Five renewables associations issue joint statement on policy priorities for a green recovery –

Five global
renewables associations have issued a joint statement setting out policy
priorities for a green recovery involving accelerated clean energy deployment,
says the International Hydropower Association.

Under the
banner of the International Renewable Energy Alliance (REN Alliance), the associations
representing the bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind power
industries say a world powered 100% by renewable energy will only be achieved
by greater technology integration.

“Together,
the renewable energy technologies are greater than the sum of their parts. A
significant increase of investment in renewables will fuel economic growth,
create employment and contribute to a climate-safe future,” they say.

The alliance’s six-point joint statement calls for:

• Accelerated renewables deployment, especially in heating, cooling and transportation, also by connecting all sectors
• Substantial financial incentives for renewables to create a competitive advantage for end-users and encourage self-supply
• Additional benefits and services of renewables to be considered when designing market mechanisms, not just lowest price
• Broader policy frameworks devoted to a just and inclusive energy transition
• Development of green skills and renewable jobs offered to communities
• Mapping and promotion of the health benefits of a green energy-based economy

In 2019,
renewables contributed just over a quarter (27.3%) of total global electricity
production according to REN21’s Global Status Report. Hydropower is the single
largest contributor of clean electricity at 15.9%, followed by wind power (5.9%),
solar photovoltaics (2.8%), bioenergy (2.2%) and geothermal and other sources
(0.4%).

REN Alliance brings together five organizations to promote the use of renewable energy technologies worldwide: IHA, the International Geothermal Association, International Solar Energy Society, World Bioenergy Association, and World Wind Energy Association. The goal of the REN Alliance is to foster collaboration among renewables, promoting successful implementation strategies, enhancing business conditions and developing markets. This is done by providing reliable information to inform decision-making nationally and internationally to further the principles and goals set out in the 2004 Bonn Declaration on Renewable Energies.