16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly

Recently the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi highlighted the global renewable transition.

• Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2025  was jointly released by IRENA and International Labour Organization (ILO) before the IRENA Assembly.

Key Outcomes of the IRENA Assembly

• Roadmap and Strategic Direction: Adoption of IRENA’s Medium-Term Strategy (2023–2027) Evaluation and Work Programme & Budget (2026–27).
• Irreversibility of Transition: Emphasis on irreversibility of clean energy transition and early-mover advantage in economic competitiveness.
• Custodian Role: IRENA reaffirmed its role as the official custodian for tracking the “UAE Consensus” goals adopted at COP28, including tripling renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.

Key Highlights of Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2025

• Global Employment: Renewable energy employed 16.6 million people in 2024, with solar photovoltaic as the largest job-creating sector, led by China.
• India’s Performance:
  • 1.3 million jobs (7.7% of global Renewable energy employment).
  • Ranked 2nd globally in solar PV and hydropower employment 
    • 4th in wind and liquid biofuels.
• Manufacturing Footprint: India accounts for 4.8% of global PV module manufacturing, led by Gujarat (42%), followed by Tamil Nadu (11%).

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About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

• IRENA is the only intergovernmental organisation exclusively dedicated to renewable energy, supporting countries in sustainable energy transitions.
• Origin: Established in 2009 with statute which entered into force in 2010
• Headquarters: Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Objectives:
  • Promote renewable energy adoption for sustainable development, energy access, and climate action.
  • Provide policy advice, capacity building, and technical assistance to member countries.
• Membership: 170+ countries and the European Union
  • India is a founding member, actively shaping IRENA’s agenda and capacity-building efforts.
• Key Report: World Energy Transitions Outlook (WETO ) is released annually.
  

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