A 10-point plan to scale up renewable energy in the Global South

The parties to the Paris Agreement have a new ambition: Tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. We investigate this pledge from the point of view of renewable energy operators in developing countries, where future energy needs are largest. We identify the key risks and barriers operators face. As renewable energy technology has matured, these risks have evolved. Operators are now much more concerned about market (e.g. tariff levels), macroeconomic (e.g. exchange rates) and governance (e.g. administrative hurdles) risks than technology risks per se. We put forward 10 concrete, actionable measures to accelerate renewable energy deployment. The measures are well understood, and if they are scaled up determinedly the 2030 target is achievable.