In conversation with the IRENA Director General on accelerating the Middle East’s renewable energy future
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In an exclusive interview with Francesco La Camera, the Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) discusses the region’s accelerating renewable energy growth, the critical priorities for scaling up clean energy adoption, and the role of international collaboration in achieving net-zero goals.
As the global energy landscape undergoes a transformative shift toward renewables, the Middle East is emerging as a key player in shaping the future of sustainable energy. In an exclusive interview with Francesco La Camera, the Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) discusses the region’s accelerating renewable energy growth, the critical priorities for scaling up clean energy adoption, and the role of international collaboration in achieving net-zero goals.
With significant strides in renewable capacity and increasing investment in green hydrogen and grid modernization, the Middle East has the potential to lead the energy transition. Here’s what the IRENA chief had to say about the path forward.
Interviewer: As the Director General of IRENA, how do you view the role of the Middle East in accelerating the global transition to renewable energy, particularly in light of its ambitious sustainability goals?
Mr. Camera: The Middle East is a key player in the global energy market, and as the energy landscape rapidly transitions toward a renewables-based system, the region must adapt to maintain its leadership. Nonetheless, we are seeing encouraging signs. In 2023, the Middle East’s total installed renewable power capacity grew by 17.5%, making it the second-fastest growing region in renewable power capacity. Though renewables still form a modest share of the region’s total power capacity, this growth signals a pivotal shift.
Looking specifically at the GCC countries, the progress is even more pronounced: renewable power capacity surged from 6.1 GW in 2022 to 10.6 GW in 2023, marking an impressive 75% year-over-year increase. This strong momentum reflects growing commitments to clean energy, but progress must accelerate significantly across the broader Middle East to meet climate and development goals.
Interviewer: What are the key priorities for the Middle East to accelerate progress?
Mr. Camera: To stand any chance of remaining on track to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the world must significantly ramp up renewable capacity additions in the six remaining years to reach more than 11.2 TW of total power capacity by 2030, as outlined in the UAE Consensus at COP28.
However, achieving this target requires more than just expanding renewable power capacity. It demands a fundamental transformation of global energy infrastructure, shifting from a centralized, fossil-based system to one that enables the widespread adoption of renewables.
To make this transition possible, three key priorities must be urgently addressed.
First, the region must transform its existing energy infrastructure, including modernizing grid networks to become more balanced, flexible and interconnected. With abundant low-cost renewables and a strategic geographic location, the Middle East also has a unique opportunity to lead in green hydrogen production. However, realizing this potential depends on a well-structured framework for production, trade, and investment.
Secondly, policy and regulatory reform must take priority. Fossil fuel investments still receive greater market support and subsidies, which must urgently be redirected toward renewables.
Finally, workforce readiness is key. Investing in education, training, and reskilling programs will not only facilitate a just transition in the Middle East but also unlock new economic opportunities.
Interviewer: IRENA's recent reports emphasize the importance of international collaboration for achieving net-zero goals. What steps can governments and businesses in the Middle East take to enhance such partnerships?
Mr. Camera: Countries in the Middle East have significant potential for energy export and shared energy systems, so it is critical for countries to work together to strengthen cross-border interconnection and joint renewable energy projects, from solar farms to wind energy and green hydrogen infrastructure.
IRENA is fostering international collaboration through initiatives like the Utilities for Net-Zero Alliance (UNEZA). This platform unites leading global utilities and power companies, including key players from the Middle East, such as TAQA.
UNEZA is working to accelerate the development of renewable-ready grid infrastructure, promote clean energy solutions, and advance electrification efforts. Its investment commitments are substantial and continue to grow, with more than USD 117 billion pledged annually for grids and renewable energy projects.
Expanding such partnerships will be essential to unlocking the region’s renewable energy potential and positioning it as a global leader in the energy transition.
Interviewer: From your perspective as a global leader in renewable energy, how do events like Middle East Energy 2025 foster collaboration and innovation within the energy sector, and how do you see them contributing to the global energy transition?
Mr. Camera: The energy sector is highly dynamic, making continuous dialogue essential in navigating emerging challenges and seizing new opportunities for collaboration.
Events like Middle East Energy serve as important milestones throughout the year, bringing together industry leaders to exchange ideas and address the region’s unique energy challenges. IRENA looks forward to participating.
Francesco La Camera is one of the speakers at the 49th Middle East Energy, happening from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, convenes leading energy experts, innovators, and key players from around the globe to spark innovation, foster collaboration, and shape the future of energy. It’s a premier international trade event for the power industry, covering various topics, such as energy generation, transmission, distribution, and storage. Register now!
Middle East & North Africa Energy Outlook Report 2025
This must-have report for industry players offers a comprehensive analysis of the latest technological advancements and forecasts for the energy landscape in one of the world's most pivotal regions, the Middle East and North Africa.