29 October 2010: The Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference (DIREC 2010) took place from 27-29 October 2010, in New Delhi, India, bringing together over 13,000 participants representing governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector to discuss renewables and energy security, climate change and economic development.

The main Conference themes were explored in plenary sessions as well as in ministerial, multistakeholder and CEO discussions, which followed four tracks: technology and infrastructure; policy; finance; and renewables access and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Hosted by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, DIREC 2010 also featured parallel workshops on various issues including: solar power, solar water heating systems; wind energy; sustainable habitats; biomethanation; rural empowerment; smart grid technology; biofuels; and clean lighting options. In addition, a renewable energy trade expo showcased the latest technology.

The opening session of DIREC 2010 included four focal areas of discussion on: up-scaling renewables for energy security, climate change and economic development; the road to Cancun (in reference to the upcoming 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the UNFCCC); the green economy and the role of renewables; and Vision 2020 on the role of renewables for energy security, climate change and economic development.

DIREC 2010 concluded with: a panel summarizing key lessons learned from sessions under the four tracks; a high-level segment; and presentation of the Conference’s key outcomes, including the DIREC Declaration and 30 new pledges by governments, civil society and the private sector under the Delhi International Action Programme to take concrete actions to up-scale renewable energy.

The DIREC Declaration calls for actions to up-scale and mainstream renewables for energy security, climate change and economic development. Among other elements, it: acknowledges the multiple benefits of renewable energy; commends the goal enunciated by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change of universal access to modern energy services by 2030; calls on the UN to designate 2012 as the International Year of Energy Access; reaffirms the importance of investment in, and international cooperation on, research, development and deployment for cost-effective and advanced technologies; recognizes that consistent and sustained government policies have a favorable impact on technology deployment and will increase the uptake of renewable energy; notes that public funds are instrumental in leveraging and incentivizing large-scale private investment in developing countries; and welcomes the Delhi International Action Programme that encourages governments, international organizations, private companies, civil society and others to take voluntary action for up-scaling renewable energy within their jurisdictions or spheres of responsibility. [IISD RS Coverage] [Conference Website]