WWEA on the IRENA Work Programme: Integrate the full range of renewable energy issues and stakeholders

As an early adopter and supporter of IRENA 20 years ago, WWEA appreciates that IRENA has become an important pillar and knowledge hub for the global transition to a renewable energy economy. The information provided by IRENA serves as guidance to international organisations and governments around the world.

WWEA has put forward a number of proposals to make IRENA's work more effective:

• To achieve the Paris goals, it will be essential to support the setting of science-based and ambitious 100% renewable energy targets. Roadmaps with interim targets and technologies are also needed.
• IRENA should ensure that, while working at a global level, it integrates the views and interests of all relevant renewable energy stakeholders. In particular, smaller, local actors have a key role to play in the global energy transition in mobilising the necessary social, financial and political resources.
• Accordingly, decentralised solutions will require more attention, both technically and economically, to meet the higher renewable energy targets set by national governments.
• IRENA should also ensure that the information provided is accurate and unbiased and does not reflect the views of any particular group.
• IRENA's policy advice should be based on a broad socio-economic analysis of all factors relevant to national economies and the well-being of citizens in different socio-economic circumstances, including impacts on local economies, access to affordable energy, gender aspects, job creation, etc.
• WWEA acknowledges IRENA's focus on how to organise a just energy transition, with particular emphasis on good jobs and working conditions. WWEA recommends that IRENA broaden this approach to include how the value generated by the use of renewable energy can be shared more widely, for example through more decentralised ownership.
• Local ownership and democratic control of energy systems that use "free for all" resources such as solar radiation or wind is a key aspect of a successful energy transition. This is even more important in the so-called developing countries, where there are huge investment needs and where new investment models may be required.

WWEA, including in its capacity as Chair of the Community Energy Working Group of the IRENA Coalition for Action, is ready to continue to contribute to the achievement of the above objectives and beyond.