IRENA Council to Fast-Track Global Energy Transition in UAE

Abu Dhabi is once again at the center of the global energy conversation as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) convenes its 30th Council meeting on Thursday. The two-day session brings together government representatives, experts, and policymakers to assess progress on renewable energy goals and chart the path forward toward COP30 and the 16th IRENA Assembly.

The meeting comes at a crucial time, as the world works to achieve the ambitious targets of tripling renewable power capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030—key objectives under the UAE Consensus reached at COP28. While renewable installations continue to rise, IRENA’s recent tracking report shows that the current pace still falls short of what is required to stay on course for global climate goals.

Over the next two days, the Council will review strategies for strengthening clean industrialisation, improving energy supply chain resilience, and enhancing cooperation across regions. Discussions will also highlight the need for equitable access to financing and investments to help countries scale up their renewable projects.

Delegates are expected to share national experiences and outline new approaches to accelerate progress, particularly as nations prepare to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

The outcomes of this 30th Council meeting will directly feed into the 16th IRENA Assembly, scheduled for 11–12 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The Assembly, recognized as the first ministerial energy meeting of the year, will serve as a global platform to assess progress and guide collective energy transition priorities for 2026.

With the world edging closer to critical climate milestones, IRENA’s latest Council gathering reflects a shared urgency—one that calls for stronger action, unified purpose, and a renewed global commitment to a cleaner energy future.