Renewable energy targets quadruple in 10 years: IRENA

DUBAI, June 11: Renewable energy targets are now a "defining feature" of the global energy landscape with developing economies leading its adoption, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has said. A total of 164 countries have adopted at least one type of renewable energy target, up from just 43 countries in 2005, according to the Renewable Energy Target Setting which was launched on the sidelines of IRENA's ninth Council meeting. "Renewable energy targets have emerged as a popular mechanism to set national and regional economies on the path towards a more secure and sustainable energy future. They provide an important signal to the industry and can help align stakeholders by creating a clearer, common vision for the development of the energy sector," IRENA Director-General Adnan Z Amin said yesterday. "Renewable energy targets are now a defining feature of the global energy landscape," IRENA said, adding that developing and emerging economies are leading the adoption of targets, accounting for 131 of the 164 countries with renewable energy targets. The majority of countries focus on the electricity sector - 150 countries has renewable electricity targets - but commitments in other sectors are also on the rise. The number of countries setting targets for the heating/cooling sector increased from two countries in 2005 to 47 today. Similarly, renewable transport targets have more than doubled from 27 countries in 2005 to 59 today. "Governments are increasingly adopting renewable energy targets to meet multiple objectives including energy security, environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefits. The rapid growth of targets is just one more signal of the world's ongoing shift towards renewable energy and away from fossil fuels," said Amin. In order to be seen as credible by investors and society and to provide a reliable trajectory for the future evolution of the energy mix, renewable energy targets need to be accompanied by a clear strategy and backed by specific policies and measures, the report added.