With the COP 28 negotiations having recently concluded, we see that the agenda for “transitioning away from fossil fuels” is finally recognised, despite science being clear for decades on this matter.

This global conference was accompanied by several measures agreed upon to decarbonise the energy system, which is at the heart of what we do with Solar Thermal technology. Energy efficiency is also an obvious one that no one can challenge. The need for society to progress on the ever more pressing issues related to climate change in line with biodiversity, respecting the principles of just transition, and supported by an appropriate climate finance system are key. While conferences like COP 28 play a crucial role in urging stakeholders to commit, the real challenge lies in the effective delivery and implementation of these commitments.

While some reports share mixed feelings about certain outcomes and the lack of a strong push for renewables, including financial support, let’s acknowledge that this COP will have indeed emphasized the need to move away from fossil fuels. Step by step.

Looking at the Global Pledge on Renewables, we unequivocally endorse the following statements:

“Recognizing that, to ensure that the global community meets the collective goal of the Paris Agreement to keep warming well below 2°C while pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C, the pace and scale of deployment of renewables and energy efficiency must increase significantly between now and 2030, propelling the global move towards energy systems free of unabated fossil fuels well ahead of and by mid-century at the latest.”

“Recognizing that this decade will be crucial for renewables and energy efficiency, with accelerated action and ambitious policy implementation that are vital to addressing energy security and affordability challenges.

“Commit to work together to triple the world’s installed renewable energy generation capacity.”

“Commit to take comprehensive domestic actions to contribute to the achievement of this pledge, including by adopting ambitious national policies on renewable energy and energy efficiency and reflecting this ambition in NDCs, working with cities and subnational governments, focusing on the key tools and enablers most relevant to national and local circumstances.”

These are abstracts of the Global Renewable and Energy Efficiency Pledge that was endorsed by 132 countries in Dubai. While the pledge predominantly references “power,” from the perspective of Solar Heat Europe, we interpret it as a commitment that includes ALL renewables, including Solar Thermal. Solar Thermal can directly address society’s largest share of energy needs — heat. We will continue advocating for the adoption of “direct” renewable energy sources to fulfill heat requirements, arguing that technologies like solar thermal are indispensable for providing direct heat and alleviating the burden on power grids.

Relevant links:

• COP28 UAE – United Nations Climate Change Conference
• COP28: Global Renewables And Energy Efficiency Pledge
• Global Cooling Pledge For COP28
• Press Release: COP28 sent strong signals for the energy transition but much work lies ahead to set it on course for a fossil-free and renewables-based economies by 2050  – REN21