About this report
Introduction
Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have been experiencing rapid growth, with installed capacity more than doubling and their share of global electricity generation nearly doubling from 2018 to 2023. This report highlights the urgent need for the timely integration of solar PV and wind capacity to achieve global decarbonisation goals, as these technologies are projected to play a significant role in meeting the increasing demand for electricity by 2030. However, failure to implement integration measures in line with climate and energy pledges could jeopardise up to 15% of solar PV and wind energy generation in 2030. This gap, if filled with continued reliance on fossil fuels, would result in significantly less CO2 emissions reduction.
Global Stocktake of VRE Integration Measures
This report includes a first-ever global stocktake of variable renewable energy (VRE) integration measures in 50 power systems, which account for nearly 90% of global solar PV and wind power generation. The analysis identifies proven measures for facilitating VRE integration, particularly in systems at early phases of adoption. The report also updates the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) phases of VRE integration framework to address emerging challenges at higher levels of VRE penetration. It provides an overview of solutions that are already being implemented in several countries to tackle these challenges. The report emphasizes that while systems at early phases of VRE integration can accelerate deployment with relatively low system impact, those in high phases face more complex challenges related to stability and flexibility. This calls for a transformation in how power systems are operated, planned, and financed.
Strategic Government Action and Regulatory Reforms
This report calls for strategic government action, enhanced infrastructure, and regulatory reforms to ensure the successful large-scale integration of solar PV and wind power in order to meet global energy transition targets. It highlights the importance of robust data, stakeholder collaboration, and government prioritization of integration measures in overcoming these challenges and achieving a sustainable energy future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage increase in installed capacity of solar PV and wind power |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Identification and implementation of integration measures for solar PV and wind power |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | Government action, infrastructure enhancement, and regulatory reforms |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities | Reduction in CO2 emissions through the integration of solar PV and wind power |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets that can be identified based on the article’s content are:
– Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
– Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
– Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Percentage increase in installed capacity of solar PV and wind power to measure progress towards Target 7.2.
– Identification and implementation of integration measures for solar PV and wind power to measure progress towards Target 13.2.
– Government action, infrastructure enhancement, and regulatory reforms to measure progress towards Target 9.1.
– Reduction in CO2 emissions through the integration of solar PV and wind power to measure progress towards Target 11.6.
Source: iea.org
