Clean Energy Solutions Center, IRENA Collaborate to Help Accelerate Global Deployment of Renewable Energy

The Clean Energy Solutions Center, an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have formalized a collaboration that will help accelerate the global deployment of renewable energy.

The jointly led Renewable Energy Policy Advice Network (REPAN) will leverage both organizations' resources by coordinating a global network of experts and practitioners to help countries design and implement renewable energy policies and programs.

"This collaboration benefits policy makers looking for support to implement policies and programs designed to increase their countries' deployment of renewable energy," said Jonathan Pershing, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Change Policy and Technology, Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy. "By taking a coordinated approach to renewable energy policy assistance, our collaboration will ultimately increase the implementation of renewable energy policies throughout the world."

"As renewable energy costs continue to fall and new markets open up, policy makers around the world are looking for the most effective policies and regulatory frameworks to scale up renewables," said IRENA Director General Adnan Z. Amin. "This partnership will put the latest thinking and best practices in renewable energy policy in the hands of key stakeholders, helping countries commit to concrete actions that advance renewable energy deployment."

Under REPAN, advice and assistance will be available in several distinct areas:

• Delivering no-cost, fast-response consultations – often through on-site assistance – on renewable energy policy and program strategies, regulations, and standards through the Solutions Center's "Ask an Expert" service, and expanding the service to include additional experts from developing countries;
• Providing expert assistance for Renewables Readiness Assessments (RRAs) conducted in eight countries each year;
• Providing expert assistance for developing renewable energy and grid integration roadmaps in Africa, Asia, and Latin America; and Providing expert assistance for establishing stable regulatory frameworks that encourage deployment of renewable energy.

REPAN was formally announced by Director General Amin on 7 January 2013 during the Third IRENA Assembly. Since its inception, policy experts and practitioners have provided support for RRAs in Mongolia, Mauritania, and Nicaragua; reviewed country renewable energy development plans; provided support to Africa and South Pacific island nations on developing renewable energy targets; and reviewed guidelines for detailed wind resource measurements.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for REPAN was established between IRENA and the Solutions Center's operating agent, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and NREL's managing and operating contractor, the Alliance for Sustainable Energy.