Efficiency, clean energy technologies to be ‘driving force’ in green energy transition: IRENA

By Gulsen Cagatay

ANKARA (AA) - The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which aims to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avert the worst impacts of climate change, said Tuesday that energy efficiency practices and renewable energy systems and related technologies will be the driving force in the energy sector worldwide by 2050.

According to IRENA data, changing electricity production and consumption habits and transitioning to renewable energy and related technologies in energy systems can prevent 37 gigatons of carbon emissions annually.

Increasing urbanization, population growth and climate change require responsible consumption of all resources, primarily energy.

The direct use of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions, effective improvements in energy efficiency, greater usage of electric vehicles, widespread use of heat pumps in residences, the inclusion of clean hydrogen and its derivatives in the energy systems, the use of bioenergy and carbon capture and storage technologies are important topics in energy efficiency.

According to IRENA's “Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022” report, the installed capacity of other clean energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, bioenergy and ocean energy increased to a total of 3,064 gigawatts, with 257 gigawatts added last year.

Renewable energy plants accounted for 97% of the electricity generation capacity commissioned last year in Türkiye.

Despite the local and global increase in clean energy capacity, more investment is needed to minimize the effects of climate change and make the most of renewable energy, which is becoming cheaper than fossil fuels.