REN21 facts for kids

REN21 logo

REN21 stands for the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century. It is a worldwide group that brings together different people and organizations. These include governments, businesses, non-profit groups (NGOs), scientists, and universities. REN21 helps make changes needed to build an economy based on renewable energy. This helps people live better lives and creates stronger societies.

REN21's main goal is to see a world where renewable energy is the clear choice for everyone. They believe it is good for people, nature, and a strong economy. Their mission is to achieve a world powered by renewable energy. They do this by bringing together many different groups and pushing for quick and lasting change. REN21 uses talks, discussions, and facts to make sure renewable energy is a key part of global decisions.

History of REN21
How REN21 Works
REN21 Activities
- Data Collection and Policy Support
Events and Community Engagement
- REN21 Academy
- International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC)
Working with Other Groups
See also

History of REN21

REN21 started in June 2004. It was formed after a big meeting in Bonn, Germany, called the International Conference for Renewable Energies. This group was created to help countries work together. It also aimed to support good decisions about energy and keep track of how renewable energy was growing worldwide. Since it began, REN21 has become a leading voice in shaping rules about renewable energy. One of its most important works is the Renewables Global Status Report (GSR).

REN21 officially became an organization in 2005. Paul Hugo Suding was its first leader from 2006. After him, Virginia Sonntag O’Brien (2008–2011), Christine Lins (2011–2018), and Rana Adib (since 2018) have led the group.

Over the years, REN21 has grown into a special network. It connects governments, businesses, NGOs, scientists, and universities. They use discussions and facts to find problems and challenge old ways of thinking. This helps make sure renewable energy is central to global decisions.

In 2024, REN21 launched its "Vision 2030" plan. This was a big step for the organization. It came after COP28, a major climate meeting where world leaders agreed to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. Even with this progress, some people were still against the shift to clean energy. This was due to false information and other challenges.

REN21 understood it needed to adapt. It worked with its global network to rethink its goals and how it operates. The new plan helps REN21 have a bigger impact. It also helps the group fit better into the world of energy organizations. This plan is flexible, allowing REN21 to adjust its yearly goals.

The Vision 2030 plan fits with other global efforts. These include the UN-Energy Decade and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The plan highlights how important it is to stop using fossil fuels. Fossil fuels cause climate change, inequality, and insecurity.

REN21's updated vision sees renewable energy as more than just a new technology. It calls for a complete change in how our world works. The old system, based on fossil fuels, needs to be replaced. A new system will create strong and fair economies powered by renewable energy. REN21 supports big changes, overcoming resistance, and correcting wrong information.

As the world gets closer to a key moment for energy, REN21 continues to lead global efforts. They want to show that renewable energy brings opportunities and strength. They help shape policies, encourage teamwork, and support a fair energy future for everyone.

How REN21 Works

REN21 is a network that includes many different groups. It is also a non-profit organization registered in Germany. Its main office, called the Secretariat, is in Paris, France. A Steering Committee guides the organization. This committee has members from governments, businesses, NGOs, scientists, and universities. This structure makes sure REN21 is a balanced and open platform. It truly represents its many different members worldwide.

As of 2025, REN21 has 121 official member organizations. It also has an active community of over 4,000 people. These people come from many different areas, regions, and levels of government. This large network brings together a lot of knowledge and ideas. They form a global community working to build economies based on renewable energy.

The REN21 network acts as a place for sharing knowledge and promoting ideas. Members actively share facts, analysis, and ideas for joint reports and activities. Important publications, like the Renewables Global Status Report (GSR), are created with help from hundreds of experts and organizations worldwide.

REN21 is special because it looks at energy systems, economies, and societies as a whole. It puts renewable energy at the center of big changes. It understands that climate, fairness, development, and strength are all connected. The network is a trusted and neutral place. It provides a safe space for open talks, different viewpoints, and fair discussions.

REN21's main values are:

Being open to everyone from different areas, places, and groups.
Being clear and trustworthy, allowing honest discussions.
Being balanced and neutral, making sure talks are fair and represent everyone.
Working together and sharing knowledge to make changes happen.

Through this unique way of working, REN21 continues to connect different groups. It builds agreement and shapes the global conversation about renewable energy with honesty and a clear vision.

REN21 Activities

REN21 works through three main areas: Knowledge and Data, Dialogue and Debate, and Communications. These areas help REN21 achieve its goal. They promote the use of renewable energy worldwide by working together and involving members.

Through its Knowledge and Data work, REN21 collects and shares up-to-date information. This includes facts on global renewable energy markets, rules, and investment trends. The Dialogue and Debate area helps different groups talk to each other. It does this through important events, workshops, and online meetings. This encourages teamwork among its many member groups. The Communications area makes sure that key information and reports reach many different people around the world.

REN21's activities include gathering facts, analyzing policies, coordinating groups, and publishing well-known reports. The Renewables Global Status Report (GSR) is one example. These efforts help people make informed decisions. They also speed up the global shift to clean energy.

Data Collection and Policy Support

REN21 is very important for collecting and sharing reliable facts. This includes information on renewable energy policies and goals. This information helps governments, businesses, and other groups make decisions based on evidence. It helps them create effective renewable energy plans worldwide.

REN21 brings together experts from around the world to collect facts on key indicators. They focus on national and local goals, policy rules, and new developments. The facts they gather are used in REN21's main publications. Many groups involved in the global energy shift use this information.

Events and Community Engagement

REN21 Academy

These events bring together people who contribute to REN21. They help them work together and share the best ways to use renewable energy. The Academy is a place to share new ideas about important topics in the renewable energy change.

REN21's first Renewables Academy was in 2014 in Bonn, Germany. About 150 people from 40 countries attended. They discussed what rules were needed to advance a global energy transition.

The second Renewables Academy happened in 2018 in Berlin, Germany. Over 160 members from 80 countries met there. They talked about how to speed up the energy change. They discussed topics like heat, transport, and new energy systems.

International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC)

The IREC is a series of high-level meetings about renewable energy policy worldwide. It started at the Renewables 2004 conference in Bonn. A national government hosts IREC every two years, and REN21 organizes it. IREC is a place for government leaders, businesses, and community groups to work together. They aim to advance renewable energy. IRECs have been held in many countries, including Beijing, China (2005); Washington, USA (2008); Delhi, India (2010); Abu Dhabi, UAE (2013); South Africa (2015); Mexico City, Mexico (2017); Seoul, Korea (2019); and Madrid, Spain (2023).

REN21 also takes part in other big international meetings. These include the UN Climate Change Conference (COP) and the UN High-Level Political Forum. The GSR report has been mentioned in government papers, international energy plans, and news around the world.

Working with Other Groups

REN21 works with many other organizations. For example, the Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment Report (GTR) is like a sister report to REN21's GSR. It is made by the Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Center for Climate & Sustainable Energy Finance. REN21 is also a partner of the Global Tracking Framework (GTF). This framework is organized by the UN Secretary General's Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Initiative. REN21 also works closely with other international groups. These include the International Energy Agency (IEA), the World Bank, and IRENA.