Strong Policy Support Key to Benefit from Renewables
In the face of dramatically increasing energy demand and emissions,
new renewable energy players in the global energy field need strong
policy support if they are to complete their journey to mature markets.
The challenges of energy policy are so huge that a wide range of
technologies will be needed, and renewable energy has a crucial role to
play as a part of this wider portfolio. The IEA has recently developed
scenarios that, taken together, demonstrate where the global energy
sector is heading at present, and where it could be in the future if
policies are sufficiently strengthened.…
Read more and comment…
Welcome to 2007, a decisive year for climate change and sustainable
energy. Renewables can significantly contribute to mitigating climate
change, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable development.
However, the widening gap between reality and the need for decisive
action was plainly revealed at the UN’s Climate Change Convention’s
COP12 in November 2006. The world has since begun to lose patience with
huge carbon emitters, and is demanding change.
And yet, this month’s official announcement by the EU Commission of
emission reduction targets for 2020 is very positive, with several
multilateral actors gearing up. The international policy calendar for
2007 also shows many opportunities for effective action, including the
opportunity to note and broaden progress on renewable energy at the 2008
Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC) (see
following story).
On the current global renewable energy stage, we observe strong dynamism
in a few areas, up-and-down struggles in others, and little to nothing
in some. The currently booming biofuels market, for example, is
compelling extraordinarily rapid policy changes in most parts of the
world, while progress in the electricity and building markets continues
in only a handful of countries, and is cautious or chaotic in many
others. We must not be blinded by the brilliance of some success stories
from the many and significant renewable energy opportunities remaining
to be seized.
International Renewable Energy Conference goes to Washington
The next International Renewable Energy Conference will be held in
Washington. D.C. from 1-7 March 2008, after approval of a proposal from
the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE). The 2008 Conference
will build on
renewables 2004 in Bonn (where REN21 was created)
and the 2005 Conference in China.
Read more…
Initiatives for UN CSD-15 in May 2007
The
United Nation Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) meeting at
the UN headquarters in May will be the culmination of the second year
the international community has dedicated to sustainable energy. In
addition to national delegations and the European Union, major groups
will attend, including partnerships such as REN21 with their suggestions
for renewable energy commitments and review. As with CSD-14, REN21 will
be involved in various ways, including a side event demonstrating the
achievements and challenges of renewable energy.
Read more…
Renewable Energy is G8 Priority in 2007
Renewable energy and energy efficiency have figured prominently
on the G8 agenda for the past year. Germany has made energy efficiency
one of the highest priorities within its presidency, particularly
collaborations with transformation countries. Renewable energy is also
part of the agenda of the Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change that
will continue with a German ministerial meeting in September.
Read more…
Renewable Energy tops EU Commission’s new Energy Policy Proposal
Along with a target to reduce GHG emissions by 20%, the EU commission
has initiated 2007 with a Renewable Energy Roadmap proposing a 20%
renewable energy share in the EU’s energy mix and a binding minimum
target of 10% of biofuels including biodiesel in the transport energy
sector by 2020. Other important initiatives for renewable energy include
proposals to improve the electricity and gas networks and pressure for
more competition in these sectors.
Read more…
Energy and Climate Change prominent on the Agenda during German EU
Presidency
Germany has said it will work diligently to make the medium and
long-term goals for renewable energy a reality in its EU presidency,
during which time the EU Commission’s policy proposal must be approved
by the EU Parliament and the EU Council. Renewable energy will also be
the subject of various talks between the EU and India, China, and USA,
as well as regional meetings in Asia and Africa. Within development
policy and to more effectively cooperate with Africa, Germany will
particularly collaborate with EU Member countries, the EU Commission and
the World Bank.
Read more…
Towards a Europe-Africa Energy Partnership
In this context, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development (BMZ) will hold an “EU-Africa Energy Forum” in Berlin from 6-7 March 2007. The
meeting is organised in cooperation with the European Commission in the
framework of the EU Energy Initiative for Poverty Eradication and
Sustainable Development (EUEI). The forum will give further impetus to
the relationship now developing between Africa and Europe in the energy
sector, and raise awareness of the great potential to be used.
Read more…
International Science Panel on Renewable Energy (ISPRE) established
The International Science Panel on Renewable Energy (ISPRE) has been
formed with a multidisciplinary panel of high level scientists to
identify the most promising areas of renewable energy research. ISPRE is
hosted by the International Council for Science (ICSU), and REN21 is
associated with the panel.
Read more…
New Interamerican Development Bank Initiative launched
The Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) launched a Sustainable Energy
and Climate Change Initiative (SECCI) for Latin America and the
Caribbean in November. The Initiative will develop, assess, and
disseminate knowledge and good practices on renewable energy, energy
efficiency and carbon finance as a catalyst to expand investments in the
clean energy sector. At the launch, the REN21 Secretariat presented an
overview of the status of Renewable Energy Policy in the Region.
Read more…
EU launches New Clean Energy Fund
The EU’s Director General for Environment has successfully established
the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (GEEREF). The
Fund will provide ‘patient’ capital at a much lower cost than equity
capital.
Read more… REN21 publishes IAP Implementation Report
The follow up of the International Action Programme (IAP), an outcome of
the 2004 Bonn Renewable Energy Conference, shows that commitments are
effectively implemented, with 79% of actions under way or finalised
after two years.
Read more...
REN21 IAP Workshop reveals Policy Diversity
A workshop on the impacts of the International Renewable Energy Policy
Process revealed an extremely diverse picture of renewable energy policy
development since 2004 in world regions and markets. The workshop also
contributed to recommendations for future commitments and the
international policy process.
Read more…
Chinese Version of Global Status Report - 全球可再生能源发展报告
The 2006 update of the Renewables Global Status Report is available for
download on the REN21 website. Thanks and credits go to Li Junfeng from
Chinese Renewable Energy Industry Association, Chinese Wind Energy
Association, and and Qin Haiyan from the China General Certification
Center for the translation!
Download…
New REN21 Web Pages on Global Issues and Renewable Energy Prospects
REN21 has opened two new website sections. One new section deals with
the role of renewable energy in
global issues such as poverty reduction, climate change, energy
security and sustainability standards. A second new web section on
global prospects
addresses the numerous current publications on future energy development
and financial requirements, and the renewable energy implications.
