A new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) outlines 40 key innovations that can help governments strengthen power systems, widen energy access and support local development.
The report explains that there is no single solution for every country. It states that long-term progress depends on linking technology with strong policy, regulation, market design, system operations and business models.
IRENA launched the report during a Ministerial Dialogue on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at its Assembly. Titled Innovation landscape for sustainable development powered by renewables, the study shows that change happens when technical advances work alongside policy and business reform.
The report covers a wide range of innovations. These include AI tools, digital systems, smarter grid planning, off-grid energy solutions and new business approaches. It finds that a joined-up strategy can improve power system resilience, increase access, keep energy affordable and support the energy transition.
This publication is the third in IRENA’s Innovation Landscape series. The series focuses on new ways to expand the impact of renewable energy across global economies.
“The question isn’t whether we can transform our energy system”, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA said, “it’s whether we will seize the moment to do it in a holistic way, benefitting all. The energy transition is not only about availability of technology, but also about solutions which deliver social justice. With today’s report we call for a systemic innovation approach and guide policymakers with a toolkit to formulate tailored solutions.”
Renewables now provide the lowest-cost electricity in most regions. Their falling prices and decentralised nature make electricity access and grid stability more achievable. This supports fair growth and economic progress in emerging and developing markets.
Countries must shape their own plans based on local needs. These include grid capacity, power demand, economic conditions, natural resources and cultural factors.
The report shows that many of these ideas are already in use. When scaled correctly, they can support sustainable development.
In Tanzania, Kenya, Colombia and Malaysia, communities jointly own renewable energy projects. In West Africa, 15 countries share power through regional grids. In Malaysia, live weather data increases transmission capacity by up to 50%. Uganda and Rwanda use battery swap stations to support electric transport. In Sierra Leone and Liberia, pay-as-you-go systems now supply power to more than 500,000 people.
IRENA groups the 40 innovations into four toolkits. These focus on grid upgrades, decentralised power, local development and energy access. The aim is to help governments apply solutions that fit their own conditions.
The report stresses that action is needed at every level. This includes global institutions, national governments and local communities. IRENA’s framework supports tailored approaches based on technical, economic and social needs.
Read the full Innovation landscape for sustainable development powered by renewables.