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Renewable energy solutions, innovation and action discussed today in Paris at the ‘RE-Energising the Future’ international conference – a gathering of governments, businesses and civil society during COP21
Paris, France, 6 December 2015 – For the first time at any UN climate conference (COP21) renewable energy solutions and visions for a renewables-powered future are being showcased to world leaders at the international conference ‘RE-Energising the Future’ (today, 9:30-19:00, Palais Broingnart). Representing a cost-effective solution to energy sector decarbonisation, renewables contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions – a top priority to keep global temperature rise below 2°C. Moreover, they reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, create jobs, and support the economy. Renewables currently provide 22.8%[i] of the world’s electricity.
During the event, government leaders including Miguel Arias Cañete, EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Ségolène Royal, French Minister for Environment, Abdelkader Amara, Moroccan Minister of Energy, Jerry Brown, the Governor of California, and Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, will discuss their plans for scaling up renewable energy investments. CEOs from companies such as Masdar, Solar Power Company Group, 50 Hertz and Iberdrola will showcase innovations and breakthroughs; representatives from Google, Facebook, Statoil, Build Your Dreams and M-KOPA, among others, will discuss their 100% renewable energy operations. Popular musician Akon will present his Akon Lighting Africa initiative.
In addition, two new initiatives will be launched: the establishment of the Global Solar Council by the leading regional and national solar associations; and Collectively’s “We Got Power” campaign bringing together some of the world leading brands, NGOs, innovators and a global millennial audience.
The conference is part of a series of events comprising a ‘Renewable energy track’, taking place from 4-7 December at COP21 to show how renewable energy is among the fastest, cleanest and most economically beneficial ways to meet climate goals. It is organised by the European Commission (EC), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), the Syndicate for Renewable Energy of France (SER) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs.