Blogs and Articles

This Global RENdez-vous series explores how demand, electrification and system design can work together to build resilient, competitive and renewables-based economies....

A Renewables-Based Economy (RBE) recognises that energy is not just one sector among others, but an organising force of economic and social change — shaping industry, livelihoods and geopolitics.  ...

The conflict in the Middle East underscores the urgent need to accelerate renewable energy deployment....

The conflict in the Middle East underscores the urgent need to accelerate renewable energy deployment....

REN21 calls for an urgent shift to renewable energy as the Earth’s climate system is thrown increasingly “out of balance”....

This is an unfortunate decision. However, this move does not alter the global trajectory towards renewables....

REN21’s global network came together in Paris for an in-person Power of Many gathering....

REN21 welcomes COP30’s call to triple adaptation finance by 2035, with efforts to double it by 2025. However, the non-binding target lacks explicit pathways for...

Integrating renewables into adaptation strategies is not only climate-smart; it is an economic necessity...

Integrating renewables into adaptation strategies is not only climate-smart; it is an economic necessity...

During OLADE Energy Week in Chile, REN21 sat down with ACERA to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties towards cooperation to strengthen the...

How can how an integrated renewable energy system can serve as the backbone of energy security?...

How can renewables drive climate resilience and adaptation to support communities, ecosystems, and sustainable development. ...

For over a decade, REN21 has actively participated in the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP), the world’s largest climate summit. During this time, we have...

REN21’s latest brief, Renewables for Climate Adaptation and Resilience, shows how renewable energy underpins adaptation....

At COP30, REN21 and IRENA are hosting the high-level dialogue at COP30 to unpack what real systems change means in practice....

Without integrating renewables into national climate plans and acknowledging their role in the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), governments risk leaving economies exposed to escalating...

During OLADE Energy Week in Chile, REN21 sat down with ACERA to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties towards cooperation to strengthen the...

Explore the energy demand sectors and the diverse renewable energy sources that drive the global transition....

At REN21, we emphasise that renewable energy is integral to achieving energy security and that the two are not mutually exclusive. Rather they work hand...

The Global Overview offers a detailed picture of a global energy system at a turning point — with record renewable deployment, but systemic barriers slowing progress....

What happened was not a failure of renewables, rather a systemic shortfall in how the grid was operated, managed and planned....

June 2025 - REN21 explored how renewable energy can drive system-wide change and deliver sustainable, inclusive growth across Africa. Grounded in real-world conditions and regional...

REN21 announced today the launch of its groundbreaking Renewable Energy Champions Initiative (RECI)....

Former Energy Secretary of Uruguay Ramón Méndez Galain elected new REN21 President...

Former Energy Secretary of Uruguay Ramón Méndez Galain elected new REN21 President...

After a thorough rethink and vast consultations, we have a new strategy to guide our collective efforts in the next years....

From Jan. to Feb. 2025, REN21 is holding a Global RENdezVous series on Building Resilient Economies and Societies with Renewables. This series brings together governments,...

For over a decade, REN21 has actively participated in the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP), the world’s largest climate summit. During this time, we have...

Renewable energy has the potential to power the world completely, but this can only be achieved through urgent improvements in grid infrastructure and integrated planning,...

Renewable energy has the potential to power the world completely, but this can only be achieved through urgent improvements in grid infrastructure and integrated planning,...

Renewable energies are facing an uphill battle in all the major energy consuming sectors, reveals the Energy Demand Module of the Renewbales 2024 Global Status...

Read here!...

Join REN21 at #BETD24...

It is important to “make the invisible visible” by encouraging debate and providing reliable, accessible and timely renewable energy information and data....

Discover the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Report (RESR), conceived as a reference document that analyzes the benefits and potential negative impacts of renewable energy deployment....

Join REN21 for the upcoming Global RENdezVous Session...

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118 countries announced their commitment to triple renewable energy capacity and double renewable energy by 2030 on the sidelines of COP28...

October 2023 to January 2024 - REN21 organized a Global RENdez-vous series to leverage the COP28 moment to a global renewable energy & energy efficiency...

