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.
