Policy Paper: renewables2004: Generating leverage for a global transformation of energy systems
The paper is part of the run-up to the International Conference for Renewable Energies due to take place from 1 to 4 June 2004 in Bonn. In their paper, the Council’s scientists propose concrete measures by which to initiate and advance a global transformation of energy systems towards sustainability. They call upon the German federal government to use renewables 2004 as a platform on which to urge implementation of these measures.
Committing to voluntary targets at national level
Countries willing to advance the process should commit themselves to quantitative targets for the expansion of renewable energies at national level. It is crucial in this context to harness and further develop a broad range of technologies for the utilization of renewable energy sources and for the improvement of energy efficiency. Agreements on targets must take into account the sustainable potentials of the individual energy sources.
Adopting a World Energy Charter
A global energy strategy cast in the form of a World Energy Charter should be a key outcome of renewables 2004. This Charter should set out the essential elements of sustainable global energy policy, and should provide relevant players a joint platform for action.
Coordinating energy policy and research worldwide
The WBGU urges that a Global Ministerial Forum for Sustainable Energy be established with the remit to coordinate global energy policy. Over the medium term, the Council argues for the establishment of an International Sustainable Energy Agency. To achieve this the WBGU recommends, first, setting up an Intergovernmental Panel on Sustainable Energy charged with analysing and assessing global energy trends and identifying options for action, and, second, initiating a World Energy Research Coordination Programme with the task of coordinating and optimizing, at the international level, national research and development strategies.
Developing international model projects to pilot the transformation process
The WBGU recommends developing a small number of high-profile, large-scale model projects in international cooperation which have the potential to set in motion the transformation of energy systems in many parts of the world. These projects should be agreed upon at renewables 2004.
Stepping up research and development through targeted support
The WBGU recommends that direct state expenditure in industrialized countries for research and development in the energy sector be increased at least ten-fold by 2020. The focus of R&D should be shifted swiftly from fossil and nuclear energies to renewables and efficiency improvement. For Germany, the WBGU recommends a focussed research and development drive; this should be underpinned by doubling the funding available for renewables and energy efficiency within the next five years. The German federal government should present at renewables 2004 a comprehensive research and development programme on renewables and energy efficiency.
Expanding the European Union’s pioneering role
The WBGU recommends setting ambitious targets for the expansion of renewables by 2050 within the EU. Moreover, EU-wide energy efficiency strategies should be adopted as soon as possible. These must target in particular the transport and building sectors.