RE Project Delays Can Halt Global 2030 Targets: IEA

Globally, the recent shift in solar PV and wind demand highlights the urgent need for timely integration of these technologies. Such integration is crucial for achieving global decarbonization goals and can significantly contribute to meeting growing electricity demands by 2030.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its recent report titled “Integrating Solar and Wind: Global Experience and Emerging Challenges,” highlights the adverse effects of failing to implement integration measures aligned with the 2030 scenario. Without these measures, up to 15% of solar PV and wind energy, or variable renewable energy (VRE), could be jeopardized by 2030. The report warns that delays in implementing support measures could not only endanger up to 15% of solar PV and wind power generation but also result in up to a 20% smaller reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the power sector.

Effect Of Delayed Implementation

The report emphasizes that delaying integration measures could compromise up to 15% of solar PV and wind power generation in 2030, and may lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions being up to 20% smaller than projected.

Should integration measures not align with national climate targets, up to 2,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of global VRE generation could be at risk by 2030, potentially hindering the achievement of national energy and climate goals.

The forecast indicates that the share of solar PV and wind in the global electricity mix in 2030 could be 30%, compared to the 35% projected if integration measures are timely. If this decrease is offset by increased reliance on fossil fuels, it could result in up to a 20% smaller reduction in CO2 emissions.

Delays in implementing necessary VRE integration measures could significantly impede countries from meeting their energy and climate pledges. The Integration Delay Case that IEA presented, represents a scenario where countries fail to implement integration measures in accordance with national climate targets, and 15% of global VRE generation is at risk by 2030. This equates to jeopardizing 2,000 TWh of VRE—comparable to the VRE generation of China and Europe combined in 2023. This potential loss stems from increased VRE curtailment (both technical and economic) and potential delays in project connections.