Abu Dhabi: Solar energy alone could provide 2,000 times the current global energy demand, according to the chief of Irena (International Renewable Energy Agency.
"There should be no lack of energy if the potential of renewable energy is utilised adequately," she noted.
Speaking at a media briefing, ahead of the third session of the Preparatory Commission for Irena on Sunday, Helene Pelosse, interim director-general of Irena, said the organisation is committed to speeding up global acceptance of renewable energy sources.
"Irena's foremost mission is to speed up and scale up use of renewable energy sources to meet the growing energy demands of the world," she said.
"The importance of renewables to the world's 1.6 billion people, who do not have access to electricity, cannot be understated."
The third session of the Preparatory Commission for Irena will bring 139 signatory nations to Abu Dhabi. Pelosse was named head of the agency and UAE was elected to be its home at a previous session.
Under-utilised
Renewable energies amount to only 18 per cent of the global energy consumption currently, but most forecasts predict this will increase to 50 per cent by 2050.
"Renewables can enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change, and boost the global economy; all of which have a social impact on the communities involved."
Three roadblocks stand in the way of using renewable energy — proper policy framework, financing and human capacity building, Pelosse said.
Among the six major renewable energy sources — bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind — solar energy has the greatest potential. The Middle East is abundantly blessed with it, Pelosse said.
The Irena chief also said that she agrees with UAE's renewable energy target of seben per cent by 2020.
"It is important to understand where one is starting from. The UAE aims to go from zero renewable energy to seven per cent". It is similar to Europe's ambition to go from the current 10 per cent to 20 per cent by 2020, she said.
At Sunday's Preparatory Commission, several non-member nations, including China, will also attend the meeting as observers.
Decisions will be made on Irena's work programme for the year and budget, as well as on the interim financial and staff regulations and rules.
Six major sources
- Bioenergy (agricultural and industrial residues, waste, forests, energy crops)n Geothermaln Hydropower (large and small)n Ocean (wave, tidal, osmosis, thermal)n Solar (photovoltaic, solar thermal)n Wind (on-shore and off-shore)
Global installed renewable energy capacity in 2008
- Large hydropower projects: 860 gigawattsn Wind projects: 121 gigawattsn Small hydropower projects: 85 gigawattsn Biomass power projects: 52 gigawattsn Solar photovoltaic grid-connected projects: 13 gigawattsn Geothermal power: 10 gigawattsn Concentrated solar thermal power: 0.5 gigawattsn Ocean power: 0.3 gigawatts
Source: Irena
