'Finance, efficiency deficit hindering renewable energy use'

Shortages of finance, efficiency and human cadre are the main obstacles to optimal renewable energy usage, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has said.      

IRENA, an intergovernmental body for promoting adoption of renewable energy worldwide, held a conference in Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh yesterday where delegations from 129 countries have assembled.      

The body aims to facilitate transfer of renewable energy technology and provide expertise for application and policies.      

At least 50 per cent of job openings available at IRENA will be occupied by women, the body's newly-appointed director-general said.      

In statements to reporters yesterday after taking the helm, the IRENA top official added finance, efficiency and human cadre shortages are the three main obstacles to optimal renewable energy usage.      

Soon, conventional energy sources will fall short of meeting growing global demands, prompting renewable forms of energy, especially those generated from sunlight and the wind, to cover the shortage, she noted.      

Laws regulating IRENA internal workers affairs as well as cadres in charge of operating the energy body and devising its modus operandi were also mooted during the meeting.