GSC welcomes calls for much-needed global renewables target, supports its development by COP 28

The Global Solar Council (GSC) welcomes the proposals of the last months to set a worldwide goal for renewable energy, as recently joined by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.

The GSC strongly supports the initiative and works closely with partners in the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) and like-minded organizations and governments to accelerate the global energy transition.

As confirmed by the latest IPCC report, deep, rapid, and sustained reduction of greenhouse gases is needed to ensure a livable future. Renewable energy sources represent practical solutions at our disposal to achieve this, empowering governments and industries to work together towards net zero energy systems by 2040.

COP 28 can be the ideal stage to set out the first-ever global goal for renewable capacity, with almost 200 countries hopefully coming together to an agreement.

As indicated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a goal of at least 1 TW (terawatt) of annual growth is necessary to meet the world's climate goals. Even higher ambition is possible considering solar PV alone, as the prime electricity generation source, could reach 1 TW annual additions by 2050, creating in the process as many as 60 million jobs worldwide.

Maté Heisz, GSC Chair, said “We are glad to see the call for a global renewable energy target gaining momentum. Now is the time for collective action on the highest level, and with commitments from the European Commission, IRENA, and the UN, we hope to see renewable energy high on the agenda at COP 28. GSC’s cooperation with GRA and IRENA will be key to defining the global target.”

Note for editors

The Global Solar Council (https://www.globalsolarcouncil.org) is the voice of the world’s solar energy industry, a non-profit body based in Washington D.C. representing national, regional and international associations as well as leading solar sector corporations. Founded at the 2015 Paris climate conference as a private-sector response to the climate emergency, the Global Solar Council brings together associations from both established and emerging markets that represent companies all along the solar supply chain.

Media contacts: [email protected]