At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), a monumental commitment reverberated through the halls, Invest-Gate reports.

The Global Leadership Council (GLC) of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) proudly unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium.

Moreover, this consortium, endorsed by a league of global heavyweights including the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and others, secured pledges from eleven pioneering nations, with Indonesia showcasing keen interest.

These countries, including Egypt, Barbados, Togo and many others, pledged their commitment to the BESS Consortium, spearheading a collaborative drive to secure 5 gigawatts (GW) of BESS commitments by the close of 2024.

Furthermore, the ambition extends far beyond mere numbers; it’s a strategic manoeuvre to realize the estimated 400 GW of renewable energy required to combat energy poverty by 2030 and curtail a gigaton of CO2 emissions. To attain this, the development of 90 GW of storage capacity becomes imperative, a milestone the initial 5 GW commitment seeks to set the stage for.

Amidst the enthusiasm, global leaders articulated impassioned calls for action. The Honorable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, urged for tangible results in climate action, emphasizing Barbados’ dedication to catalyzing change. President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi underscored the urgency of investing in resilience-building and clean energy to mitigate the impacts of climate-induced disasters.

These commitments aren’t mere promises; they’re the seeds of a just energy transition, resonating with the sentiments of Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 President, who highlighted the imperative of Africa’s rapid adoption of a low-carbon development path.

Meanwhile, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, stressed the necessity of electricity access for powering economies and providing clean cooking for millions.

Notably, the BESS Consortium represents a radical shift in tackling climate complexities, as collaboration, as noted by Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI, is paramount in addressing these challenges. It’s a unified effort, bridging governments, investors, corporations, and communities towards a sustainable, energy-abundant future for all.