Delivering on the UAE Consensus: Challenges and Progress Towards Global Energy Goals
- REDAÇÃO H2RADAR
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
The global energy transition is at a pivotal moment. At COP28, nearly 200 countries made a historic commitment to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. This initiative, known as the UAE Consensus , was built on the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) 1.5°C scenario and aims to bring the world in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement .
The first monitoring report, published under the supervision of the COP28 and COP29 Presidencies , the Global Renewable Energy Alliance (GRA) and governments such as Brazil and Azerbaijan , reveals a worrying picture: global progress is falling short of what is needed to meet the established targets, with the exception of the growth of solar PV capacity. The publication proposes strategic actions to correct the course and accelerate the energy transition.
Ambitious goals, insufficient progress
Tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 has been defined as a key pillar to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the report finds that by almost every metric , the world is behind the necessary trajectory.
Although solar photovoltaic energy has seen significant growth, other renewable sources, such as wind and hydroelectric power , are not advancing at the required pace. In addition, energy efficiency , which was expected to double by the end of the decade, is also below expectations, compromising efforts to contain global warming.
The study reinforces that the energy transition depends on an accelerated expansion of renewable sources and a more intelligent use of available energy. Without these advances, the goals of the Paris Agreement will become increasingly distant.
Course correction: recommendations to accelerate the transition
Given this challenging scenario, the report proposes priority actions for governments and public policy makers . The main recommendations include:
Adoption of more robust regulatory policies to encourage investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
Increased funding for sustainable projects , ensuring that developing countries have access to clean technologies.
Encouraging innovation in energy storage and smart grids , which are fundamental to the stability and efficiency of electrical systems.
Promoting international cooperation , aligning efforts between governments, the private sector and multilateral organizations to accelerate the energy transition.
IRENA, now responsible for monitoring and reporting progress annually, stresses that there is room for adjustments and that urgent measures can still put the world on the right track . COP29 will play a key role in reviewing commitments and adopting new strategies to ensure that the UAE Consensus objectives are met.
The challenge is great, but the need for immediate action is even greater. With time running out, the coming years will be decisive for the planet’s energy future.
