25 May 2011: The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Implementing Agreement on Renewable Energy Technology Deployment (IEA‐RETD) has published a call for proposals for a project to provide policy perspectives to reduce remote areas and islands’ dependence on fossil fuel imports and extensive energy transmission infrastructures.

The objective of the project is to provide national, regional and local policy makers with information on how to promote the use of local renewable energy in geographically isolated areas, traditionally constrained by high energy costs. The focus areas of the project would be remote country areas and islands of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), although results are expected to provide useful parallels for other developed and developing countries. The project should address specific policy contexts of these areas, where balancing supply and demand occurs on a much smaller scale than in larger regions. It should also discuss: pricing mechanisms; special policies on energy consumption; subsidies of fossil fuels; and education and training programmes. Other important areas for consideration in the project would include: transport systems and transport fuel, and short-term energy needs for seasonal or insecure areas. The main deliverables would be a report, communication of overall findings, and follow-up plan for the project.

The deadline for proposals is 30 June 2011. Inquiries should be sent to: David de Jager (iea_retd@ecofys.com), Operating Agent of the IEA Renewable Energy Technology Deployment (IEA-RETD) Implementing Agreement. [Call for Proposals]