Join REN21 to leverage the COP28 moment to a global renewable energy & energy efficiency target....

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The Renewables 2023 Global Status Report is evolving, in line with changes in the global media landscape and in the energy sphere. Discover its Global...

Join us on 19 July to dive into the findings of the Economic and Social Value Creation & Global Overview Module...

Join us on 14 June to dive into the findings of the Energy Supply Module...

We are pleased to welcome the Commonwealth of Australia as a new member of REN21. As a key player in the global renewable energy sphere,...

March 2023 - Energy in healthcare is the difference between life and death. It powers water supply, temperature control, lighting, refrigeration, and ventilation to a...

January 2023 - Building on our current series on Renewables for Local Value Creation, we discussed what roles renewables play in securing Africa’s food future....

December 2022 - We need to build more momentum for renewables in Africa! Join us in this edition of the RENdez-vous Africa for the conversation...

Join REN21 at PAC in Bangkok to talk about the role of grids in energy transition....

Join REN21 to leverage the COP27 moment to raise and further position the agenda of renewables....

The 2023 Renewables Global Status Report is evolving with a brand-new design and structure, in line with changes in the global media landscape and in...

September 2022 - Together we will look at how we can amplify voices of the African renewable energy players at COP27 and demonstrate that renewables...

With COP27 less than two months ahead, we need to make sure the voices of renewables are heard and considered in the upcoming climate negotiations....

REN21's members share their news with the larger renewables community....

July 2022 - Accelerating energy transition requires a range of technical skills to create a flexible, future-proof renewable workforce and increase salaries. Read more about...

June 2022 - Following the launch of the GSR2022, we invite you to a special networking #RENdezvous dedicated to in-depth conversations on the drivers, levers,...

Building on an extensive crowd sourcing and peer reviewing process involving over 650 reviewers for this edition, the Renewables 2022 Global Status Report makes an...

For the third time in 6 years, we’re working with the UNECE region to produce a third joint regional status report! Get involved now....

Join us for REN21’s Renewables 2022 Global Status Report on 15 June 2022. REN21 is hosting a series of virtual events - and, of course,...

For the third time in 6 years, we’re working with the UNECE region to produce a third joint regional status report! Get involved now....

June 2022 - Accelerating energy transition requires a range of technical skills to create a flexible, future-proof renewable workforce and increase salaries. Read more about...

May 2022 - Come prepared to engage and network to the next Global Rendez-vous session! Can energy transition happen without leaders? How to identify powerful...

May 2022 - Join us for the next RENdez-vous Africa to discuss how renewable energy can support the just dimension of energy transition processes involving...

Call for Proposals for IREC 2024/2025 - one of REN21's most important events - is now open. The deadline for submission is 30 September 2022....

The IREC is one of REN21’s most important events! Organised by REN21 and the Government of Spain, the next IREC will be held together with...

REN21's members share their news with the larger renewables community....

April 2022 - Join the next RENdez-vous Global! Energy systems are interconnected and affect one another in complex ways. With the current crisis, the next...

April 2022 - The next RENdez-vous Africa will be a rich and highly interactive discussion on green hydrogen in Africa. Green hydrogen’s advocates tout the...

Data collection for Renewables 2022 GSR is starting! You too can shape the renewable energy discussion by contributing data and information....

March 2022 - During this RENdez-vous Africa the discussion will be on the role of natural gas in addressing the continent challenges. Africa’s ambitious economic and...

Energy is the key to Africa’s social and economic development: it is the foundation for industrialisation, innovation and job creation....

February 2022 - During this Rendez-vous Africa - we will discuss how a “green deal” tailored to the African context could provide the structure and...

Data collection for Renewables 2022 GSR is starting! You too can shape the renewable energy discussion by contributing data and information....

REN21's members share their news with the larger renewables community....

REN21's members share their news with the larger renewables community....

December 2021 - During this RENdez-vous, leading African voices will share their experience in convincing decision makers about the value of renewables in Africa, and...

