COP28 side event: Innovative renewable solutions in agriculture

The session aims to address the critical issues surrounding the heavy dependence on imported and volatile fossil fuels within global agri-food systems, particularly focusing on developing countries’ agriculture sector. With fossil fuels accounting for a significant portion of energy consumption in food systems, resulting in high greenhouse gas emissions, there is a pressing need to transition towards renewable energy solutions.

The event will explore the transformative potential of renewable energy in powering the agriculture sector and fostering a low-emission, climate-resilient food system. Its primary objectives include promoting the adoption of productive use of renewable energy (PURE) technologies to modernize agriculture, enhance food and water security, empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and electrify the supporting infrastructure (e.g. storage, transport).

Additionally, it seeks to identify and address barriers to PURE technology adoption, engage global stakeholders to emphasize the need for increased financing and improved policies, and ignite transformative dialogues about renewable energy's potential to achieve sustainable development goals. Finally, the session will attract financial institutions' focus on the essential channeling of sustainable finance toward agri-food systems