IRENA Chief identifies power grids as key to energy security

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), stated during the UN General Assembly's High-Level Week that the global concept of energy security is shifting from fossil fuel reserves to renewable autonomy.

Historically, energy security was defined by oil and gas reserves. However, La Camera noted that centralized fossil fuel systems are vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and maritime chokepoints. In contrast, renewables offer a more diverse and decentralized system where energy is sourced from multiple locations and owned by various actors.

La Camera emphasized that power networks are the most urgent priority for governments, urging a focus on “grid, grid, grid” to improve interconnectivity, flexibility, and balance. He highlighted that countries with higher renewable shares, such as Spain and Norway, have demonstrated greater resilience during recent energy crises.

Currently, approximately 90 per cent of new annual power generation capacity worldwide is being added through renewable sources. The transition is being driven not only by the Paris Agreement goals but also by the necessity of strengthening national energy security through renewables, biomass, and green hydrogen.