rapporteur

  • Paraguay, represented by H.E. Mr Jose Rafael Aguero Avila, Permanent Representative to IRENA and Ambassador to the UAE

14th Assembly Executive Overview

14th Assembly Schedule

14th Assembly Bus Schedule

Programme

Room A1
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
9:00 – 10:30
IRENA 2024 Youth Forum
"Youth at the core of Just Energy Transition: Skills, Empowerment and Innovation"

This session was dedicated to empowering young leaders to foster a just and inclusive energy transition. It focused on building skills and capacities in renewable energy among youth, amplifying their voices in energy discussions, and encouraging youth-led innovation for sustainability. The dialogue aimed to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance global education and training, and provide practical skills for renewable energy careers, seeking to ensure young people's perspectives are integrated into energy agendas and to support their innovative solutions.
11:00 – 12:30
IRENA 2024 Legislators Forum
"Building Blocks for a Renewable Future: Accelerating Progress Towards the COP28 Pledge"

This forum was a crucial platform for legislators worldwide to discuss advancing renewable energy within their regions, considering the urgent climate action needed and the ambitious COP28 pledge to triple global renewable energy by 2030. This session explored a holistic policy approach, focusing on not just deployment but also enabling policies, structural changes for a just transition, and the modernisation of energy infrastructure to support a renewables-based system.
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
12:30 – 14:00
Harvesting Synergies: The Water-Food-Energy Nexus for Enhanced NDCs
This session focused on the crucial connections between water, food, and energy systems, emphasising the need for a transformative approach to sustainability and climate commitments. The discussion sought to motivate stakeholders across different sectors to exchange strategies and innovations in sustainable agriculture, emphasising the use of renewable energy.
14:00 – 15:30
SIDS Ministerial: Charting a Resilient and Sustainable Energy Future for SIDS
With a keynote speech by Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister for Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, Antigua and Barbuda, this ministerial meeting aimed to set a direction for the 4th International Conference for SIDS (Small Island Developing States) by focusing on sustainable development and climate priorities. The meeting discussed updating the approach for development partners to ensure initiatives like the SIDS Lighthouses remain effective in mobilising necessary finance and boosting decarbonisation, with an emphasis on inclusivity and strong partnerships.
16:00 – 17:30
High-Level Public-Private Dialogue "Building momentum towards a 100% Renewable energy system"
With the aim to foster multi-stakeholder engagement, this session built on the achievements of COP28, encouraging global strides towards ambitious renewable energy goals and enhanced policy innovation. Key discussions focused on enhancing cross-sector collaboration, maintaining COP28's momentum for ambitious climate and energy efficiency targets, and exploring innovative strategies for electrification and sustainable energy use.
18:30 – 20:30
Women in Diplomacy
Hosted by IRENA and the UAE, the event aimed to empower women diplomats involved in renewable energy and climate change, enhancing their influential roles in promoting sustainability. It also highlighted the Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership, encouraging discussions on gender mainstreaming in energy transitions and strategies for advancing gender equality and sustainable energy.
Room A2
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
11:00 – 12:30
Electrification of Road Transport Enabling Policies and Systemic Innovation
This session delved into the policies and innovations supporting the electrification of road transport, bringing together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to discuss the transition to renewables-based electrification for various vehicle types. Policy insights and successful practices were shared from different markets and provide input on IRENA’s efforts in promoting electrification in road transport.
12:30 – 14:00
Integration of CMP as an enabler to support project preparation and mobilizing financing for renewable energy projects
The event presented key outcomes from the Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP) initiative, engaging with country leaders, African institutions, and global partners to review regional progress. It also aimed to unite members in overcoming financing challenges for renewable projects, advocating for favourable financial frameworks, investment policies, and collaboration with financial bodies to advance renewable energy objectives.
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
14:00 – 15:30
Participatory Strategies for Developing Just and Renewable-Based Energy Pathways
This session aimed to showcase the importance of participatory long-term energy scenario planning and policymaking, a collaborative approach that engages different stakeholders to ensure diverse inputs and perspectives are considered. Highlighting successful country examples, it demonstrated how these participatory processes can contribute to advancing the clean energy transition agenda. The discussion also presented key findings from the IRENA LTES Network's work on the topic, offering practical insights to enhance stakeholder involvement and foster effective dialogue in energy planning.
16:00 – 17:30
Alliance for Industry Decarbonization (AFID)
Facilitated by IRENA, the AFID unites private and public entities in energy-intensive sectors to expedite net-zero transitions in line with the Paris Agreement. The event presented a set of actions and joint initiatives for short and long-term plans. Feedback on the AFID ambitions and programme was sought from the governments and key stakeholders of industry decarbonisation.
