Annual Report 2014 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Providing high quality information on renewables Message from REN21 . 3 List of REN21 Members . 4 REN21 Secretariat . 5 Milestones and Events . 6 Publications . 8 Renewables Academy . 12 Networks and Outreach Efforts . 14 Cooperation . 15 Discussion and Debate . 16 Future Outlook . 17 REN21 Steering Committee . 18 REN21 Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century . 19 Hydropower: global capacity reaches 1,000 GW Global wood-pellet production: China accounts MILLION 23.6 TONNES for 86 % of the world Another record year for Solar PV: market and 64% more than 39 GW was added, bringing of total capacity for total capacity to approximately solar water-heating and cooling 139 GW 33.2% of Denmark’s electricity was met by wind in 2013 Geothermal direct use: China, Turkey, Iceland, Japan, Italy and Hungary account for about half of total global capacity Message from REN21 The year 2014 marks a decade since the seminal event, renewables 2004. Held in Bonn, Germany this event marked the fi rst time that an international conference was dedicated exclusively to renewables. Its international Steering Committee subsequently evolved into REN21, the global multi-stakeholder network to advance a rapid energy transition with renewables. In November 2014, REN21 celebrated its 10th anniversary by hosting the fi rst REN21 Renewables Academy. The Academy’s unique format brought REN21 contributors together for the fi rst time in one location. Over the course of 2 ½ days, 150 participants from more than 40 countries listened, debated Arthouros Zervos Christine Lins and voiced opinions on how to advance a global transition with renewables. Participants agreed that renewables were no longer an alternative, add-on option but rather a viable resource to meet the world’s growing energy needs. Based on the success of this year’s event the REN21 Renewables Academy will be convened every two years, gathering REN21’s network to collectively examine emerging issues. Over the course of the year REN21 continued to promote the uptake of renewables through its various activities. The REN21 Renewables 2014 Global Status Report showcased new developments, particularly the spectacular increase in renewable energy targets and policies in developing countries. The report was launched at the First Annual SE4ALL Forum 4 June in New York and received broad media coverage. The Mini-grid Policy Toolkit, developed in cooperation by EUEI PDF and ARE, presented the core elements needed to successfully scale-up mini-grids beyond a few pilot projects. The ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Effi ciency Status Report concluded that renewable energy and energy effi ciency technologies have rapidly become cost-effective solutions for overcoming the diverse array of energy challenges currently facing the West African region. A 10-year retrospective on the evolution of renewable energy uptake, The First Decade: 2004-2014 charted the impressive growth yet still untapped potential of the sector. Collectively these publications, coupled with key-note presentations and outreach at international events, allowed REN21 to spread the message of renewables far and wide over the course of the year. The 10-year anniversary of REN21 coincides with the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The time is ripe to break down the walls blocking a global energy transition and advance with renewables and energy effi ciency now. Join REN21 as it embarks on this new decade with the goal of increasing the current pace to achieve a 100% renewables future with full energy access for all! Arthouros Zervos Christine Lins AnnualChair Executive Secretary Report 2014 3 REN21 Members REN21 is a multi-stakeholder network dedicated to the rapid uptake of renewable energy worldwide. Industry Associations International Organisations National Governments Brazil Denmark Germany India Norway Spain Uganda United Arab United Emirates Kingdom NGOs Science and Academia Members at Large Michael Eckhart | Mohamed El-Ashry | David Hales | Kirsty Hamilton | Peter Rae | Arthouros Zervos 4 REN21 Secretariat REN21’s Secretariat, based at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Paris, France, implements the strategy agreed by REN21’s Steering Committee. The Secretariat staff facilitates the collection of comprehensive and timely information on renewable energy which is then made publi- cally available through REN21’s publications, presentations, discussions and debates. Christine Lins Rana Adib Kanika Chawla Martin Hullin Laura E. Williamson Executive Secretary Research Coordinator Junior Policy Project Manager & Communication & Consultant Executive Assistant Outreach Manager (January – July 2014) Sarah Leitner Stefano Mazzaccaro Olufolahan Ayla Reith Aarth Saraph Intern Intern