AI and digital technology can help treble renewable energy by 2030, says UN report
A new United Nations (UN) report highlights the “pivotal role” of innovation, digitalisation and finance in scaling up renewable energy to achieve climate goals.
The Climate Technology Progress Report finds that while some countries have made headway in adopting renewable energy, “the transition away from fossil fuels has been uneven”.
According to the UN, the world needs to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 and 133 countries signed a pledge committing to this at COP28 in Dubai last year. The report, produced by the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Technology Executive Committee and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Copenhagen Climate Centre, is designed to be a roadmap for policymakers interested in accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technology.
Falling cost of technology, rising need for digitalisation
The report underlines the falling cost of renewable energy technologies, particularly those that underpin solar and wind power. It also emphasises the importance of developing energy storage systems and modernising electric grids, which it calls “essential” to the large-scale adoption of renewable energy.
The report outlines an important role for digital innovations in boosting renewable energy, and says that national energy and digital strategies will increasingly need to be integrated.
“Digital technologies including artificial intelligence are increasingly important for mapping renewable energy potential, improving efficiency and enabling interconnections with other sectors, such as water and agriculture,” the report states, though adds that “they cannot replace the physical infrastructure and governance systems needed for energy transition”.
Read more: Brazil’s new climate investment platform hailed as ‘an example to the world’
The report details how scaling up AI-based technologies, such as using machine learning for advanced solar mapping, requires fostering public-private partnerships, considering the risks and challenges of using AI, promoting transparent and accessible data, and integrating AI tools into national energy strategies.
“Robust governance frameworks are necessary to ensure the responsible use of AI in renewable energy projects, including setting national standards for data privacy and equitable access,” it states.
It also stresses the need for strong governance mechanisms and circular economy strategies at the national level “to mitigate the increased demand for information and communications technology hardware and infrastructure, which could offset potential gains”.
National policies should mandate that new and expanding data centres be powered by renewable energy sources and use sustainable materials in their construction and operation, the report says. “This will minimise the environmental impact of the growing digital sector and ensure its alignment with climate goals.”
Financial barriers to be overcome
Despite the maturity of renewable energy technologies, the report finds that financial barriers continue to hinder widespread adoption, particularly in developing countries.
It highlights the high cost of capital as a significant barrier to investment in renewable energy projects and suggests that blended finance solutions – where multilateral development banks provide low-interest loans with guarantees – can help reduce these costs and spur investment.
The release of the report comes as the COP29 climate conference gets underway in Azerbaijan. It also comes in advance of a February 2025 deadline for countries to submit a second round of national climate plans (Nationally Determined Contributions) to the Paris Agreement.
About Sarah Wray
Sarah has over 15 years’ experience as a journalist with a specialism in the public sector and topics such as digitalisation and climate action. Sarah was formerly the editor of Cities Today and Smart Cities World, as well as a specialist video-based publication in the aerospace sector. She has also written for publications including Smart Cities Dive, Mobile Europe, Mobile World Live and Computer Weekly.
Related Posts
