A just and inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind presents the opportunity to address inequalities in socio-economic development. While the agreement made at COP28 to triple renewables capacity by 2030 is a global goal, countries’ capabilities and paces to reach it show persistent patterns of geographic disparities. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) identifies heightened international collaboration and finance as the enablers that significantly improve renewables deployment efforts in regions and countries that gain the least benefits from the transition. The scale-up of renewables requires strong international collaboration and co-ordinated actions across public and private sectors targeting sustainability governance, energy and climate finance, as well as technology and innovation barriers. The various forms of intern...

A biomass transformation model on display during an expo in Zhengzhou, Henan province. CHINA DAILY Biomass is emerging as a rapidly developing clean energy with vast potential, experts said, and called for further efforts to diversify its application scenarios and utilization pathways. Their remarks came after the State Council recently announced an action plan for energy conservation and carbon reduction for 2024-25. It relaxed requirements on new energy utilization in resource-rich areas from 95 percent to 90 percent. This, China Galaxy Securities' estimates suggest, could potentially unlock 74 gigawatts of new energy capacity and benefit industries like wind, solar and biomass energy. Biomass refers to material derived from living organisms that are utilized for bioenergy production. Examples include wood and wood residues, energy crops, agricultural by-product...