Room B1
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
11:00 – 12:30
IRENA/CEM – Progress & options for wider collaboration
This event brought together Members to discuss the ongoing partnership with IRENA and Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) initiatives, highlighting progress and exploring cooperation opportunities. The session sought insights on enhancing international collaboration, integrating IRENA's contributions into CEM workstreams, finding common ground for greater impact, fostering collaboration to benefit Global South countries.
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
14:00 – 15:30
Roundtable on the Role of Public Finance and Policy in Achieving Universal Energy Access under SDG7
Gathering government leaders, development bodies, donors, the private sector, and energy practitioners, this panel explored public finance and policy roles in improving energy access. A panel also highlighted cooperation needs and strategies to leverage public funds for extending essential energy services, supporting sustainable development goals, and enhancing local capacities within the energy sector. IRENA’s brief on Structuring public finance for universal energy access was also presented.
16:00 – 17:30
Scaling-up Sustainable Bio-based Energy and Fuels in Emerging Markets
This event focused on utilising sustainable biomass in emerging markets to foster sustainable circular bio-economies. It showcased advancements in bio-based cooking technologies and sustainable aviation fuels, highlighting their impact on sustainable bio-economies. The discussion also covered successful risk mitigation strategies and the importance of supportive policies, aiming to enhance investment in bio-based resources and encourage collaboration towards bioenergy potential.
Plenary Hall
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
09:30 – 10:30
Resumption of the Assembly session
High-level introductory statements
Family Photo
10:30 – 13:00
High-level Plenary Session on Tripling of Renewables
Member Interventions
This session aimed to pinpoint specific, immediate steps to actualise the COP28 outcomes. Discussions explored how to optimise international cooperation for the tripling pledge, effective monitoring of progress and action on course correction towards tripling renewable energy capacity targets.
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
13:00 – 13:45
Press Conference
Ballroom Foyer
14:30 – 18.00
General Member Statements
18:30 – 20:30
Assembly Dinner Reception
Ballroom Terrace
Room A1
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
13:00 – 14:30
High-Level Dialogue on Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Regional Pathway
This Dialogue aimed to facilitate discussions on enhancing renewable energy in Latin America and the Caribbean, in line with the COP28 goal to triple renewable energy by 2030. Panellists explored how this ambition can support the region's shift towards sustainable growth and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The event focused on identifying opportunities for transforming the energy sector, and the necessary technological, financial, and policy decisions.
Room A2
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
13:00 – 14:30
GOWA Ministerial Dialogue
Scaling Finance for Offshore Wind as Key to Reach the Tripling Renewables Goal
The Dialogue aimed to bring together offshore wind industry players to stimulate investment and innovation in financing. Discussions focused on utilising de-risking tools, blended finance, and partnerships to overcome market challenges in emerging regions. The dialogue also sought to establish a global agreement on financing practices, supportive policies, and cooperation to rapidly grow offshore wind capacity, ensuring a fair and inclusive transition towards renewable energy.
14:30 – 16:00
Ministerial Roundtable
Geopolitics of Energy Security
The Roundtable aimed to share insights and lessons learned, while also looking at future energy security challenges as the world moves towards renewable energy. Panellists explored how renewables enhance energy security, impact local production and global markets, and the importance of international cooperation for a secure renewable future.
16:15 – 18:00
Ministerial Roundtable
Infrastructure for the Energy Transition: Utilities for Net Zero Alliance
This roundtable addressed the crucial role of infrastructure in the energy transition and achieve the goal of tripling renewables by 2030. Members of UNEZA introduced the UNEZA Plan of Actions and Roadmap to foster international cooperation among utilities for developing energy transition infrastructure. Key discussions addressed overcoming barriers, accelerating the energy transition to cut emissions, and unlocking the utility sector's potential to meet Net Zero targets by addressing structural, regulatory, and financial challenges.
18:30 – 20:30
Ministerial Dinner
Olea Restaurant
Room B1
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
13:00 – 14:30
Accelerating ASEAN's Growth and Resilience: Grid Interconnections Power the Tripling of Renewables
This event brought together various stakeholders to create a united vision that highlights how connecting power grids can help solve energy, climate, and development issues in ASEAN. The event aimed to exchange knowledge and improve coordination in the region by discussing successful policies, technical solutions, and financial strategies, further tackling the need for policy reforms, planning integration for better grid connections, and how to use partnerships for advanced technologies and practices, drawing lessons from other regions with successful interconnected power systems.
Plenary Hall
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
10:00 – 11:30
Plenary session
Accelerating the Development of Bankable Renewable Energy Projects – Leveraging IRENA’s Facilitation Platforms for Global Transition

