World Renewable Energy Network
The world population in the year 2100 will be in excess of 12 billion. If the current trends in technological progress and innovation continue, the demand for energy then will be five times greater than what it is now. If we continue the policy of using coal, oil and gas at the present rate, then by the year 2020 the global temperature will have increased by two degrees Celsius. We do not need reminding of the adverse effects of this: the increased risk of flooding in lowland areas, the processes of desertification, and changing climate all over the world.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Professional association
- Industry Type:
- Renewable Energy
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
- Year Founded:
- 1992
Introduction to Renewable Energy
Renewable Energies are abundantly available, they are clean and their costs are rapidly decreasing. A smart mix of decentralized and centralized Renewables – grid-connected and off-grid – can provide access to energy to those billions of people who do not have it today. Renewables can accelerate the decarbonisation of the energy sector. Renewables are providing a unique opportunity for alleviation of poverty and at the same time reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The faster Renewables grow, the sooner the world will meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. If we are serious about limiting global warming “well below 2 degrees” until the end of the century, there is no realistic alternative to fully decarbonizing the energy sector and more.
Today, Renewable Energy is contributing about 20% to the world’s total final energy consumption, about half of which is from traditional biomass and – growing at slightly faster rates than the world’s energy demand – a growing share of which from modern renewables, such as wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and geothermal. In the electricity sector, the share of renewables is already 25% today, with hydropower providing two thirds, but solar and wind power growing exponentially. For several consecutive years now, more Renewable power capacity has been installed globally than any other technology or source. Particularly wind and solar power, but also other sources and applications, are the cheapest sources of energy around the world.
Hundreds and thousands of cities, communities and regions, but also more than 50 countries have already committed to a 100% renewable energy future – most of them aiming at 2050 the latest. Large international companies have committed to sourcing all their electricity or even all their energy completely from Renewables – and they are striving to achieve this objective before the middle of the century. An increasing number of scenarios on all levels – including the world as a whole – are being developed which show that a fully renewable energy based system is possible – and cheaper than continuing the fossil and nuclear based energy system. Renewable energy is creating jobs for more than 10 million people and presently is attracting an investment of more than US$400 billion a year.
About the World Renewable Energy Congress / Network (WREC/WREN)
WREN is a major non-profit organization registered in the United Kingdom with charitable status and affiliated to UNESCO, the Deputy Director General of which is its honorary President. It has a Governing Council, an Executive Committee and a Director General. It maintains links with many United Nations, governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Established in 1992 during the second World Renewable Energy Congress in Reading, UK, WREN is one of the most effective organizations in supporting and enhancing the utilisation and implementation of renewable energy sources that are both environmentally safe and economically sustainable. This is done through a worldwide network of agencies, laboratories, institutions, companies and individuals, all working together towards the international diffusion of renewable energy technologies and applications. Representing most countries in the world, it aims to promote the communication and technical education of scientists, engineers, technicians and managers in this field and to address itself to the energy needs of both developing and developed countries.
Over two billion dollars have now been allocated to projects dealing with renewable energy and the environment by the World Solar Summit and World Solar Decade along with the World Bank. This shows that at last the important message is being heard. The renewable energy community has exhibited a lot of courage, stamina and willpower, demonstrating renewable energy to be a viable energy provider. We should continue at a faster pace.
Purpose of WREC
At no time in modern history has energy played a more crucial role in the development and well being of nations than at present. The source and nature of energy, the security of supply and the equity of distribution, the environmental impact of its supply and utilization, are all crucial matters to be addressed by suppliers, consumers, governments, industry, academia, and financial institutions.
The World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC), a major recognised forum for networking between these sectors, addresses these issues through regular meetings and exhibitions, bringing together representatives of all those involved in the supply, distribution, consumption and development of energy sources which are benign, sustainable, accessible and economically viable. WREC enables policy makers, researchers, manufacturers, economists, financiers, sociologists, environmentalists and others to present their views in Plenary and Technical Sessions and to participate in discussions, both formal and informal, thus facilitating the transfer of knowledge between nations, institutions, disciplines and individuals. The World Renewable Energy Congress VIII in Denver, USA attended by more than a thousand participants, signalled the increasing importance of renewable energy, but much effort is still required to make it a major energy supplier.
Global Activities of WREC/WREN
The global activities of the World Renewable Energy Congress / Network encompass:
- International congresses (World Renewable Energy Congress, WREC)
- Regional meetings
- Workshops on renewable energy topics
- Competitions and awards promoting renewable energy
- Journal publication 'Renewable Energy'
- Scientific publications
- Targeted books and annual magazine
- Newsletter