By: Eric Kawa
The 15th IRENA Assembly has concluded in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with delegates from around the world discussing critical steps needed to accelerate the global energy transition.
Amid slowing progress toward global energy and climate goals, the assembly focused on mobilizing resources and fostering international cooperation to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy future.
Sierra Leone, a founding member of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Africa (APRA)โa partnership between African governments and international stakeholders aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoptionโcontinues to face significant energy challenges.
SIERRA LEONEโS ENERGY CHALLENGES
Speaking at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, the Chairman of Sierra Leone’s Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, highlighted the challenges the country faces in implementing energy projects. โMany investors require sovereign guarantees or partial risk guarantee coverage, which poses a challenge for energy development in Sierra Leone and other African nations,โ sayid Yumkella.
He also shared that Sierra Leoneโs Electricity Distribution Company faces serious technical and financial hurdles. โIt is our hope that in the next 12 months or so, we will be able to add 80 Megawatts of solar power, with 30 Megawatts at Newton, 10 Megawatts in Lungi, and 40 Megawatts in Kamakwie. This is supported by the World Bank and IFC,โ he said in an exclusive interview with this writer.
He further noted that, according to the World Bank, Sierra Leone’s Electricity Distribution Supply Authority (EDSA) experiences a 60% loss in technical and commercial debt, a stark contrast to neighboring countries.
GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION
Global investment in renewables and energy efficiency reached USD 0.9 trillion in 2023, far below the USD 3.8 trillion needed annually until 2030
Global investments in energy transition surpassed USD 2 trillion in 2023, with emerging marketsโespecially China, India, and Brazilโreceiving 45% of these investments. This makes their participation essential to achieving Net Zero goals.
The UAE Consensus at COP28 calls for tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030, requiring USD 31.5 trillion in cumulative investments
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the significance of accelerated efforts in global energy transition. “Collaboration is key to addressing many of the global challenges, and we must unify our efforts to ensure a prosperous future for current and future generations,” she said.
UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment
Dr. Al Dahak further stated that the progress of IRENA thus far is a testament to collaboration and unified goals in transitioning energy systems worldwide.
RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT IN AFRICA
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), spoke at the official opening ceremony, noting that the addition of renewable power capacity is hindered by insufficient infrastructure and geographic challenges.
Looking ahead, the 2nd Investment Forum on Renewable Energy in Africa will be held in Sierra Leone. La Camera shared in an exclusive interview with this writer that IRENA expects the forum to generate more projects and secure funding for renewable energy initiatives.
“This is something that emerged in a very relevant wayโhow the Agency should be working on providing more actionable efforts, and in this way, also trying to accelerate the speed and scale of the actual transformation,” he continued.
YOUTH PARTICIPATION AND GLOBAL IMPACTS
Speaking on behalf of the IRENA Youth Forum, Jafaar Abdulkadir, a delegate from Nigeria, discussed youth access to financing and the importance of engaging with high-level delegates during bilateral meetings. “Sometimes, what we really need as youth is validation of ideas to know that weโre on the right track. Itโs been an amazing experience,” Abdulkadir shared.
Seka Jean Blaise, a delegate from Cameroon, also expressed his appreciation for the event, noting that it gave him an opportunity to learn about solar technologies in emerging economies. He encouraged other youth to initiate smaller projects that could evolve into larger ones in the future.
FINANCING CHALLENGES FOR ENERGY TRANSITION
Global investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency reached USD 0.9 trillion in 2023, significantly lower than the USD 3.8 trillion required annually through 2030. Additionally, the distribution of renewable energy capacity remains highly uneven, with 85% of installed capacity concentrated in developed nations and just 1.6% in Africa, according to IRENAโs World Energy Transitions Outlook. Moreover, approximately 700 million people around the world still lack access to electricity. The agencyโs report also outlines key enablers for the energy transition, including policy reforms, international collaboration, and a renewed focus on energy security, which now emphasizes sustainability and affordability.
