19 January 2015: REsource, a free, online information hub launched by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), allows users to easily access the latest renewable energy statistics, country-specific data and market information. IRENA has designed REsource with functions for customizing graphs and tables, comparing renewables use and deployment metrics across countries, and monitoring and analyzing trends.

IRENA developed REsource, as explained by the Agency’s Director-General, Adnan Amin, because growth in the renewable energy industry has outpaced the information available to track such indicators as market and resource potential, policies, finance, costs and benefits, innovation and education. IRENA hopes to not only solidify its position as the “global knowledge hub on renewable energy,” but to also raise awareness and increase investor confidence.

The information available in REsource is expected to inform decision-making and ultimately accelerate the deployment of renewable energy around the globe. The tool’s target audience includes policy makers, practitioners in the private sector, analysts, researchers, journalists and the general public. Data in REsource can be searched by “data and statistics,” “country profiles” and “renewable energies.”

IRENA launched REsource at its fifth Assembly, which convened from 17-18 January 2015. The tool complements a number of other resources and projects also announced at the Assembly meant to help governments and developers invest in and deploy renewables in developing countries in order to increase energy access and sustainability. [IRENA Press Release] [IRENA REsource Website] [IISD RS coverage of IRENA fifth Assembly]