01 March 2007 - On 27 February, REN21 staged a discussion on how to advance renewable energy through case studies, voluntary commitments, and review of progress. Timely for the ongoing deliberations at the Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting (IMP) for CSD15, numerous delegates and observers seized this chance to engage in a rich informal exchange about possible options. The side event was registered by the German Ministry for the Environment.

Li Junfeng, Co-Chair of the REN21 Steering Committee, opened and moderated the event.

Paul Suding, Head of the REN21 Secretariat, introduced the subject and put the three instruments in perspective regarding action-oriented outcomes of international conferences: the matrix of case studies is a source of lessons learnt from past activities; voluntary commitments programmes announce future action; and a review arrangement determines progress made. In relation to the CSD15 session, the matrix is already part of the process, a new basket of voluntary commitments may be set up, and a review arrangement may be endorsed.

Ralph Wahnschafft and Fred Soltau of UN DESA presented the CSD Matrix. This information tool provides information on the practical experience made by governments, UN agencies and major groups in the implementation of policies and projects. Today, the Matrix contains a growing number of case studies in the four areas of the current CSD cycle, i.e. sustainable energy, industrial development, air pollution/atmosphere, and climate change. The International Action Programme of the Bonn renewables 2004 Conference is also referenced in the Matrix database. The Matrix has been set up to share lessons learnt and best practices.

Philippe Lempp of the REN21 Secretariat presented the work undertaken by REN21 in following up on the 197 renewable energy commitments submitted in the Bonn International Action Programme. With most actions reported as being successfully implemented, this work has proven that voluntary commitment programmes can be feasible, efficient and meaningful. The global impacts on climate change, energy access and other indicators are significant. Voluntary programmes may therefore be regarded as a "third way" for advancing renewable energy, especially where multilaterally agreed binding targets are hard to agree on, while unspecific declarations of intent are of limited value. Through this work, REN21 has gained some useful insight on how to design effective voluntary commitment programmes, and on how to undertake effective review thereof. As a result, REN21 now disposes of a rich database of case studies, available on its website, along with a document that contains some practical recommendations for voluntary commitment programmes.

Ellen von Zitzewitz of the German Federal Environment Ministry presented current efforts to establish a global renewable energy review arrangement in the CSD context. Initiated by a group of six JREC Member governments and now backed by a much larger and growing number of countries, this review arrangement is intended to support the implementation of paragraph 20e of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation to "substantially increase the global share of renewable energy sources..., recognizing the role of national and voluntary regional targets as well as initiatives". Building on existing initiatives, the review arrangement should collect and report global data and information on renewable energy policies and programmes, analyse global information, and develop recommendations for consideration by relevant decision-making bodies. In order to translate this call into real action, a number of options regarding the institutional setup are being discussed at the IPM and elsewhere.

After these introductory presentations, an informal discussion took place between the participants, who came from governments, UN agencies, and other institutions and stakeholders.

Some participants underlined the value of voluntary commitments to "breathe life" into the agreements reached at United Nations negotiations, which often remain quite general between "divided nations". Taken together, the tools presented could complement a negotiated outcome in a three-step-process, leading from exchange of case studies/lessons learnt (1) to specific commitments (2), and review thereof (3).

Some discussants suggested that a new commitment basket should also include energy efficiency activities, though others said this might prove more difficult to review than renewables, and chances of success were better with a more focused approach in the beginning.

Regarding the suggested review arrangement, opinions differed as to "how far" the work should go. While some held a simple review would be of limited value, others felt that recommendations run the risk of crossing the "fine line" between what could and what could not be done. There was, however, a widespread understanding the review arrangement should provide practical information - including contacts as well as technical and financial aspects - in order to enable and encourage scaling up of successful approaches and actions.

Regarding the institutional setup of such an arrangement, it was suggested that UNEP and UNDP might serve on the steering level, with REN21 and other partners working on the implementation level. With regard to UN Energy - also considered by some people to play a major role - questions were raised as to whether this institution could take on such kind of work at all, as it is a coordination arrangement between UN agencies and programmes, without funding and organisational structure. Some highlighted the importance of deciding this issue based on institutional capacity and resources.

Some participants mentioned the need for coordination between the matrix and existing review and information initiatives undertaken already by different networks and organisations.

Wrapping up, Paul Suding expressed the hope that the event would be useful in exchanging ideas and developing a productive outcome of CSD15 in May.