Global network of energy centres calls on COP27 to support regional cooperation as a cornerstone of the climate transition

The Executive Director of the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency ECREEE, Mr. Francis Sempore was among heads of Energy Centres who attended the 5th Steering Committee meeting of the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC). The high-profile meeting was convened by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) with support of the Governments of Austria between 5^th and 8^th September 2022 at the Vienna International Centre.

The meeting was attended by the heads of ten centres, representing various economic communities and more than 108 developing countries from the Africa Arab region, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean. At the end of the meeting the leaders concluded with a clear message: “In times of fossil fuel price and climate escalations, more than ever, regional cooperation is needed to accelerate the transition towards renewables and energy efficiency”.

Delegates also highlighted difficulties to access climate financing for regional programs and related opportunity costs noting that regional cooperation can contribute to economies of scale by facilitating equal progress and joint learning, harmonization of policies and market standards, shared resources and intelligence, replication of best practice, as well as bundling of projects and financing. The centres agreed to jointly advocate for a better recognition of the “missing regional link” at COP27.

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) have been a strong advocate to boost green hydrogen and sustainable and electric mobility in the ECOWAS region. The next ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF), scheduled to take place in October, will address these issues.