Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Support to REN21 (SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF GLOBAL NETWORK ACTIVITIES OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY NETWORK FOR THE 21ST CENTURY)
Reporting period: 2022-07-01 to 2023-12-31
Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project
The global transition to renewable energy, particularly in sectors beyond power generation, such as heating, cooling, and transport, remains slow. This transition is further hindered by the unequal regional uptake of renewable energy and the unexploited potential, especially in developing and emerging economies. Misconceptions about renewables persist, underscoring the need for advocating their broader socio-economic benefits. The urgency of accelerating renewable energy adoption is not only crucial for mitigating climate change but also for supporting the EU's global leadership in sustainability and achieving climate goals.
The overall objective of the project is to strengthen and increase the capacity of REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century) – the only global multi-stakeholder renewable energy community that brings together actors from science, governments, NGOs, and industry. This project aims to enhance REN21's influence in the global energy debate and bolster the EU's global engagement in meeting climate and sustainable development goals through renewables.
The project is structured around four core activity pillars with specific objectives:
1 - Expanding REN21’s global network and anchoring these regionally, with a particular emphasis on emerging renewable energy markets and sectors. This involves engaging a diverse set of stakeholders, including governments, industry associations, and civil society organizations, to bring regional and thematic perspectives into focus and foster global collaboration.
2 - Strengthening outreach and communication activities, particularly focusing on engaging non-energy sectors and the general public. By addressing misinformation and promoting the multi-faceted benefits of renewable energy, the project seeks to position renewables as a central solution to the global climate crisis and drive public and policy support for a sustainable transition.
3 - Organising workshops and debates to support informed decision-making. These activities aim to provide high-quality, up-to-date, crowd-sourced information that can shape the global energy debate, thereby facilitating the development of informed, effective, and inclusive policies at various levels of governance.
4 - Supporting training and capacity building efforts, targeting individuals and organizations outside the traditional renewable energy sphere. This is designed to empower a broader range of stakeholders, including young leaders and actors from high energy-consuming sectors, to actively contribute to and benefit from the global energy transition.
Conclusions of the Action
The action has successfully broadened REN21's global network, increased its membership, and strengthened its position as a key player in the global energy dialogue. By expanding its multi-stakeholder community and enhancing its communication strategies, REN21 has been able to mobilize a diverse set of actors around the renewable energy agenda. The project has also demonstrated the importance of strategic alliances, particularly in supporting global campaigns like the push to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Moreover, the project has emphasized the need for ongoing capacity building and the creation of spaces for continuous dialogue, both of which are crucial for sustaining momentum in the renewable energy transition. Despite challenges such as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has made significant strides in aligning global efforts towards a more sustainable and renewable energy-driven future.
The global transition to renewable energy, particularly in sectors beyond power generation, such as heating, cooling, and transport, remains slow. This transition is further hindered by the unequal regional uptake of renewable energy and the unexploited potential, especially in developing and emerging economies. Misconceptions about renewables persist, underscoring the need for advocating their broader socio-economic benefits. The urgency of accelerating renewable energy adoption is not only crucial for mitigating climate change but also for supporting the EU's global leadership in sustainability and achieving climate goals.
The overall objective of the project is to strengthen and increase the capacity of REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century) – the only global multi-stakeholder renewable energy community that brings together actors from science, governments, NGOs, and industry. This project aims to enhance REN21's influence in the global energy debate and bolster the EU's global engagement in meeting climate and sustainable development goals through renewables.
The project is structured around four core activity pillars with specific objectives:
1 - Expanding REN21’s global network and anchoring these regionally, with a particular emphasis on emerging renewable energy markets and sectors. This involves engaging a diverse set of stakeholders, including governments, industry associations, and civil society organizations, to bring regional and thematic perspectives into focus and foster global collaboration.
2 - Strengthening outreach and communication activities, particularly focusing on engaging non-energy sectors and the general public. By addressing misinformation and promoting the multi-faceted benefits of renewable energy, the project seeks to position renewables as a central solution to the global climate crisis and drive public and policy support for a sustainable transition.
3 - Organising workshops and debates to support informed decision-making. These activities aim to provide high-quality, up-to-date, crowd-sourced information that can shape the global energy debate, thereby facilitating the development of informed, effective, and inclusive policies at various levels of governance.
4 - Supporting training and capacity building efforts, targeting individuals and organizations outside the traditional renewable energy sphere. This is designed to empower a broader range of stakeholders, including young leaders and actors from high energy-consuming sectors, to actively contribute to and benefit from the global energy transition.
Conclusions of the Action
The action has successfully broadened REN21's global network, increased its membership, and strengthened its position as a key player in the global energy dialogue. By expanding its multi-stakeholder community and enhancing its communication strategies, REN21 has been able to mobilize a diverse set of actors around the renewable energy agenda. The project has also demonstrated the importance of strategic alliances, particularly in supporting global campaigns like the push to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Moreover, the project has emphasized the need for ongoing capacity building and the creation of spaces for continuous dialogue, both of which are crucial for sustaining momentum in the renewable energy transition. Despite challenges such as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has made significant strides in aligning global efforts towards a more sustainable and renewable energy-driven future.
