Many Arab countries, despite currently low to negligible renewable energy use, have set ambitious targets to increase their shares of renewables. Yet power-system planning is frequently constrained by cost implications and the lack of first-hand experience with renewables.

Sweden has set out to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2040. With the essential infrastructure for a decarbonised power system in place, the country is well positioned to help the world meet the crucial climate goals.

Sweden has set out to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2040. With the essential infrastructure for a decarbonised power system in place, the country is well positioned to help the world meet the crucial climate goals.

The world’s existing electricity systems were designed mainly for conventional, centralised power generation. Large plants have generated the bulk of electricity, frequently based on fossil fuels, and dispatched it to consumers based on relatively inflexible schedules.

Wind energy, like other parts of the global energy industry, remains largely male-dominated. Yet opportunities exist to improve the gender balance, make greater use of women’s skills, and entrench wind power as part of an inclusive and sustainable energy system for the future.

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) finances innovative projects to expand sustainable energy access as part of a joint initiative with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Refugees and displaced people mostly depend on energy that is unsustainable and can harm their health and well-being. Sustainable energy based on renewables, in contrast, bridges the gap between humanitarian response and development, enhancing the well-being of displaced people and communities.

Power systems need to be increasingly flexible to accommodate rising solar and wind shares. One way to achieve this is by adjusting the demand for electricity to better match generation from solar and wind energy over the course of each hour, day, week or longer timeframe.

Bhutan has long aspired to grow in a sustainable manner, prioritising both the well-being of its citizens and environmental conservation.

Countries need to be increasingly ambitious in their pledges to scale up renewables and cut energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The first round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) pledged under the Paris Agreement have proven inadequate to meet climate goals.