IRENA calls on negotiators to speed up the introduction of renewable energy in the COP 15 negotiations

The IEA’s claim to include nuclear and CCS in carbon markets is not an option.

Hélène Pelosse, Director-General of IRENA states during Climate Week in New York: “The establishment of IRENA by 136 states this year is a clear signal that countries worldwide ask for a bigger share of global renewable energy production - and not less. We need to increase the market share of the current 18 percent worldwide, especially in developing countries. The potential in those countries is huge but financial mechanisms for an up-scale are sometimes difficult to obtain. IRENA will facilitate the access of those countries to appropriate financing for renewable energy.

Today’s claim of the IEA to include nuclear and CCS projects in developing markets into the mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol is a step backwards. The discussion to include nuclear in the Clean Development Mechanism was dismissed in the past with a clear vote
from delegates. The Clean Development Mechanism is not called clean out of any reason – only 100% renewable energy is clean. CCS technology on the other hand is nothing but a fata morgana, technically feasible on a larger scale not before 2020.

On the contrary, numerous examples around the world demonstrate that the use of renewable energy is a reality and will be our future: almost 50% of Sweden’s overall energy consumption is coming from renewable sources. There are countless communities and cities in Germany and Denmark that are powered by 100% percent renewable energy. 2,5 million households in the developing world autonomously produce renewable energy with solar PV, turning their home into a small power plant. Based on a 100% renewables supply, the Spanish island El Hierro is nearing energy sufficiency, the Kingdom of Tonga aims at 50% renewable electricity production by 2012. The state of Québec, Canada produces 97% of its electricity needs from renewable sources. And last but not least: by hosting IRENA’s headquarter in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, one of the biggest oil producing countries in the world, have sent out a the strong message. We should not rely on energies of the past to power our future.”