REN21’s data has shown the huge challenge we face in growing the share of renewables in heating and cooling. District energy is expected to play...

Data collection for Renewables 2022 GSR is starting! You too can shape the renewable energy discussion by contributing data and information....

When thinking about the energy transition of oil and gas companies, there tends to be some amount of cautious optimism. But the reality as shown...

REN21 has published a new policy brief. The crucial link between renewables and public transport has been largely ignored. This brief outlines seven actions that...

REN21's members share their news with the larger renewables community....

10 years ago REN21 determined that attending COP was imperative. Now, meet REN21 in Glasgow for COP26, the annual international conference on climate change, and...

November 2021 - During this new RENdez-vous event series, leading African voices will discuss what renewable energy means for Africa in the context of economic...

October 2021 - During this RENdez-vous, participants and experts discussed energy vulnerability, energy security and how the recent energy crisis in the EU has shed...

On 11 October, regional experts discussed the need to scale up investment in cities, as well as build adequate policy frameworks and multi-level frameworks which...

This event focused on how African cities are transforming themselves with renewables and expanding energy access, and in turn are creating healthier and more liveable...

September 2021 - This last of a 3-part series of RENdez-vous events for Southeast Asia invited participants and thematic experts to discuss investment challenges and...

Since 2016, REN21 and UNECE have held a series of dialogues named “Renewable Energy Hard Talks”. The “Hard Talk” is a discussion format on current...

August 2021 - During this RENdez-vous for Southeast Asia, participants and thematic experts discussed and re-imagined what futures may look like for renewable energy in Southeast Asia....

July 2021 - This RENdez-vous for Southeast Asia focused on policies and governance. Participants and thematic experts discussed the status of coal phase-out and fossil...

The transition to a green economy is poised to add an estimated 60 million new jobs to the market by 2030. However, according to the...

July 2021 - During this RENdez-vous, participants and experts discussed development and renewable energy: on the links, the possibilities and the challenges that exist when...

Report shows an alarming gap between targets and actions with fifteen G20 countries lacking a 2020 renewable energy target covering all sectors. REN21 calls for...

Cities in Latin America have demonstrated that they are ready to support the region’s clean energy transition, from solar roofs to electric public transport, coupled...

Net zero emissions by 2050 is the collective goal for the world under the Paris Agreement, but the way we track emissions may be an...

Join us for REN21’s Renewables 2021 Global Status Report on 15 June 2021. REN21 is hosting a series of virtual events - and, of course,...

Driven by the growing concerns of air pollution, and to improve the health and well-being of their citizens, some city governments in Asia have turned...

Discover how local governments are advancing the renewable energy transition by visiting REN21's interactive...

May 2021 - The RENdez-vous on air pollution was a discussion about the effect it has on public health and well-being, and how renewables can...

Round 1 Peer Review for the 2021 edition of the Renewables Global Status Report has started and we want you input. Learn more here....

We’re excited to share the Renewables in Cities 2021 Global Status Report, REN21’s annual stock-take of the global transition to renewable energy at the city-level....

Launch event for the new Renewables in Cities 2021 Global Status Report  What do you want to know about renewables in cities? Join us for...

Mark your calendars! The upcoming Renewables in Cities 2021 Global Status Report will be launching 18 March....

Round 1 Peer Review for the 2021 edition of the Renewables Global Status Report has started and we want you input. Learn more here....

Needless to say, 2020 will leave its mark on history. As the gloomy year finally comes to an end and people worldwide get ready to...

In a new effort to engage young people in the push for a transition to a renewables-based energy system, REN21 hosted its first ever REN21...

A systematic transition is urgently needed to unlock the widespread benefits offered by using renewable energy in heating and cooling. IRENA, IEA and REN21 have...

18 November 2020 Peer Review has started! REN21’s Renewables in Cities Global Status Report (REC) demonstrates trends and developments on policies, energy consumption and production,...

The transport sector is far from being on track to meet global climate targets for 2030 and 2050. Despite gains in energy efficiency, particularly in...

We’ve selected some resources that you might find useful in understanding each other’s perspectives if we want to change things....

