IRENA calls for innovation on clean energy frameworks as well as tech
Yusuf Latief
Posted on: 11 December 2024
In an exclusive interview during Enlit Europe, Adrian Gonzalez of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) explains how, although there is a clear-cut priority to innovate on the next generation of renewable tech, we must not forget to do the same on their frameworks.
Adrian Gonzalez of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) explains how, although there is a clear-cut priority to innovate on the next generation of renewable tech, we must not forget to do the same on their frameworks.
The renewable energy sector has been experiencing a notable expansion, driven by the ambitious but necessary pledge to triple global renewable capacity by 2030.
Although renewable energy technologies will only continue to develop further, for IRENA Programme Officer Gonzales, we need to innovate the system within which this tech can flourish simultaneously:
“From IRENA, we stress that we need systemic innovation. We need not only to focus on technology but also on the framework around it - business models, market design, regulation, planning and procedures - they also need innovation.”
More from Enlit Europe:
How do the US, EU and China’s grid priorities compare?
Why the new EU Commission and US administration will not slow gas tech
When it comes to the tech itself, added Gonzales, one piece stands out in the eyes of the Agency:
“Talking exclusively about technology, we see grid-forming converters as a key tech that is needed for reaching higher shares of renewables in the power system of the future and to go the last mile of the energy transition.”
Watch the rest of the interview to learn about the ‘virtuous circle of renewable electrification’ and how the next generation of renewable energy technologies will help with European competitiveness.