Enhancing the renewable energy mix is vital for a country’s energy transition. However, numerous barriers exist in energy generation, transmission, distribution, storage, and utilisation. These challenges, coupled with funding limitations, impede project development and progress towards universal, affordable, and sustainable energy access. During this session, the panelists discussed country and regional challenges impeding project development and deployment.
11:30 – 13:00
Plenary session
Accelerated Renewable Deployment in Africa

This session aimed to explore the African Renewable Power Alliance (APRA) and its strategy for boosting renewable energy in Africa through international collaboration. It discussed how adapting to the unique needs of different African regions is crucial and how collective efforts can enhance individual ones. The session, featuring a keynote from Kenya and contributions from APRA members, discussed ways to overcome challenges, leverage partnerships for greater renewable energy investment, and build a resilient local private sector in Africa's renewable landscape.
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
13:00 – 14:30
Regional Energy Transition Outlooks for Africa – Setting for a vision a 1.5°C pathway
This event introduced the African Regional Energy Transition Outlooks (RETOs). It discussed their role alongside IRENA’s World Energy Transition Outlook (WETO) and support for Africa’s Continental Power System Masterplan (CMP). It aimed to engage members in a participatory RETO process, review African energy and economic priorities, and identify socio-economic opportunities from energy transitions.
14:30 – 16:00
Plenary session
Policies and Skills for an Accelerated Energy Transition

This session explored policies and strategies to hasten the energy transition, ensure inclusivity, and enhance local benefits. It covered deployment methods like auctions, renewable energy targets signaling long-term commitment, and ways to bolster supply chains and workforce skills. With a particular emphasis on overcoming skills shortages, the discussion focused on scaling education and training, including upskilling and preparing the youth for renewable energy jobs.
16:00 – 17.30
Reports back
Arrangements for the 15th session of the Assembly

17.30 – 18:00
Any other business
Closing of the session

Room A2
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
13:00 – 14:30
Global Geothermal Alliance Annual Meeting
This event convened Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) member governments and partner institutions to delve into the geothermal sector's challenges and prospects. Despite geothermal energy's potential for electricity, heating, cooling, and agricultural processing, its growth remains slow despite its capabilities. The session addressed this by sharing insights and experiences, discussing emerging trends like technological advances and international collaboration, and tackling obstacles like investment costs and policy gaps. The aim was to advance global geothermal development, contributing to sustainable and cleaner energy futures in line with climate and sustainable development goals.
Room B1
ST REGIS. HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI
13:00 – 14:30
LUNCH
13:00 – 14:30
Enablers for trade in green hydrogen and derivatives
This event focused on the catalysts for international trade in green hydrogen and its derivates, with aims to identify key drivers, policy frameworks, and technological advancements that can facilitate the global exchange of green hydrogen, fostering a sustainable energy transition. The session explored the necessary conditions, challenges, and opportunities in establishing a robust market for green hydrogen, contributing to decarbonisation efforts world.