The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) services
IRENA Innovation And Technology Centre
The IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) aims to provide the governments the means for an accelerated technological change and the use of innovation to transition to renewable energy based systems. This will be achieved through analysis of renewable energy technology policies; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technologies and equipment overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved relevant knowledge and technology cooperation, and joint RD&D and provision of information on the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.Knowledge Management And Technology Cooperation
Renewables Readiness Assessments
One of the key activities in IRENA’s 2011 and 2012 work programme is development of renewable readiness assessments (RRAs). An RRA is a holistic assessment of conditions for renewable energy deployment in a country, and the actions necessary to further improve these conditions. An RRA is a rapid assessment of how a country can increase readiness and overcome the main barriers to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. It covers all services (transport, heat, electricity and motive power), and sources of renewable energy, with countries selecting those of relevance. The RRA comprises a process and a methodology that includes completing a set of templates and a final report.
Global Atlas For Solar And Wind Energy
The Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy project aims to create a collaborative internet-based Geographic Information System (GIS) of these renewable resources that can direct and enhance cooperation on global scenarios and strategies and support decision-making, especially in areas where this information in insufficiently known. IRENA is playing a lead role in the creation of the Atlas, by working with other international institutions, initially UNEP to provide financial and in-kind resources to the process, but to also ensure that the end-user needs are fulfilled, especially those of Member States, and the programme achieves its maximum impact on deployment of renewable energy technologies.Policy Advice And Capacity Building
Capacity Building Strategic Framework
Capacity Building Strategic Framework launched, During the past months, IRENA has developed a strategic framework for capacity building in close cooperation with Member countries, regional entities, the private sector, academic institutions and networks. The framework outlines ways for IRENA to support the development of a qualified human and institutional resources base for renewable energy deployment in the medium term. Successful, accelerated renewable energy deployment depends on a range of factors, from a favourable institutional, policy and regulatory framework to private sector engagement, the availability of investment capital and progress in delivering qualified human resources to the sector. Capacity building is a cross-cutting issue, and successful renewable energy deployment requires empowered institutions to deliver on their mandate, as well as developing personnel resources and implementing individual projects.Policy Advice
Renewable Energies And Jobs
An IRENA pilot project shows that large-scale renewable energy electricity and biofuels for transport industries involve a large variety of jobs, which differ in skill levels required, and may also differ according to the supply chain of technologies. Although data information is incomplete, 2010 estimates placed gross employment at over 3.5 million (REN21). Of these jobs, 630,000 were related to the wind industry; 350,000 to the solar PV industry; and as much as 1.5 million to biofuels. The majority of jobs are currently located in a small number of major economies – China, Brazil, Germany, India and the United States. Some countries have significant employment across a wide range of renewable energy technologies, whereas in others employment is clustered around a particular technology, such as wind power in Denmark or ethanol in Brazil.