FILE PHOTO: Aνεμογεννήτριες στην περιοχή Αντισκάρι Ηρακλείου. ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ, ΒΑΡΔΟΥΛΑΚΗΣ ΒΑΓΓΕΛΗΣ
Greece is one of nine countries around the world that produces more than 20 pct of their electric energy from solar and wind power, REN21 said its 2019 report on Renewable Energy Sources.
Renewable energy sources cover 26 pct of global electricity production, but stronger policies are required in all sectors of final use in order for energy systems to become sustainable, the report said.
The Renewables 2019 Global Status Report (GSR 2019) marks 15 years since Bonn2004, the landmark international conference that gave rise to REN21. Then, a “ coalition of the willing” came together with one objective in mind: to support and accelerate the development of renewable energy.
The evidence from 2018 clearly indicates that renewable power is here to stay. Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind are now mainstream options in the power sector, with an increasing number of countries generating more than 20% of their electricity with solar PV and wind. This is good news. But current trends show that bolder policy decisions are needed across all sectors of energy end-use to make our energy systems sustainable.
On a global level, these sectors remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which are highly subsidised in many countries.
In addition, the policy effort focused on these sectors has been insufficient compared to the power sector.
Cities increasingly are strong drivers in renewable energy deployment, adopting some of the most ambitious targets for renewables globally. This year’s Feature chapter outlines commitments and actions at the city level that are, in numerous cases, exceeding national and state/provincial initiatives. Given the role of cities in the energy transition, REN21 has initiated the Renewables in Cities Global Status Report, using the same process and rigorous standards of the GSR but looking at the city level.
These opportunities, overarching trends and developments are detailed in the complementary Perspectives on the Global Renewable Energy Transition, which has been written to help readers more easily grasp the significance of the latest renewable energy developments. Together, these two publications make a powerful statement about the central role of renewables in establishing a sustainable energy future.
Source: ANA-MPA
Crossing the Aegean with kayaks: From Sounio to Santorini a cry of agony for the future of the sea