Policies under focus to boost energy system

abu dhabi — Lawmakers from around the world gathered in Abu Dhabi to discuss the policies needed to accelerate transformation of the global energy system, in a Legislators Forum organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and a Parliamentary Forum jointly organised by the UAE’s Federal National Council.

Held the day before the opening of the Eighth Assembly of IRENA, the 2018 IRENA Legislators Forum, “Renewable Energy – the Role of Legislators in Catalysing Action to Accelerate the Energy Transformation” is the third meeting of its kind hosted by the agency and seeks to facilitate dialogue between legislators on the deployment of renewables and the critical challenges facing the global energy transformation. Participation in this year’s Forum doubled from last year’s, including attendees from 30 countries around the world.

“Legislators have a key role to play in enacting and overseeing the laws that govern the energy sector, and in widening the support for renewables through their respective constituents,” said IRENA DG, Adnan Z. Amin during the opening of the Forum.

“As the energy transformation gathers momentum, it increasingly brings with it important economic, social and environmental benefits to citizens and communities all over the world,” continued Amin. “Therefore it is crucial that as our energy system evolves, lawmakers’ remain engaged and informed advocates of a low-carbon energy future.”

In addition to covering areas of policy, legislation, and the tools necessary to support legislators, discussions at this year’s Forum focused on renewables deployment from the power sector to enduse sector, and on raising the level of ambition of renewable energy in Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

— business@khaleejtimes.com