Poverty eradication is the most pressing issue of development policy, as captured in the Millennium Development Goals. Access to modern energy and reliable energy supply have been identified as a crucial factors for development, while rising energy costs are a significant risk. Renewable energy technologies are part of the traditional energy systems and offer solutions for sustainable future systems. REN21 has focused on this key global issue and demonstrates by means of examples the role renewable energy can play in poverty reduction.
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most serious concerns of our time. REN21 strives to highlight the contribution that renewable energies can bring to reducing our energy-related CO2 emissions. The effects of climate change already demand reaction and adaptation. At the same time, efforts to mitigate climate change must be reinforced. The rapid expansion of renewables is arguably one of the most effective options to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects.
Energy security has risen to the top of the political agenda again since 2005. Its meaning, though, has expanded from the mere reliability of supply to include a variety of issues. The term today covers various aspects, from security of infrastructure, of investment regimes, of long-term resources availability, of revenues for suppliers to security from risks of price variations for consumers, access to energy and others. Recent studies show how renewable energy contributes to energy security in most of its dimensions.
Renewable energy is considered generally as sustainable energy. Nonetheless, environmental and social issues of renewable energy technologies do arise with increasing significance, increasing project size and energy-related trade. Guidelines and recommendations for sustainable practices in renewable energy applications are becoming increasingly important.
