IRENA reveals the reality of renewable energy at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week: crucial details

A group of participants at the IRENA Assembly

IRENA reveals the reality of renewable energy at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week: crucial details

The 16th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, the first major event of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, commenced on Sunday. The Assembly's work continues until Monday, January 12, under the theme "Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity."

Handover of Presidency

The proceedings began with the handover of the presidency from Bojan Komar, President of the 15th IRENA Assembly and Minister of Environment, Climate and Energy of Slovenia, to Betty Soto, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Energy Transition of the Dominican Republic, representing the presidency of the 16th Assembly.

In her opening remarks, Soto emphasized the pivotal role of renewable energy in driving economic growth and strengthening efforts to combat climate change, particularly in developing countries.

Amna Al Dahak: Renewable Energy Momentum Has Not Slowed Down at All

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change

This was followed by a speech from Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, who affirmed that the world faced unprecedented challenges last year, from geopolitical tensions to climate crises, but the momentum for renewable energy has not slowed down; on the contrary, it has grown stronger. She emphasized the importance of maintaining ambition and enhancing cooperation to accelerate the energy transition towards a sustainable and inclusive future.

Al Dahak said: “At this time last year, none of us could have anticipated the scale of the challenges that the world subsequently faced, challenges that tested our collective resilience with such force and speed. Around the world, geopolitical tensions escalated, economic uncertainties intensified, and climate-related crises deepened, adding increasing pressure to the global energy landscape.”

She continued: “However, amidst these headwinds, something powerful is still happening: the momentum for renewable energy has not slowed down at all; on the contrary, it has grown stronger and gained further impetus.” She added: “While external challenges are mounting, progress on the ground is becoming increasingly robust, underscoring the importance of maintaining our ambition and strengthening cooperation to accelerate the energy transition.”

Francesco La Camera: Renewable Energy Accounted for 92% of New Capacity

Amna Al Dahak

During the opening session, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized that renewable energy accounted for approximately 92% of new electricity generation capacity last year, noting that this growth is not merely symbolic but a fundamental strategy for enhancing competitiveness, energy security, and sustainable development.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera 

He explained that the world today faces multiple and interconnected crises, from geopolitical tensions and economic challenges to inequalities, in addition to the three interrelated environmental crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

He continued: “Despite the record-breaking figures achieved by renewable energy annually, the benefits are not yet reaching all countries,” stressing that the true measure of success in the energy transition is not the installed capacity, but rather the lives we empower and positively transform.

Antonio Guterres: The Clean Energy Transition is Unstoppable

In a recorded message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the clean energy transition is unstoppable and irreversible, emphasizing that solar and wind power are experiencing record-breaking global growth.

He noted that investments in clean energy reached $2.2 trillion in 2025, double the amount spent on fossil fuels, adding that technological advancements still outpace the development of the necessary infrastructure for expanding the use of renewable energy.

Reimagining the Future of Energy

The session included a high-level dialogue on reimagining the future of energy, aiming to invite leading decision-makers and thinkers to present bold visions for the future of energy. Participants discussed the challenges of traditional approaches and how to enable the energy transition to reach its full potential as a catalyst for inclusive development, structural transformation, and enhanced long-term resilience. The session aimed to establish a shared agenda and prioritize international cooperation for the coming years.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Kicks Off: IRENA Launches Key Events

The first day of the assembly includes a series of high-level sessions, most notably dialogues on reimagining the future of energy, accelerating the electrification transition, renewable energy pathways, electricity grids, and industry, as well as ministerial roundtables on geothermal energy, green manufacturing, and building a resilient energy base. Discussions also cover renewable energy auctions and risk mitigation mechanisms across the Mediterranean.