The Director-Generals of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have signed a joint declaration to advance sustainable energy through the role of green hydrogen.

In a statement made at the UN Climate Change Conference COP27 in Egypt, today (November 8), both organisations’ leaders declared to jointly advance the energy transition through green hydrogen in a bid to gain access to energy, energy security, and economic development.

It is hoped the joint declaration will also see IRENA and UNIDO develop joint knowledge products to inform policymakers to adopt the business case for green hydrogen.

Additionally, IRENA and UNIDO have said they intend to use international cooperation as a platform to see investments, policies, and clean technologies to accelerate, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“The world is still not on track to achieve universal access to sustainable and affordable energy by 2030. Globally, 733 million people still have no access to electricity,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA.

La Camera added, “This is not acceptable. By partnering with UNIDO, we want a change and facilitate greater international collaboration to amplify ambition and accelerate progress. Advancing the transition to renewables and green hydrogen is a strategic choice to bring affordable energy, jobs, economic growth, and a cleaner environment to the people and communities on the ground.”

Gerd Müller, Director-General of UNIDO, commented, “Energy is the basis for all development. It is the decisive motor. Green hydrogen is an immense opportunity, especially for developing countries. With their vast renewable energy potential, many can be green hydrogen producers.

“This is the chance for low-carbon industrialisation, and jobs for millions of people. The efforts of UNIDO and IRENA are complementary. We support an energy transition and must make sure that it is a just transition. Developing countries need the inputs from our two organisations to make this happen.”