Renewable energy experts gather in Abu Dhabi to address myths surrounding renewable energy

High-level representatives from some 40 leading organisations advocating a transition to renewables gathered this week to address common misunderstandings about renewable energy at a three-day workshop at the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Ingmar Wilhelm, Executive Vice President of Enel Green Power, Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of IRENA, Hugo Lucas, Director of Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, IRENA

The meeting, entitled “Workshop on Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy,” was attended by representatives ranging from private sector firms including Enel Green Power, Abengoa, Vestas, Masdar and First Solar to non-governmental organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenpeace.

“With the costs of renewable energy technology falling and demand for secure, affordable clean energy increasing, there has never been a more important time for deploying renewable energy,” said IRENA’s Director-General, Adnan Z. Amin. “Yet myths about renewable energy technologies have penetrated public opinion and are influencing the political landscape around the world. This workshop represents a critical step in crystallising our messaging and galvanising a coalition of action in support of renewable energy worldwide.”

Besides cost competitiveness with fossil fuels, social acceptance of new technologies is the determining factor for faster and wider deployment of renewable energy. While public awareness of this promising sustainable energy option is rapidly increasing overall, developers and investors of renewable energy projects often need to gain confidence and support for implementing those technologies from local communities and decision makers which will be directly affected by the projects.

The workshop identified specific issues that IRENA can address to improve social acceptance of renewable energy worldwide. Participating organisations, furthermore, agreed to synergise their current arguments and communications strategies on the benefits of renewable energy.

“The overriding myth of renewables pertains to costs,” said Francesco Starace, CEO of Enel Green Power. “And the best way to tackle that myth is with facts – facts that show the sharp decrease in the cost of renewable energy production and its cost-competiveness with conventional sources of energy.”

Throughout the three-day event, participants, including senior representatives of IRENA, addressed environmental impact, job creation, comparative energy bills and community engagement on renewable energy.

Moving forward, the three-day workshop aims to produce a common action plan to improve strategic communications and stakeholder dialogue in the renewable energy space.

Leaders from over 40 organisations gathered at the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this week to address common misunderstandings about renewable energy.