The promotion of renewable energy is a high-potential mitigation opportunity that could deliver emission reductions of around 1.5 to 2.5 Gt CO₂ eq by 2020 according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Renewable energy deployment provides technological advancement and substantial benefits for rural economies in terms of employment, off-grid access to energy and diversified energy sources, in addition to modern energy services. It can enhance energy security and independence, reduce air pollution, improve public health and support adaptation goals.

The technical expert meetings examine good practice policy options and technologies, and ways to increase the financial flows for implementation.

The policy options represent one of the key outcomes of the technical examination process and highlight replicable and scalable good practices, approaches and technologies with significant mitigation potential, which could be tapped in the period up to 2020 in many countries across the world. 

The Virtual Expo showcases many relevant initiatives and projects submitted by Parties and observer organizations as well as video and printed materials related to the examined thematic areas. The Expo demonstrates a wealth of climate action implemented by different actors and stakeholders.

International cooperation plays a critical role in advancing global climate change agenda and addressing new challenges and opportunities. Multiple collaborative success stories are inspiring action around the world showcasing enormous potential for enhanced cooperation at local, regional, national and global levels. The technical examination process brought together a number of international organizations, partnerships and initiatives working on advancing climate action in the examined thematic areas.

Leading international organizations and partnerships:

International renewable energy agency (IRENA) is a  leader in scaling up the deployment of renewable energy around the world. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy. IRENA has developed numerous products, resources and programmes to facilitate the expansion of renewable energy. One notable programme is the Small Island Developing States Lighthouses Initiative.

Sustainable energy for all (SE4All) supports the achievement of universal access to modern energy by 2030 and a doubling of the share of renewable energy and energy efficiency gains globally. To achieve that outcome, SE4All works in partnership with more than 80 countries and a number of international and private-sector institutions. The SE4All’s hub on renewable energy is the IRENA, which has developed the Global Renewable Energy Roadmap - REmap 2030, which explores pathways to double the share of renewables in the global energy mix.

The technical papers prepared under the technical examination process demonstrate mitigation benefits of policies, practices and technologies showcasing the best practices and success stories in the examined thematic areas.