Renewable energy has become a cornerstone of global energy security and sustained growth will require major investment in cross-border grid infrastructure, said International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Director-General Francesco La Camera on the sidelines of the 16th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting.
The meeting opened Thursday, with some 300 participants, including energy ministers or representatives of APEC economies and heads of relevant international organizations, attending the opening ceremony of the two-day meeting.
Speaking to China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beijing on Thursday, La Camera said the growth of artificial intelligence has added new urgency to the global shift toward renewable energy.
He said green energy is now judged on cost and reliability, not just on climate grounds.
"We see that renewables have been considered at the beginning as a source of clean energy. Now, it's not only clean energy, but also a source of economically competitive [energy], because it is the cheapest way to generate power, and is the right solution for ensuring energy security," he said.
IRENA is backing that shift with hands-on support from first blueprint to daily operation, he said.
"We're trying to have a 360-degree approach, from the planning to the project and to the monitoring (for members). We have a regional initiative for Africa, for Central Asia, for Southeast Asia. And we are going to launch another one in October for the Caribbean and Latin America," he added.
According to the IRENA chief, the rapid rise of AI is driving electricity demand sharply higher and green power can cover the surge. He pointed to China, where the two industries are being developed in tandem to modernize grid management.
"The demand coming from data centers of artificial intelligence could be satisfied with renewables. China is working with AI and energy together. The use of artificial intelligence can make our grids smarter, more efficient and lowering the cost of distribution [of the electricity]," said La Camera.
La Camera also noted that the buildout of sustainable energy is now outpacing the networks meant to carry its output.
"Where we are getting now is so important that we strengthen the interconnectivity of our energy system. We have seen that in China now the installed capacity of renewables is overtaking the one on coal, and that is also happening in other parts of the world. So now, the share of renewable electricity into the energy system is increasing significantly. And these are also calling for strengthening our capacity to move the electricity," he said.
"So grids [for electrons], the connectivity for the molecule pipeline [for hydrogen/gas] are absolutely needed. And we need to accelerate the building of the interconnected community along the countries, but also along the regions. So it's not just a question to build something and work for one country. We need to exchange electricity to a larger scale of the region and the world," he added.
Power grids must catch up with green power: IRENA chief
