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International Day of Clean Energy: A Call for Universal Access

Clean energy plays a critical role in combating climate change and providing reliable electricity to communities worldwide. Currently, approximately 685 million individuals lack stable access to energy, which has detrimental effects on health, education, and economic growth. Moreover, if trends continue unchecked, an estimated 1.8 billion people will depend on unsafe and inefficient cooking methods by 2030.

Marking the significance of this issue, January 26, 2025, will be observed as the second International Day of Clean Energy. This date is symbolic, as it also commemorates the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing the global shift toward renewable energy systems. Leading up to the celebration, a special event was organized by the United Nations and the UN-Energy family to facilitate advancements in achieving universal energy access.

In his opening remarks, UN Assistant-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Navid Hanif, emphasized the necessity of universal access to clean energy. He stated that energy should not be a luxury but a fundamental right for all. “Energy is indispensable for addressing our challenges and advancing sustainable development while hastening climate action,” he noted. Hanif stressed the importance of aligning energy transition efforts with national climate plans to achieve a target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, ensuring no one is overlooked in this initiative.

Clean energy is crucial to fulfilling the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. Despite some progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to guarantee universal access to modern energy by 2030, the pace of progress remains insufficient to meet these objectives.

Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, highlighted clean energy’s importance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, supporting job creation, improving living conditions, and minimizing emissions. He warned, “We are in a race against time,” advocating for increased financing and faster implementation of renewable solutions. While international public financing for clean energy in developing nations increased to USD 15.4 billion in 2022—a 25% rise from the previous year—much of this funding remains limited to certain geographical areas, leaving many in Sub-Saharan Africa without electricity. There, 567 million people lacked access to this essential service in 2021. Thus, enhancing energy access in developing regions is vital to achieving SDG7, tripling renewable energy capacity, and doubling energy efficiency as outlined in the UAE Consensus at COP28.

“Decentralized renewables are vital. They provide a cost-effective and rapidly scalable solution,” stated IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera during his video remarks. He praised off-grid renewable energy technologies as pivotal in bridging the energy access gap and empowering rural communities. In fact, the capacity of off-grid renewable energy systems has nearly doubled from 5.6 GW in 2014 to 11.1 GW in 2023, supplying electricity to around 155 million people by the end of the last year—key for remote locations needing reliable power for homes, businesses, and essential services like hospitals.

The convergence of rising global energy demands, persistent energy poverty, and escalating climate challenges accentuates the urgency for decarbonizing and electrifying energy systems. Developing nations often face infrastructural challenges and inadequate transmission networks, complicating electricity access in remote areas.

Experts at the event underscored the importance of overcoming financial constraints and enhancing both domestic and international investments. Such financial support is essential for modernizing and expanding electrical grids to accommodate the growing energy needs of developing populations. Additionally, fostering collaboration between governments, institutions, and the private sector is crucial. International partnerships must aim to provide accessible financing while establishing robust governance and regulatory frameworks that mitigate investment risks.

Speakers concluded that accelerating renewable energy implementation and achieving universal access demands increased financial resources, enhanced capabilities, and a resolute political commitment to ensure a just transition for all.

Source
www.irena.org