Osunmuyiwa Intern Intern (March – August (February – August Intern (as of August 2014) (as of September 2014) 2014) (August – November 2014) 2014) 5 REN21 Activities Key Milestones and Events in 2014 REN21 builds upon its reputation as an unbiased provider of information to promote renewable energy. Using its multi-stakeholder base, REN21 collects high-quality information on renewables which reflects diverse viewpoints from both private and public sector actors. Annual Report This information is then disseminated through a variety of channels such as presenting renewables facts and trends at various fora, engaging with strategic partners to promote renewables and participating in joint events to debate the need for a renewables future. Here are a few highlights from 2014. 2014 Launch of on-line Alumni Network Invitation to sit on Expert Advisory Board – Covenant of Mayors Invitation to sit on CESC REN21 becomes member Advisory Board of CTCN Attendance at IRENA Participation in Parliamentary Assembly and World Future Hearing on 100 % renewables, Finalisation of Renewables Energy Summit, European Parliament, 2014 Global Status Report Abu Dhabi Brussels (GSR 2014) 2014 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE Second High Level Meeting Keynote at World Wind Sneak preview of of the Africa EU Energy Energy Conference, GSR 2014 at IRENA Partnership (AEEP), Shanghai Council, Abu Dhabi Addis Ababa and Intersolar, Munich Simultaneous launch of GSR 2014 in New York, Dakar and Jönköping Participation in IRENA’s IOREC and ADB’s Clean Energy Asia, Manila European launch of GSR 2014, Brussels 6 Annual Report 2014 Presentation at WINDaba, Cape Town Hosting of fi rst REN21 Renewables Academy, Bonn Simultaneous launch of ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Keynote address Energy Effi ciency Status Report, IUCN/USAID Workshop on Beijing and Bonn NREL and REN21 Renewables and Gender, host GSR webinars across Washington D.C. Release of the globe The First Decade: 2004-2014 REN21 supports UNEP in Keynote at Clean Energy disseminating its Clean Energy 15th REN21 Steering Week, Sydney Voyage publication Committee Meeting, Bonn JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Sneak preview of Preparations for Keynote at Launch of the Keynote at GSR 2014 at IRENA fi rst edition of REN21 United Nations Decade of GeoPowerGlobal, Council, Abu Dhabi Renewables Academy SE4ALL in the Americas, Istanbul and Intersolar, Munich Santiago de Chile REN21 attends Simultaneous launch Keynote at China Wind Power, climate talks of GSR 2014 in New York, Beijing (COP 20), Lima Dakar and Jönköping Launch of Mini-grid Policy Participation in IRENA’s Toolkit, Rome IOREC and ADB’s Clean Energy Asia, Manila European launch of GSR 2014, Brussels 7 Providing High Quality Information on Renewables: Good decisions are based on reliable information REN21 RENEWABLES 2014 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT RENEWABLES 2014 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT The Renewables 2014 Global Status Report The 2014 report was launched 4 June at the (GSR) continued its tradition of providing a United Nations Sustainable Energy for All comprehensive overview on the current status (SE4ALL) Forum in New York. Unlike previous of renewables. An ever-growing network of con- years, this year’s launch was held independently tributors, including authors, researchers, and of the Frankfurt School/UNEP Collaborating Cen- reviewers participated in this year’s process and tre. Moreover, the launch consisted of a series of helped make the GSR a truly international and events rather than a single one. collaborative effort. Standing at over 200 pages, A preview of the report was given to IRENA 2014 this year’s report is a testament to the rapid de- member states (IRENA Council, United velopment of renewables. The evolution of re- Arab Emirates) and at the Opening of Inter- newable energy over the past decade has sur- solar (Germany), on 1 and 2 June respectively. passed all expectations. Global installed capacity A press briefi ng was held on 3 June for UN- and production from all renewable technologies accredited press organisations and resulted in have increased substantially; costs for most media coverage by four international newswires: technologies have decreased signifi cantly; and Associated Press (USA), Xinhua (China), Kyodo supporting policies have continued to spread News (Japan), and Deutsche Presse Agentur throughout the world. (Germany). In response to the ever-changing landscape of Five events were held 4 June, three of which renewables this year’s Key Findings—the ex- were in New York. In New York an international ecutive summary of the GSR—contained a new webinar was conducted; a high-level luncheon section aimed at policy makers. As the REN21 was held; and a parallel event at the SE4ALL de- Renewables