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REN21 facts for kids

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REN21's logo

REN21 stands for the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century. It is a special group that brings together many different people and organizations. Their main goal is to help countries make good rules (policies) about renewable energy.

REN21 wants to help the world quickly switch to using more renewable energy. This means energy from sources like the sun, wind, and water. They bring together governments, charities, scientists, and businesses. Everyone learns from each other to help more people use clean energy.

To help leaders make choices, REN21 collects information about renewable energy. They look at what is happening now and what might happen in the future. They share this information through different reports and events. These include the Renewables Global Status Report (GSR) and the International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC).

The main office for REN21 is in Paris, France. It is a non-profit group, which means it doesn't aim to make money. As of 2024, REN21 has over 100 member organizations. It also has more than 4,000 active community members.

REN21's Story

REN21 started in June 2004. This happened after a big meeting about renewable energy in Bonn, Germany. The first leader of REN21 was Paul Hugo Suding in 2006. After him, Virginia Sonntag O'Brien led from 2008 to 2011. Christine Lins was the leader from 2011 to 2018. Since 2018, Rana Adib has been the leader.

International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC)

The International Renewable Energy Conference, or IREC, also started at the 2004 meeting in Bonn. This conference happens every two years. A different country hosts it each time, and REN21 helps organize it.

IREC events have been held in many places around the world:

  • Beijing, China (BIREC, 2005)
  • Washington, United States (WIREC, 2008)
  • Delhi, India (DIREC, 2010)
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (ADIREC, 2013)
  • South Africa (SAIREC, 2015)
  • Mexico City, Mexico (MEXIREC, 2017)

Working with Others

REN21 works with many other groups. For example, they work with the Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Center. This group creates a report about money invested in renewable energy. REN21 also partners with the Global Tracking Framework. This project is part of the UN's Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) plan. REN21 also works closely with groups like the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the IRENA.

Who are the Members?

REN21 is a network with more than 100 members. These members come from different areas. They include:

  • Groups that represent businesses
  • International organizations
  • National governments
  • Non-profit organizations (NGOs)
  • Scientists and universities

See also

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