The topic of ‘energy’ has gradually moved over the last decades to the very top of the international political agenda. Renewable energy, in particular, has received high attention as a potential win-win option in both the environment and development arenas. Its position has been significantly strengthened lately by increased geopolitical concerns about the security of energy supplies and the related increase in oil prices to some of the highest historical levels.

Renewable Energy has become a cornerstone of the UN system strategy. The important role it plays in tackling energy security, climate change and poverty alleviation is highly recognized by various UN agencies, such as UN Environment Programme, UN Development Programme, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Industrial Development Organization, World Bank, The Global Environment Facility and Commission on Sustainable Development. These organizations conducted projects and developed initiatives through all spectrums of renewable energy, from policy design to increase financial accessibility, from women empowerment to public awareness rising, from R&D to improve technological potential to enhance energy access to the poorest population.

Most recently, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was established. Mandated by governments worldwide, IRENA’s mission is to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy.

The issue of renewable energy is also taken on by the G8 process, and in particular the Gleneagles Dialogue and the subsequent G8 annual meetings since 2005, in which, apart from the G8 countries, large developing countries are also taking part, and to which the World Bank and the International Energy Agency are contributing. Noted in a joint statement, the Heads of State and Heads of Government set out the common purpose in tackling climate change, promoting clean energy and achieving sustainable development. In the statement, the areas of further action are defined, and a global dialogue on climate change, clean energy and sustainable development is announced.

Furthermore, the 2004 Bonn International Renewable Energy Conference, the 2005 Beijing International Renewable Energy Conference, the 2008 Washington International Renewable Energy Conference and the upcoming 2010 Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference represent additional momentums on advancing renewable energy technologies and designing appropriate policies outside of the UN system.

Further reading