Solar and the Energy Transition: Challenges and Opportunities
According to IRENA's World Energy Transitions Outlook, a massive growth in solar technologies (both for electricity generation and for direct use) is needed to reach the 1.5°C climate target by 2050. Yet, current deployment is far from the levels needed. This keynote will discuss the challenges and opportunities (e.g. job creation) of the energy transition and what needs to be done to get on track to 1.5°C.
Speakers
Dr. Ute Collier
Ute Collier is Deputy Director of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre at the International Renewable Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. She is responsible for IRENA’s work on policy, markets and finance for the energy transition. This covers policies for scaling up end-use decarbonisation, green hydrogen, sustainable bioenergy, renewables in the power sector, as well as energy access. She also co-leads IRENA’s annual flagship publication, the World Energy Transitions Outlook. Prior to joining IRENA in May 2021, she was Head of Energy at Practical Action, leading the development organisation’s work on renewable energy solutions in energy access settings. Previously, she worked at the International Energy Agency and the UK’s Climate Change Committee, with a particular focus on heat decarbonisation in buildings and industry. Earlier in her career, she worked on sustainable energy issues in a number of public sector and non-governmental organisations.
