28 February 2008 by Eric Martinot, Lead Author

The development of renewable energy around the world is something I've followed and studied for more than 15 years. Today, there is unprecedented policy leadership at national, state/provincial, and local levels in many places around the world. That policy leadership, coupled with high levels of investment and industry growth, means that renewables are more central to our global energy future than ever before. While researching and writing the Renewables Global Status Report, I continue to be amazed at the trends and staggering developments that now appear virtually daily. (And it is impossible to capture all of them!)

Our perceptions of renewable energy just can't keep up with the constantly changing reality. The report helps keep those perceptions current, and gives insight into further areas for detailed understanding from other sources. The report is recommended reading for a wide range of audiences – from those learning about renewables for the first time to those well-versed but seeking current insights, and from policy-makers at all levels to business leaders, researchers, students, and all concerned citizens.

The subject has never been more relevant as concerns have become stronger about energy security, fossil fuel prices, climate change, air pollution, supply sufficiency, and other issues that renewables are uniquely poised to address.

And it is going to be ever more challenging to follow global trends in the future. In that regard, the report should continue to evolve in the future, and REN21 and myself welcome feedback and future contributions.

We would appreciate in particular information on important new policy developments, renewable energy policies that may have been missed so far, and any general or specific suggestions on what should be included in subsequent reports.

I am grateful to REN21, the German government, the Worldwatch Institute, and to literally hundreds of people around the world for the opportunity to compile this global picture of renewable energy and foster greater understanding. The results are personally inspiring to me and hopefully to many others. With each edition of the report, I become more convinced that our future will be a renewable one! Let us work together towards that future.

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REN21 forums create dialogue to emphasise the importance of renewable energy and to generate discussion on how they can be promoted. While the forums benefit from the contributions of the REN21 community, the views expressed are those of the individual authors identified as the originators. They are not necessarily those of any of the other contributors, or any partner, sponsor or endorsing body of the REN21 Network.