The 2020 REN21 Academy was a dynamic virtual event, taking place from 23-25 November 2020. This year's theme is 'Renewables Now! From evolution to revolution'....

Data collection for the GSR 2021 is ongoing! You too can shape the renewable energy discussion by contributing data and information. Join us....

A greater demand for electricity requires both renewable sources and a stronger delivery system - the grid. How can civil society help with grid improvement?...

Join our virtual event discussing the role of power grids in the transition to renewable energy and how civil society can drive this change....

When I participate in panel discussions on the energy transition or green recovery, I find I am often faced with the question: “Looking at the...

Last month, British oil and gas company BP announced their plan to reach 50 gigawatts of renewable energy in its portfolio by 2030. Their focus...

Reports on rolling blackouts in California are fueling a debate on the reliability of renewables. The state has been a frontrunner in shifting to renewable...

Arguments against renewable energy tend to revolve around the lack of flexibility that power systems have to support the variability of wind and solar power....

Australia has the perfect conditions for renewable energy. Sven Teske of the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology, Sydney, speaks about frustrations...

Are we building back better? New Energy Policy Tracker shows that governments are supporting fossil fuels over clean energy in COVID-19 recovery....

We are pleased to announce that data collection for the second edition has begun! The  Renewables in Cities Global Status Report (REC) is an annual...

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented shock to the global economy. It has also stifled the energy sector by bringing demand down at an...

In May, the Spanish government announced plans for full decarbonisation. In July, half the country’s coal plants were retired. REN21 analyst Duncan Gibb explains why...

We could not meet face-to-face for this years' ACEF to launch the Renewables 2020 Global Status Report (GSR2020). We put together a virtual event: “Public Support...

We talked to our Executive Director, Rana Adib, about the key points of the newly launched Renewables 2020 Global Status Report (GSR2020). This is what...

We are pleased to announce that the Renewables 2020 Global Status Report is available now!...

Join us for REN21’s Renewables 2020 Global Status Report (GSR2020) on 16 June 2020. REN21 is hosting a series of virtual events - and, of...

How resilient is renewable energy under the threat of COVID-19? Katie Findlay spoke to REN21 Project Manager and Analyst Thomas André about what ‘resilience’ means...

Eyes and ears across Europe have turned toward Europe’s Green Recovery Plan, released last week. The plan ignited mixed reactions, including from the REN21 community....

The REN21 community has been particularly active in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impacts. Find here a collection of resources....

REN21’s Katie Findlay spoke to Marit Brommer about potential for the geothermal sector to benefit from lower upfront costs and new partnerships with the oil...

As decision-makers worldwide decide exactly which changes to implement, we spoke to our member Alix Bolle of Energy Cities and ask what climate actions are...

Amsterdam is reshaping its economic model for COVID-19 recovery. After the crisis, will cities lead the change to more sustainable economies?...

On Earth Day 2020, GWEC launched a memorial award in honour of Steve Sawyer, stalwart of the renewable energy movement and founding member of REN21....

From government action to an ‘Anatomy of Action’ for our everyday lives, members of the REN21 community tell us how we can minimise climate change...

Water use and energy production are closely connected. Energy systems use water for manufacturing and maintaining infrastructure, as well as to generate electricity. Modern water...

Writing an article in times of COVID-19 is a strange experience. There are just too many topics I could write about......

REN21’s annual Renewables Global Status Report (GSR) is the most referenced report on renewable energy market, industry and policy trends. What you may not know is that...

Despite the global health crisis caused by COVID-19, we’re still working to drive the change to renewables. With forced physical isolation, getting together digitally is more...

We spoke with Ahmed Al Qabany and Hussein Mogaibel of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to discuss what they are doing to help the energy...

Around International Women´s Day we asked our team what can we do to combat gender inequality in the renewable energy sector. This is what they...

Around International Women´s Day, we’ve been thinking about what #EachforEqual means for the energy sector....

This week’s Expert’s Pick takes us to the village of Paruyr Sevak in southern Armenia, where the mayor is proud to report the planting of...

