As solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems become increasingly competitive, continued market growth depends on assurances of performance and durability. Quality assurance protects and accelerates future PV investments, lowers capital costs, improves performance, extends module lifespans and lowers the resulting electricity costs.

Energy-related emissions represent two-thirds of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Immediate action is needed to start putting the world on a path to net-zero emissions, as per the Paris Agreement. Renewable energy and energy efficiency will work in synergy to drive global energy decarbonisation.

Assets like power plants can become “stranded” by unanticipated or premature write-downs, devaluation or conversion to liabilities. This will happen to some degree in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has set out to produce comprehensive, reliable data sets on renewable energy capacity and use worldwide. The Renewable Energy Statistics 2017 yearbook shows data sets on renewable power-generation capacity for 2007-2016, renewable power generation for 2007-2015 and renewable energy balances for about 100 countries and areas for 2014 and 2015. Further, it features statistics on investments in renewable energy from 18 major multi-lateral, bilateral and national development financial institutions, presented for the period 2009-2015.

Energy planners developing solar power and other renewable energy projects now have better access to free data and tools, with the rollout of IRENA’s Global Atlas 3.0.

Technological breakthroughs are needed to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector.

Southeast Asia has considerable resources to produce liquid biofuels sustainably, using biomass feedstocks that would not cause carbon-dioxide emissions or interfere with food supply.

The United Republic of Tanzania possesses impressive potential for bioenergy, geothermal, solar and wind energy development, in addition to significant existing hydropower capacity.

Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2017 presents the status of renewable energy employment, both by technology and in selected countries, over the past year.

India is one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in the world for renewable energy. This key emerging market, home to 16% of the global population in 2017, is poised for some of the fastest energy demand growth over the coming decades.

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