The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has put whole societies and economies on lock-down. In response, governments are preparing extensive and unprecedented recovery programmes and stimulus packages that will determine our infrastructure for decades. Therefore, this is not only the time to revitalise economies after a global pandemic but also to build the climate-resilient economies that we urgently need to mitigate climate change. Renewable Energy must be at the heart of this endeavour.
Based on the recently published Policy Brief on the Role of Renewables in Covid-19 recovery packages of the Global Renewables Congress, this Webinar particularly addressed legislators around the world to share insights from their countries and questions regarding their experiences with Renewable Energy (RE) policymaking. Following presentations on the role of legislators and governments in RE policymaking and the new Policy Brief, participants from Brazil, Finland, Germany, the Philippines and Uganda discussed current trends and developments.
Rabia Ferroukhi, Director of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Center at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) emphasised that Renewables has great potential to contribute to this change. RE can create up to 42 million jobs by 2050, not counting the additional 36 million in energy efficiency, power grids, and energy flexibility. RE research, development and deployment can drive GDP growth significantly and thus offer increased welfare in every world region for all people (see also the IRENA “Global Renewables Outlook”).
Utilising on the various benefits of RE, many organisations, businesses, scientists and others have developed Calls for Action for green stimulus packages in the past weeks. However, policymakers need insights on concrete measures to develop such green stimulus packages. This is the purpose of the recently published Policy Brief of the GRC on the Role of Renewables in Covid-19 Stimulus Packages. Dr David Jacobs, Founder and CEO of IET Consulting presented different measures to support policymakers to implement RE for the benefit of the people across energy sectors.
The discussions revealed that some immediate and permanent actions need to be taken to strengthen the crucial role of Renewables in our energy system. This includes revisiting deadlines for RE projects that face contractual obligations, but also tackle supply chain disruptions to ensure timely RE installations. Further, investment security for Renewable Energy solutions must be included by governments around the world. At the same time, making Renewables the backbone of a green recovery can also address gaps in NDCs. Yet, there are numerous challenges for policymakers to ensure this critical role of Renewable Energy.
Agenda
- Introduction (Moderation by Stefan Schurig, Strategic Advisor to the GRC)
- Individual introduction of each participant (‘tour de table’)
- Presentation “The role of legislators and governments” by Rabia Ferroukhi, Director Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, IRENA
- Presentation “The role of RE in Economic Stimulus Packages” by Dr David Jacobs, founder and CEO of IET – International Energy Transition GmbH
- Questions & Answers
- Comments and Feedback
