REN21 Report Promotes Renewable Energy Usage

By Joan Erakit Reprint | | Print |

UNITED NATIONS, Jun 6 2014 (IPS) - A new report launched Wednesday alluded to the role renewable energy could play in improving energy security while also acting as a way to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) annual Renewables 2014 Global Status Report gives a comprehensive look at the industries, investments, energy markets and policy developments worldwide.

According to the report, renewables accounted for over 56 percent of net additions to power capacity last year.

During a high level discussion sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations last week , Arthouros Zervos, Chair of REN21 told attendees that China, the US, Japan, United Kingdom and Germany, “were all top investors in renewable energy and production in 2013.”

Becoming more efficient with energy goals has its advantages for all countries, especially in an age where a portion of household income is spent securing energy services.

The 2014 report not only points out benefits such as the reduction of health and environmental problems caused by fossil and nuclear fuels, improving education, eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality and creating jobs.

It is estimated that there are over 65 million direct or indirect jobs in the renewables industry.

First released in 2005, the Renewables Global Status Report has aided governments and businesses alike to make comprehensive decisions and policies towards the usage of sustainable energy.

In a press release, REN21 states: “Robust policies couple with continuing technological advances, falling prices, and innovations in financing have made renewables increasingly affordable for a broader range of consumers worldwide.”

Because the last decade has set a model for global transition to renewables, many are optimistic of a future that would achieve 100 percent renewables, but emphasize strict guidelines.

“Current thinking needs to change: continuing the status quo of a patchwork of policies and actions is not longer sufficient. Instead, technology developments, finance models as well as stable and predictable renewable energy policies need to be systematically linked across the public and private sectors in order to support and drive the transition process” said Zervos.