The International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) has thrown its weight behind calls for a green-led recovery for coronavirus-battered economies, gathering more than 100 sector players into a ‘Coalition for Action’.
The coalition is urging policymakers to take concrete steps to help renewables play a key role in revival plans that have the added benefit of meeting economic objectives.
Measures urged by the Irena-led group range from looking again at deadlines faced by renewables projects to prioritising wind and solar in stimulus plans and providing financial support where necessary.
Members of the coalition include developer giants such as Enel, Orsted and Iberdrola, OEMs Vestas, Siemens Gamesa and First Solar, and a number of global industry associations.
The Irena initiative joins a growing chorus of demands that the green economy should feel the benefit of any stimulus rather than ‘dying’ fossil industries.
Irena said: “Governments have a historic opportunity to examine domestic industrial capabilities and supply chains, making these fit for the global shift to a clean, low-carbon economy. Along with renewable energy itself, governments can support other industries with an enabling role, such as green hydrogen, storage and digital solutions.”
It added: “No other industry can match such impact while simultaneously reducing global climate emissions.”
