In a decisive step toward advancing global energy security and clean energy transitions, Climate, Energy, and Environment Ministers from the G7 countries convened in Turin under Italy’s 2024 G7 Presidency. The ministers acknowledged the crucial role of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in shaping sustainable energy policies, aligning with the ambitious targets set during the COP28 climate summit held in Dubai last December.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
The communique released after the two-day meeting emphasized the urgency of implementing the UAE Consensus. This includes tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030, while advancing a just and orderly transition away from fossil fuels.
The G7 ministers repeatedly cited IEA analyses and entrusted the Agency with the responsibility of guiding the global energy transition through actionable pathways and progress tracking.
Accelerating Renewable Energy and Storage
A core focus of the discussions was renewable energy expansion and power storage. The G7 ministers reiterated their commitment to tripling renewable energy deployment and achieving a fully or predominantly decarbonized power sector by 2035. Citing the IEA’s Special Report on Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions, they pledged to scale up global power storage capacity by over six times between 2022 and 2030. Batteries are expected to play a central role in this expansion, ensuring a stable energy supply as renewable energy becomes a dominant source of power.
Additionally, the ministers acknowledged the critical need for increased investment in electricity grids. Based on IEA estimates, such investment must nearly double to exceed USD 600 billion annually by 2030 to meet global climate targets. This highlights the interconnectedness of renewable energy, storage technologies, and infrastructure development in achieving a sustainable energy future.
Doubling Energy Efficiency Improvements
Energy efficiency was identified as a cornerstone of people-centered clean energy transitions. The G7 ministers expressed strong support for the IEA’s upcoming Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Nairobi, Kenya. The event aims to build momentum for doubling global energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration, the conference will serve as a critical platform to advance energy efficiency globally.
Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels
Recognizing the importance of a managed transition away from fossil fuels, the ministers tasked the IEA with delivering a comprehensive roadmap by 2025. This roadmap will outline pathways for reducing fossil fuel demand, phasing out unabated coal-fired power generation, and identifying technology solutions to support these transitions. Such efforts are integral to achieving the COP28 climate goals while maintaining energy security and economic stability.
Ensuring Critical Mineral Security
The availability of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies was another area of focus. The G7 ministers committed to accelerating the implementation of the IEA’s Critical Minerals Security Programme. By engaging with international advisory groups and working parties, they aim to ensure secure and sustainable supply chains for minerals that are vital to technologies such as batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels.
Broader Energy and Climate Initiatives
Beyond the headline issues, the communique also highlighted the IEA’s work across diverse areas, including natural gas security, decarbonizing industry and transport, reducing methane emissions, and fostering just and inclusive energy transitions. Specific attention was given to the role of sustainable energy development in Africa, showcasing the G7’s commitment to addressing global energy challenges equitably.
The IEA’s Leadership in Energy Transitions
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, addressing the opening and closing sessions of the meeting, underscored the need for sustained implementation of COP28 outcomes. Dr. Birol emphasized the importance of diversified clean energy supply chains and outlined the IEA’s role in bridging G7 efforts with broader multilateral forums such as the G20 and COP. He highlighted the upcoming Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, to be held in collaboration with Tanzania, Norway, and the African Development Bank Group, as a critical venue for advancing equitable energy solutions.
Dr. Birol also engaged in bilateral meetings with key global leaders, including COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev of Azerbaijan, Brazil’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva, and Algeria’s Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab. These discussions aimed to align international efforts and ensure the effective tracking of energy and climate commitments.
A Vision for Global Energy Security and Sustainability
The G7 meeting in Turin reaffirms the group’s resolve to lead the global energy transition. By placing the IEA at the forefront, the ministers have reinforced the Agency’s pivotal role in delivering actionable insights, guiding policy decisions, and fostering international cooperation.
The ambitious targets outlined—tripling renewables, doubling energy efficiency, phasing out unabated coal, and securing critical mineral supply chains—demonstrate the G7’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. Yet, achieving these goals requires concerted action, substantial investment, and inclusive policies that prioritize equitable access to clean energy.
Conclusion
The G7’s strong endorsement of the IEA’s leadership marks a milestone in global efforts to combat climate change and achieve energy security. As the IEA continues to provide data-driven solutions and facilitate international dialogue, it remains a key player in the collective pursuit of a sustainable, low-carbon future. Through initiatives like the Clean Cooking Summit and the Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, the Agency is fostering a collaborative approach to overcoming the pressing energy challenges of our time.
By leveraging its expertise and convening power, the IEA is not only shaping energy policies for today but also laying the groundwork for a just and resilient energy transition that leaves no one behind.
What’s New
- Advancing a Sustainable Bioeconomy: The Global Biomass Resource Assessment
- A New Era of Fairness in Clean Energy: The Global Commission on People-Centered Transitions
- The Clean Energy Ministerial Launches Campaign for Sustainable Lifestyles and Fairness in Energy Transition
- G7 Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Clean Energy Transitions with IEA at the Forefront
- Strengthening Ties for a Sustainable Future: U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership
- Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation: Leading the Charge to Net-Zero