The REN21 2017 Annual Report highlights outcomes of the 2017 International Renewable Energy Conference and outlines publications released by the Network in 2017.
The publication also lays out plans for work in 2018 in collaboration with REN21's growing network of partners.
7 February 2018: The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) has released its 2017 report, which describes highlights from the year and lays out plans for 2018 and beyond.
The REN21 report spotlights the 2017 International Renewable Energy Conference, co-hosted by REN21 and the Mexican government (MEXIREC) that brought together government and non-state actors to discuss the development of renewable energy policy. The agenda was designed around a systems approach to renewable energy, focusing on cross-cutting issues as, such universal energy access, socio-economic co-benefits and empowerment of marginalized social groups. In parallel with the MEXIREC conference, REN21 released a bilingual (English/Spanish) report titled, ‘Renewable Energy Tenders and Community [Em]power[ment]: Latin America and the Caribbean,’ which examines the rise of tendering and community power projects in Latin America. The authors propose an accession process to reconcile the tension that exists between pressures to maximize economic returns and achieve social impact.
Over 2017, REN21 also released several publications developed in collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including the World Bank, the G20, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The annual overview of progress in renewable energy titled, ‘Renewables Global Status Report,’ for example, combines the work of 800 experts in an analysis of the renewable energy market, industry and policy trends. This report was complemented by a publication titled, ‘Renewables 100% Global Futures Report: Highlights of the REN21 Renewables 2017 Global Status Report in Perspective,’ which focuses on the year’s overarching trends and developments.
Other activities highlighted in the annual report include the Renewables Interactive Map, a research tool for tracking the global development of renewable energy; and the Renewables Academy, which offers a venue for REN21 contributors to discuss future potential policy solutions.
Laying out its vision for the future, REN21 highlighs its expanding network of partner organizations. The report features plans to develop regional partnerships and reports for Southern Africa and Asia, and for work with South Korea on preparations for the 2019 International Renewable Energy Conference. [Publication: REN21 Annual Report]