An open letter from over 100 organisations urges world leaders to set ambitious, specific, and actionable renewable energy targets in their upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations.
New York City, 23 September 2024: Today, the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) published an open letter supported by more than 100 international organisations and companies, calling on world leaders to seize the opportunity presented by the revision of NDCs to the Paris Agreement.
Titled “Now Deliver Change,” the letter calls on world leaders to include ambitious, specific, and actionable renewable energy targets in their new and updated NDCs, to swiftly translate COP28 global commitments into concrete national plans and local projects. Immediate action is critical to meet the goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and keeping the 1.5-degree target within reach.
The letter’s supporters – spanning energy buyers, suppliers, non-governmental and multinational organisations – include companies such as Amazon, Apple, Adani, Fortescue, CIP, Corio Generation, EDP, EY, Iberdrola, Invenergy, Octopus Energy, SSE, Topsoe, and Vestas, and global organisations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Climate Group, C40 Cities, GEAPP, REN21, RMI, SEForAll, The Nature Conservancy, WBCSD and We Mean Business Coalition.
A key point raised in the letter is the need for NDCs to provide market certainty. This is essential for encouraging private sector investment – historically responsible for over 80% of renewable energy investment. Ambitious national targets within NDCs are vital to mobilise the necessary private capital and scale up renewable energy technologies to meet global climate goals.
“Clear and ambitious NDCs offer long-term policy certainty at the national level, reduce investment risks, and encourage private sector participation. The world now needs speed, scale and quality of action to achieve the 3xRenewables target by 2030,” said Bruce Douglas, CEO of the GRA.
The letter calls for national targets that are:
The campaign also highlights the need for global targets for grid infrastructure and energy storage – critical components for a swift and secure transition to renewable energy. Without a rapid increase in modern, resilient grids and energy storage capacity across all durations, the growth of renewables will be constrained.
“World leaders must capture this unique opportunity. Setting bold and measurable renewable energy goals in NDCs is not only essential to meeting climate targets but also to unlocking the economic potential and benefits of the global clean energy transition. Renewables can deliver millions of jobs and secure, clean, affordable energy to the global population,” Douglas added.
The open letter was launched during the Global Renewables Summit, where leaders from national governments, intergovernmental organisations, financial institutions, and businesses are gathering to mobilise action toward delivering on the global renewable energy target.
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, a key partner in the summit, endorsed the call for strengthened NDCs, stating:
“We can no longer afford delays or generic statements, nor can we expect others to lead or take action. The overwhelming support by leaders at the Global Renewables Summit and to the Open Letter clearly shows that the world assembles behind the global target of tripling renewables by 2030.”
“The next round of NDCs must mark a turning point to bring the world back on track to keep 1.5C within reach. Going forward, we must raise ambition and ensure that commitments translate into fast-track action and implementation. Tripling renewables requires an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach,” La Camera added.
Catherine McKenna, Chair of the UN High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities and former Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, stressed the critical need for immediate action: “World leaders must back their commitment to the Global Stocktake with decisive action in their national climate plans (NDCs). These NDCs need specific, actionable targets to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and phase out fossil fuels, along with robust plans to drive investment and infrastructure. This isn’t about aspirational goals—it’s about real-world action that will deliver the clean energy transition that we urgently need. The time to act is now.”
The full text of the open letter and list of supporters is available here, including details on how companies and organisations can lend their support.
The Global Renewables Alliance ( GRA) represents the leading international industry players and provides a unified renewable energy voice. Comprised of founding members the Global Wind Energy Council, the Global Solar Council, the International Hydropower Association, the International Geothermal Association, the Long Duration Energy Storage Council and the Green Hydrogen Organisation, the Alliance aims to increase ambition and accelerate the uptake of renewable energy across the world. #3xRenewables.
