This June, Holle Linnea Wlokas, Managing Director of INSPIRE, proudly represented our organisation at the IRENA Innovation Week 2025—a global convening of leaders, experts, and changemakers in the renewable energy space.
Hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this flagship event is centred on one of the most urgent imperatives of our time: tripling renewables to meet climate goals and accelerate sustainable development. Through a dynamic mix of keynote sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative working groups, the event explores how innovation and digitalisation can drive transformation across energy systems worldwide.
For INSPIRE, participating in this forum is more than just an opportunity to stay at the forefront of renewable energy innovation—it’s a chance to ensure that justice, inclusion, and community voice remain central in conversations about energy futures.
Why Innovation Must Be People-Centred
As we continue to work towards a just and inclusive energy transition, platforms like IRENA Innovation Week help shape how we think about:
- Partnerships that amplify community leadership.
- Technological advancements that serve local needs.
- Systems innovation that embeds accountability and equity.
We believe that innovation must not only solve technical challenges—it must also transform systems of exclusion and create space for meaningful participation and ownership by communities most affected by energy decisions.
Representing South Africa, Connecting Globally
Drawing from our work within South Africa’s REIPPPP and broader African energy landscapes, INSPIRE brings valuable insights about embedding social performance, stakeholder engagement, and local benefit into renewable energy systems. We are honoured to contribute to global conversations about building energy transitions that are not only sustainable but deeply equitable.
Learn more about IRENA Innovation Week 2025: https://www.irena.org/innovationweek
Let’s continue to innovate—not just with new technologies, but with new ways of collaborating, sharing power, and creating lasting impact.
