COP27 Day 8: Energy in action

Energy is the theme for day eight at COP27 today. Experts have gathered to discuss the use of solar and wind industries, renewables and the security of global energy.

 

European Commissioners Speech

At the opening speech of Energy Day, European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson said “energy has always been central to winning the fight against climate change. The majority of the world’s greenhouse gases are created by the production and consumption of energy, so without decarbonising our energy systems, Net Zero will remain out of reach”. In her speech, she laid emphasis on renewables, consumption and diversification in energy supplies and suppliers. Europe is well on track to reach its energy targets, reducing gas consumption by 15% and raising renewables to 45% by 2030. Spain has made good progress in the transition to renewable energy sources with a 9% growth in wind and solar generation.

 

Coal must fall by 90%

The International Energy Agency has warned that the use of coal must fall by 90% by 2050 in order to hit Net Zero and the 1.5℃ target. Indonesia’s coal-dependent economy has been highlighted at COP events, and today member countries, including the UK were at the G20 summit announcing the initiative that aims to help Indonesia transition to renewable sources of energy; the initiative is called the Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Representing renewable energy technologies and industries is the Global Renewables Alliance, which was launched today. Collaboration across technologies, countries and industries (hydrogen, solar, wind and geothermal) was noted to be the defining element in combatting climate change and accelerating the renewable energy transition through education, data and international communications.

The Carbon Tracker has announced in their recent report that by using renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, we have the capabilities to produce energy that equates to more than 100 times the energy demand of the globe. The current growth rates for solar and wind are indicative of a fossil-fuel-free energy supply by 2050.

 

Be sure to keep up to date with the latest developments at COP27 on our insights page.

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-Further Reading-

COP27 Day 4: Science, youth and resilience

The fourth day of COP27 continues the theme of resilience with a spotlight on science and future generations.

COP27 Day 5: The decarbonisation challenge

‘The Decarbonisation Challenge’, is the title of today’s COP27 theme. The day looks further into keeping 1.5℃ in sight, Net Zero commitments and achievements and cutting carbon across industry.

COP27 Day 6: Adaption and agriculture

The running theme for the sixth day of COP27 was adaptation and agriculture. Contributing to 18.4% of global GHG emissions, significant action is required across reducing emissions and building resilience.

COP27 Day 7: The first ever Water Day

For the first time in COP history, water has been given its dedicated day at COP27 due to being recognised as a crucial part of mitigating climate change.