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.…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.