Renewable energy, notably solar and wind technologies, has emerged as the most cost-effective power source across significant global regions in the past decade, as highlighted in a joint report by the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the COP28 presidency.

While celebrating this achievement, the collaborative report emphasizes the necessity of raising ambitions in renewable energy to align with the 1.5-degree climate target. Recent analyses by the IEA and IRENA underline that tripling renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW, combined with doubling energy efficiency measures, is pivotal in driving substantial emission reductions by 2030.

In an exclusive conversation with Review Energy, Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance and a key figure at COP28, discussed these ambitious objectives and the future landscape of renewables. His insights shed light on the strategies and innovations crucial in steering the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Read the full interview below:

Review Energy (R.E.): What is your assessment of the current progress towards the goal of tripling the use of renewable energy by 2030 globally?

Bruce Douglas (B.D.): The current decade is pivotal – a 'make or break' moment to avert the most severe consequences of climate change. Embracing a global energy transition that rapidly advances renewable energy and phases out fossil fuels remains the sole path to forge a clean, secure, and equitable future. Tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency are the single most important actions we can take today. 

This will require significantly higher ambition from countries at COP28 but it is possible. Doubling renewable energy capacity by 2030 is now inevitable given current growth rates of RE and national targets. We now need countries to raise ambitions and set the bar higher to tripling to keep the door open to 1.5° C. This target would be global, with each country contributing depending on their current state of renewables. While there are good signs ahead, with well over 100 countries seeking to sign a voluntary pledge towards tripling renewables, this is not a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This is where GRA’s advocacy mandate comes in. Our "Double Down Triple Up" campaign acts as the bridge to traverse the gaps, ensuring alignment with the Paris commitments of national governments, and delivering a singly unified industry voice from the renewable energy sector on delivering tripling renewables.

R.E.: What are the main obstacles or challenges that are still preventing a more rapid transition to widespread use of renewable energy and what strategies should be considered to overcome these?

B.D.: Renewables need to expand, especially in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDE’s), where most of the energy demand growth and energy access gaps need to be overcome. To reach the needed scale, renewable energy deployment faces important obstacles in distinct areas. GRA has identified 4 enabling areas where work is needed.

Tripling renewables will need to see upwards of USD 10 trillion cumulative needed for RE, and USD 5 trillion for grids by 2030. Permitting. We need smart and effective policies that allow permitting bottlenecks to be sorted out, such as one-stop shops, standardization of permitting procedures, digitalization of permitting, and mandatory lead times.

Grid infrastructure & power systems. Tripling renewables will require in parallel the expansion, modernization and enhancement of supporting infrastructure such as grids, transmission & distribution, to accommodate large volumes of renewables. And supply chains, that already exist – we just need to strengthen and diversify them across regions. Long-term signals to industry are key so they can prepare, invest in workers and capacity building, technology transfer, local value creation, etc.

R.E.: Which other elements impact the equation?

B.D.: Equally crucial is the establishment of market mechanisms facilitating the procurement of energy storage and system flexibility, to bolster the growing presence of renewables in power markets, providing incentives for flexibility in order to enhance overall efficiency.

It's crucial to highlight that achieving system transformation hinges on widespread electrification, heightened energy efficiency, and the adoption of clean fuels such as green hydrogen and its derivatives (like e-methane, e-ammonia, e-methanol) for decarbonizing challenging sectors. This shift demands a close partnership between the renewable energy industry, local communities, societal interests, and other sectors. It's about ensuring that the expansion of renewables aligns seamlessly with nature, citizens, and the broader economy, learning from the historical missteps of the energy sector. The COP28 plays a pivotal role in orchestrating this collaborative effort of the renewable energy industry.

R.E.: How do you consider that the participation of renewable energies has evolved in the COP agenda over the years?

B.D.: Renewable energy's participation in COP agendas has evolved positively, gaining prominence as a central solution to climate change. However, challenges persist in translating commitments into concrete actions to reach the needed scale.

The GRA is, historically, the first unified voice of the renewable energy industry on a global level. This is essential in advocating for more deployment of renewable energy. Global leaders must commit to our tripling targets at COP28. However, progress towards 2030 goals cannot be taken for granted. Policy makers must work hand-in-hand with industry and civil society to urgently implement the enabling actions in this report, centered on: infrastructure and system operation; policy and regulation; and supply chains, skills and capacities. Critically, these areas must be reinforced by low-cost financing and international collaboration.

R.E.: What specifically do you expect at COP28, and what do you think the role of renewables should be in climate discussions?

B.D.: Given that we’re not on track to reaching the Paris Agreement target, today’s decisions are vital. GRA advocates for a global goal to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030, as the single most important action to keep the Paris Agreement target of 1.5° target alive. The good news is that not only do the technologies to get us there exist, but they are also cost-competitive. And we only need to roll them out once.

Doubling renewables is already inevitable given current deployment and national targets. We now call upon governments to raise ambitions towards tripling. This will require a lot of action at national level. While hopeful, we do not see this as a done deal. That’s what we’re looking and working for throughout GRA’s presence at COP28. GRA would like to see the voluntary pledge signed by governments on tripling renewables move into the final negotiated COP28 text.

We face an important decision regarding the potential legacy of COP28. Will we maintain the status quo, adhering to business as usual? Or are we prepared to significantly amplify our commitment to renewable energy deployment, aligning ourselves with the path to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees? This choice extends beyond governments; it calls for active participation from civil society and the private sector.

We not only need more renewables but also less dependence on fossil fuels. It's essential to have a clear plan for phasing out fossil fuels and robust financial mechanisms to realize this transition alongside the ramp-up of renewable energy.

R.E.: According to the Global Renewables Alliance analysis, to triple renewable energy by 2023 requires: Ambition, Acceleration: Action: Accountability and Collaboration. Which of these 5 mechanisms is more difficult to achieve and why?

B.D.: Once the ambition is set in a strong way, ensuring accountability is a complex task, requiring global cooperation and effective monitoring systems for commitment enforcement. As a sector, we should focus on developing a dedicated tool to hold governments accountable. Beyond setting ambitious goals, the key lies in translating those aspirations into tangible actions by governments.

R.E.: Once COP28 is over, what message do you expect to be concluded and communicated to the world?

B.D.: Post-COP28, the world should hear a clear message emphasizing renewed commitment, strengthened collaboration, and concrete actions to address climate change, with renewable energy sources at the forefront. Achieving a threefold increase in renewable energy to reach at least 11,000 GW by 2030 is the key to shaping history at COP28.

The other crucial message is that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. To achieve our goals, all renewable energy technologies must collaborate; we can't afford fighting each other. In the future, renewable energy industries will unite and work together in order to reach our ambitions.

R.E.: Which clean technologies will face the most challenges on this Double Down, Triple Up path?

B.D.: Our greatest challenge lies in the time and where it is needed most. As the CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, I anticipate hurdles for emerging clean technologies, especially in sectors with limited large-scale deployment. These areas may benefit from targeted support to expedite their development and integration.

The connectivity of diverse energy sources through the grid and the establishment of a swift permitting system pose additional challenges. It is imperative for policymakers and industry leaders to collaborate closely, aiming to streamline the approval processes for Renewable Energy Systems (RES) projects and enhance their overall efficiency.