SAIREC Declaration Commits to Work on Global Energy

At the conclusion of the South African International Renewable Energy Conference (SAIREC 2015), over 3,600 delegates from 82 countries adopted the SAIREC Declaration. In consideration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Declaration stresses that increased deployment of renewable energy will improve global energy access and energy security, help mitigate emissions and contribute to sustainable economic development.

The Declaration states that: 2.9 billion people lack access to clean forms of cooking; to make universal access a reality by 2030, 1.3 billion people, 621 million of which live in sub-Saharan Africa, should be provided access to electricity; all approaches, including grid and off-grid solutions should be considered and adopted; and rural and urban demands can best be met with a diverse technology mix that takes advantage of sub-Saharan Africa's solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and hydropower resources.

The Declaration also emphasizes various elements, inter alia: transparent and effective procurement processes; prioritizing renewable energy globally; skills transfer and development; securing financial resources; prioritizing regulatory frameworks, local supply chains and local investment; integrated planning; regional trade and energy resource development; programmes for infrastructural development in Africa; and clean energy corridor initiatives and focusing on the African Renewable Energy Initiative.

SAIREC was the first international renewable energy conference following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, which, for the first time includes a dedicated goal on sustainable energy.

IRENA report “Africa 2030: Roadmap for a Renewable Energy Future” and REN21, UNIDO Report “SADC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Status Report” were both launched during the South Africa International Renewable Energy Conference (SAIREC).