The project "Support for the Expansion of Global Network Activities of the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century" (REN21) from January 2021 to December 2023 achieved the following:
Expansion of REN21's Global Network:
REN21 expanded its global network, especially in emerging markets, through strategic partnerships and the development of the AI-based Influence Mapping Tool. This tool enabled effective stakeholder mapping and trend analysis, significantly enhancing REN21's capacity to influence energy policy.
The membership base grew with 11 new members across diverse groups, and the REN21 community now includes over 4,000 active change agents globally.
Strengthening Outreach and Communication:
Outreach efforts were strengthened, notably through the Energise Africa campaign and strategic alliances bridging the transport and renewable energy sectors. The UNECE Renewable Energy Status Report 2022 was produced, and "Hard Talks" were organized to boost renewable energy deployment.
The REboot the World with Renewables campaign was launched to shift global mindsets towards renewable energy, featuring innovative tools like the AI-powered Future Booth.
Organizing Events and Debates:
REN21 adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to virtual events, organizing key global and regional debates, and continuing the RENdez-vous series focused on specific renewable energy issues in Southeast Asia and Africa.
The Spanish International Renewable Energy Conference (SPIREC) in 2023 was a pivotal moment, gathering over 1,800 participants for critical discussions on the global renewable energy transition.
Supporting Training and Capacity Building:
Training and capacity building continued through online participative events. The Influence Mapping Tool was refined and demonstrated to the REN21 community, enhancing collective strategic intelligence, particularly within the African renewable energy community.
Overview:
The project has significantly expanded REN21's network, improved outreach and communication strategies, and supported informed decision-making. These efforts have been widely disseminated, positioning REN21 as a leading voice in the global renewable energy dialogue, driving sustainable and inclusive energy transitions.
Expansion of REN21's Global Network:
REN21 expanded its global network, especially in emerging markets, through strategic partnerships and the development of the AI-based Influence Mapping Tool. This tool enabled effective stakeholder mapping and trend analysis, significantly enhancing REN21's capacity to influence energy policy.
The membership base grew with 11 new members across diverse groups, and the REN21 community now includes over 4,000 active change agents globally.
Strengthening Outreach and Communication:
Outreach efforts were strengthened, notably through the Energise Africa campaign and strategic alliances bridging the transport and renewable energy sectors. The UNECE Renewable Energy Status Report 2022 was produced, and "Hard Talks" were organized to boost renewable energy deployment.
The REboot the World with Renewables campaign was launched to shift global mindsets towards renewable energy, featuring innovative tools like the AI-powered Future Booth.
Organizing Events and Debates:
REN21 adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to virtual events, organizing key global and regional debates, and continuing the RENdez-vous series focused on specific renewable energy issues in Southeast Asia and Africa.
The Spanish International Renewable Energy Conference (SPIREC) in 2023 was a pivotal moment, gathering over 1,800 participants for critical discussions on the global renewable energy transition.
Supporting Training and Capacity Building:
Training and capacity building continued through online participative events. The Influence Mapping Tool was refined and demonstrated to the REN21 community, enhancing collective strategic intelligence, particularly within the African renewable energy community.
Overview:
The project has significantly expanded REN21's network, improved outreach and communication strategies, and supported informed decision-making. These efforts have been widely disseminated, positioning REN21 as a leading voice in the global renewable energy dialogue, driving sustainable and inclusive energy transitions.
The project expanded REN21's global network using AI tools like the Influence Mapping Tool, enhancing strategic stakeholder engagement and understanding of the global energy landscape. Adaptations such as the virtual RENdez-vous series and hybrid events ensured ongoing outreach and capacity-building during the COVID-19 pandemic. The REboot the World with Renewables campaign set a new standard for global renewable energy advocacy, unifying diverse content into a cohesive narrative.
Expected Results by End of Project:
The project is expected to strengthen REN21’s global influence, particularly in emerging markets, by expanding its network and forming strategic alliances. It will enhance understanding and implementation of renewable energy strategies and develop refined tools for advocacy and policy-making, resulting in more effective and targeted renewable energy policies.
Potential Socio-economic Impacts and Wider Societal Implications:
The project is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and increase public support for renewable energy. It will improve public health and environmental quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy access and affordability, particularly in underserved regions. The project’s comprehensive approach is designed to have a lasting positive impact on global renewable energy adoption, contributing to broader social, economic, and environmental goals.
Expected Results by End of Project:
The project is expected to strengthen REN21’s global influence, particularly in emerging markets, by expanding its network and forming strategic alliances. It will enhance understanding and implementation of renewable energy strategies and develop refined tools for advocacy and policy-making, resulting in more effective and targeted renewable energy policies.
Potential Socio-economic Impacts and Wider Societal Implications:
The project is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and increase public support for renewable energy. It will improve public health and environmental quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy access and affordability, particularly in underserved regions. The project’s comprehensive approach is designed to have a lasting positive impact on global renewable energy adoption, contributing to broader social, economic, and environmental goals.