WMO joins the UN community in celebrating the International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January, promoting the need for access to affordable, dependable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Currently, about 685 million people still lack a reliable energy source, undermining health, education and economic development.
WMO is committed to supporting the transition to renewable energy by strengthening the provision of tailored weather and climate services.
This is because of the close links between renewable energy resources and weather and climate conditions which impact the potential capacity of wind, solar and hydropower. It is also because climate change affects energy supply and demand, particularly in the context of heating and cooling.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the transition to renewables was unstoppable.
"This year, renewables are projected to become the world's largest source of electricity generation for the first time. Meanwhile, their prices keep plummeting. On the International Day of Clean Energy, we celebrate this revolution. But, we also recognize the challenges ahead," he said in a message to mark the day .
"This year offers an unparalleled opportunity for countries to align their climate ambitions with their national energy and development strategies," he said.
The International Day of Clean Energy highlights how clean energy plays a vital role in reducing emissions, and can also benefit communities lacking access to reliable power sources. Still today, 685 million people live in the dark - more than 80 per cent of them in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The connection between clean energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability is crucial in addressing issues faced by vulnerable communities worldwide.
"Renewable energy is powered by the forces of nature-sunlight, wind, and water cycles-the very elements that WMO has monitored and forecasted for the entire 75 years of its existence," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. "Science-driven information will not only strengthen energy resilience but also unlock economic opportunities and sustainable development."
"There is a close link between climate variability/change and renewable energy supply and demand. For example, solar power generation in sunnier-than-average conditions, or hydropower generation in the face of fluctuating precipitation patterns," she said.
"Such challenges also present unprecedented opportunities: the integration of climate insights into energy planning yields more reliable power generation, helps anticipate seasonal peaks in demand and strengthens the adaptability of future infrastructure development," she said.
According In 2024, renewable power capacity grew by over 530 GW globally. Yet, this record falls short of the level required to align with net-zero goals by 2050. Globally, annual renewable power capacity additions would need to reach an average of 1 066 GW per year from 2023 to 2050 to keep temperature increase to below 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era.
WMO collaborates closely with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The 26 January is also the founding date of IRENA in 2009.
