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ePaper created 2014-06-03, 15:03:20 | version 1.30.01
RENEWABLES 2014 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT 3 FOREWORD In June 2004, delegates from 154 countries gathered in Bonn, Germany, for the world’s first government-hosted international conference on renewable energy. Global perceptions of renewables have shifted considerably over the past decade. Continuing technology advances and rapid deployment of many renewable energy technologies have demonstrated their immense potential. Today, renewables are seen not only as sources of energy, but also as tools to address many other pressing needs, including: improving energy security; reducing the health and environmental impacts associated with fossil and nuclear energy; mitigating greenhouse gas emissions;improvingeducationalopportunities;creating jobs; reducing poverty; and increasing gender equality. Renewables have entered the mainstream. This is welcome news as we begin the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), mobilising towards universal access to modern energy services, improved rates of energyefficiency,andexpandeduseofrenewableenergy sources by 2030. While this year’s Renewables Global Status Report (GSR) clearly documents advancements in the uptake of renewables, it also demonstrates that we need to move faster and more deliberately if we are to double the share of renewables in the global energy mix and ensure access to clean and sustainable energy for all people by 2030. The past decade has also seen the evolution of REN21 and its community into a robust, dynamic, international network of renewable energy experts. The collective work of REN21’s contributors, researchers, and authors has made the GSR the most frequently referenced report on renewable energy market, industry, and policy trends. Special thanks go to the ever-growing network of contributors, including authors, researchers, and reviewers, who participated in this year’s process and helped make the GSR a truly international and collaborative effort. On behalf of the REN21 Secretariat, I would like to thank all of those who ensured the successful production of GSR 2014. These people include lead author/research director Janet Sawin, the section authors, GSR project manager Rana Adib, and the entire team at the REN21 Secretariat, under the leadership of REN21’s Executive Secretary Christine Lins. The past decade has set the wheels in motion for a global transition to renewables, but a concerted and sustained effort is needed to achieve it. With increasingly ambitious targets and innovative policies, renewables can continue to surpass expectations and create a clean and sustainable energy future. As this year’s GSR clearly demonstrates, the question is no longer whether renewables have a role to play in the provision of energy services, but rather how we can best increase the current pace to achieve a 100% renewables future with full energy access for all. Arthouros Zervos Chairman of REN21