COP21: Technology for 100% renewable energy future already in place

International renewable energy organisations have come together at COP21 in Paris to demonstrate that reliable 100% renewable energy is not only possible, but that systems already exist today with significant potential for expansion.

The side event, organised by the REN Alliance, a partnership of organisations representing the solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and bioenergy sectors, aimed to demonstrate the realities of 100% renewables at all scales.

The event provided case studies of communities, cities, countries and regions where various high-penetration combinations of renewable energy technologies are working together. These examples showed that technology solutions for a 100% renewable energy are in place, finance options are available and scalable, and resource availability is plentiful, according to REN Alliance.

Richard Taylor, CEO of the International Hydropower Association, said: “Over 1 billion people are provided with reliable, clean renewable energy through hydropower today, with the potential to double its contribution by 2050.

“As the world’s leaders gather at COP21 to reach a climate agreement, the renewables family has demonstrated the contribution that the renewables revolution is already making to climate change mitigation. By combining all the renewable technologies, the whole world could be supplied by renewable energy for power, heat and transport.”

REN Alliance includes the International Solar Energy Society, the World Wind Energy Association, the International Hydropower Association, the International Geothermal Association, and the World Bioenergy Association.