Bonn/Baku— The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) delivered a powerful call to action at the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, urging nations to transition to a fully renewable energy future.
Hosting the official side event Renewable Energy Transformation: From Tripling to 100% Renewable Energy, WWEA, in collaboration with the World Bioenergy Association (WBA) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), emphasized the need for strategies surpassing the goal of tripling renewable energy capacities by 2030. WWEA highlighted the economic and societal benefits of transitioning to 100% renewable energy, stressing that the transformation must benefit all sectors of society.
Dr. Karunamoorthy Neethimani, a WWEA Strategy Committee member, discussed India’s ambitious renewable targets, calling for policy improvements to ensure equitable benefits.
IRENA Launches White Paper on Community Energy Benefits
At COP29, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) launched the white paper Community Energy Benefits: Powering Universal Wellbeing, co-chaired by WWEA Secretary General Stefan Gsänger. Moderated by Dr. Neethimani, the session underscored the role of community energy in advancing the global energy transition.
Gsänger highlighted the urgent need for grassroots action:
“While progress at COP29 remains slow, citizens and communities worldwide are leading the way in renewable energy transformation. Governments must capitalize on this momentum and support bottom-up initiatives to unlock renewable energy’s immense potential.”
WWEA’s Vision for Inclusive Renewable Energy
WWEA President Dr. Irfan Mirza emphasized that the renewable energy shift should benefit everyone, from local communities to global enterprises:
“Our mission is to advocate for policies that create economic opportunities, empower citizens, and drive sustainable development. Although COP29 fell short of committing to a 100% renewable energy roadmap, the enthusiasm displayed gives us confidence in achieving this vision.”
Key Recommendations from the White Paper
The white paper outlines actionable steps to maximize community energy’s social, economic, and environmental benefits:
Prioritize community ownership and citizen engagement in energy plans.
Design renewable energy projects to enhance socio-economic well-being.
Raise awareness and empower citizens through participatory approaches.
Apply a gender lens to promote inclusivity in energy leadership.
Provide technical and financial support for underserved areas.
Facilitate innovative financing to de-risk projects and lower costs.
Integrate community energy into climate resilience strategies.
Leverage local knowledge to minimize environmental impacts.
Foster collaboration and share best practices to strengthen community initiatives.
The WWEA remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for equitable, community-driven renewable energy policies, propelling the world closer to a sustainable, fully renewable future.
