International Action Programme takes Shape
Five days ahead of the Renewables Conference in Bonn (1-4 June), the International Action Programme to be agreed at the conference is taking shape: in response to a call from the German government, over 60 contributions containing actual measures and self-imposed targets and obligations for renewables expansion have been submitted by governments, international organisations, industry associations and private business from around the world. Participants include China, the EU, UN commissions and the Global Environment Facility. All proposals received are currently under review.
Funding issues are a key focus of the conference. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has proposed making annual funds in the amount of USD 100 million available to support demanding renewables projects in developing countries. The aim is to foster total investments of around USD 500 million per year. The GEF is funded by industrialised nations and was established to implement and fund projects carried out in developing and transition countries under international environment protection agreements.
China has announced its National Renewables Strategy. Based on significant renewables expansion by 2020, the strategy creates the political framework to enhance market potential in renewable energy sources.
The Action Programme includes measures for institutional capacity building. These involve expansion of further education and training initiatives, awareness building campaigns and support for scientific research programmes.
The International Conference for Renewable Energies was announced by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at the Johannesburg Summit in 2002, where delegates agreed to substantially increase the global share of renewable energy sources.
Further information on the Renewables 2004 is available online at www.renewables2004.de and www.bmu.de.