The two entities will work together to expedite the adoption of renewable energy throughout the maritime sector and beyond.
IRENA and DP World, a UAE-based global supply chain solutions company, have entered a collaboration agreement. Together, they will work on decarbonizing the shipping and ports sectors, aligning current infrastructure, logistics, and processes with the demands of the energy transition. The signing, held at DP World’s Headquarters in Dubai between IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera and DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, preceded the United Nations (UN) Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera stated, “To align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and meet the demands of a transforming energy landscape, we must overcome existing infrastructure barriers, including in shipping and ports. By partnering with DP World, we aim to transform these sectors, making them more conducive to the global energy transition, where renewables-based fuels will play an increasingly prominent role.”
La Camera also praised DP World’s innovative use of smart electrification and its commitment to decarbonize operations by 2040. DP World has achieved a nearly 50% reduction in carbon emissions from its UAE operations this year, with Jebel Ali port’s electricity now sourced entirely from renewable sources.
DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem expressed honor in partnering with IRENA, emphasizing the joint commitment to renewable energy powering global supply chains. He highlighted their dedication to integrating renewable energy into DP World’s global operations and acknowledged IRENA’s pivotal role as a partner in DP World’s decarbonization journey.
IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook emphasizes the need for infrastructure upgrades to facilitate the global trade of renewable fuels between low-cost supply and high-demand regions. The shipping sector must rely on a diverse mix of low-carbon fuels, including ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen, to align with the 1.5°C target. Through the agreement, IRENA and DP World aim to address supply, infrastructure, and technological challenges, scaling up efforts to increase the uptake of renewables-based fuels.