Our Project Manager & Analyst Hannah E. Murdock chose an article featured in Newsweek for this week’s expert’s pick. The article, How We Can Have...

Last November we launched the Renewables in Cities Global Status Report. After several presentations around the world, such as COP25 in Madrid in December and...

This week’s expert’s pick comes in the form of a podcast, chosen by our Global Status Report intern Fiona Corcoran. Fiona picked The Energy Gang...

55% of the world population lives in cities. We know that cities will play a key part in the change to renewable energy. But what...

For this week’s Expert’s Pick, Outreach & Communications Manager Laura E. Williamson has chosen to focus on the article, Nuclear power ‘cannot rival renewable energy’,...

We've just released our latest annual report. The past two years have been busy, exciting and a period of exceptional growth for REN21. We continued...

Fukushima, a prefecture in north-east Japan notorious for the terrible nuclear accident that occurred there in March 2011, is planning to power its electricity with...

REN21's annual Renewables Global Status Report (GSR) is the most referenced report on renewable energy market, industry and policy trends. What you may not know...

It could seem naive to expect some of the greatest emitters – oil and gas companies – to act in the name of climate action....

REN21 Executive Secretary Rana Adib wrote an editorial for our latest newsletter, reflecting on COP25. Read below and access our full newsletter here....

After UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) was moved from Santiago to Madrid, we were not sure what to expect. But Spain pulled off an amazing...

REN21 will be attending the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain from 2 to 13 December 2019. Our focus for this COP is...

We are pleased to announce that the Renewables in Cities 2019 Global Status Report is now available! This latest REN21 report (REC-GSR) provides an overview of cities’...

Data collection for GSR 2020 has begun! REN21’s annual Renewables Global Status Report is the most referenced report on renewable energy market, industry and policy...

With over 2000 participants, 30 sessions and 22 of side events, the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC) was held last week...

KIREC's third day of activities brought active and fruitful discussions among the world's energy players, as they shared their experiences of successes and challenges in...

Wednesday began with a full agenda. South Korea's Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Sung Yun-mo kicked off the day’s activities with a passionate speech about...

While hosted in Seoul, Korea, KIREC Seoul 2019 has relevance for the region as a whole. Asia and the Pacific is the fastest growing region...

In order to reach goals set by the Paris Agreement in 2015, planning needs to happen now. This especially applies to electricity grids, whose long...

Read the latest editorial from our Executive Secretary, Rana Adib. This editorial was featured in the October edition of our quarterly newsletter....

Peer Review for the full first edition of the Renewables in Cities 2019 Global Status Report (REC-GSR) is available and needs your expert input....

REN21 recently attended Asia-Pacific Climate Week (APCW) 2019 held in Bangkok. Fifty percent of the global population lives in Asia and the region is responsible...

After the release of the Preliminary Findings of the Renewables in Cities – Global Status Report at the International Conference on Climate Action in Heidelberg,...

Bad news for fossil fuels and a step forward for renewable energy. Oil and gas companies listed in the London Stock Exchange have been classified...

KIREC Seoul 2019 is fast approaching and we still have many things to do. This is why part of the REN21 team went to Seoul...

It’s now been two weeks since our team coordinated the “Renewable Energy Transition: Is Asia Leading?” Deep Dive Workshop (DDW) on the first day of...

Last week our Renewables 2019 Global Status Report (GSR) was launched globally. The EU Energy Sustainable Week was an opportunity to not only present the...

Our new logo reflects REN21’s dynamic personality, its current and future relevance, its spirit of innovation.  The lines symbolise the REN21 network; different colours represent...

After the release of the Preliminary Findings of the Renewables in Cities – Global Status Report at the International Conference on Climate Action in Heidelberg,...

Asia is the fastest growing region in the world, which requires increasing energy supplies to fuel its rapid pace of economic expansion. The considerable renewable...

June is a month full of exciting news for REN21. We’ve launched the Renewables 2019 Global Status Report (GSR); now we have the chance to...

The new Renewables 2019 Global Status Report (GSR) was released this week and we have made a list of all the launch events, so you...