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The UNECE RE-Uptake project is jointly undertaken by the UNECE, REN21 and dena, and in close cooperation with and commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
The member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) are not only different in terms of their language, culture and geographical location, but also in regard to their energy systems. While some countries have already achieved very high shares of renewable energy sources in the electricity and heating market, others are still lagging behind. We therefore see great potential in sharing this know-how on a transnational scale.
The study ‘Status and perspectives for renewable energies in the UNECE region’ provides an analysis of the energy markets and support mechanisms for renewable energies in the UNECE member states along with a summary of successful policy approaches for the expansion of renewable energies undertaken in close cooperation with regional energy experts and actors from politics, business and international organisations. The analysis provides decision-makers in the UNECE region with access to information about common obstacles to and effective measures and instruments for the energy policy implementation. The first dena UNECE study was published in 2015 and updated in 2017. The new 2022 edition builds upon the earlier reports, taking into account the progress and developments that have occurred in the region.
The REN21 "UNECE Renewable Energy Status Report 2022", undertaken as part of the RE-Uptake project – focuses on 17 countries from Southeast and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Russian Federation. The report presents the current status of renewable energy in all sectors and provides a comprehensive overview of the infrastructure, industry, political conditions, market development and investments in the selected countries.
As part of the project, a series of so-called Renewable Energy ‘Hard Talks’ with selected UNECE member states will take place in 2021 and 2022 and the results will be incorporated into the respective dena study and REN21 report. Renewable Energy Hard Talks will be held with: Albania, Georgia, Serbia and Moldova.
The ‘Hard Talk’ is a discussion format on current issues concerning renewable energy with actors from the participating UNECE member states, and is organised by the UNECE project team, consisting of the UNECE, REN21, and dena, together with host, partner-organisations. The Hard Talks aim to identify the best measures for promoting renewable energy in the particular UNECE member country given the particular local requirements and international best practices.
Hard Talk with Albania
The first of the four UNECE Hard Talks was dedicated to Albania and took place on July 6 and 7, 2021 in the form of an online event. It focused on the grid integration of renewable energy, accompanying energy policies and funding. The outcome of the Hard Talk will help Albania to further advance the use of renewable energy and implement the relevant policies for an attractive, target-oriented market.
Hard Talk with Georgia
The second Hard Talk was held on October 12 and 13, 2021 and dealt with the promotion of renewable energy investments in Georgia. In particular, it focused on improving the bankability of projects and promoting sustainable financing. The results of this virtual Hard Talk will help Georgia to improve its regulatory framework and secure long-term investments in renewable energies.
Hard Talk with Serbia
The third Hard Talk was held on November 16 and 17, 2021 and explored support mechanisms for the development of renewable energy in Serbia. With more than 80 participants, this online event focused on the role of net metering and renewable energy auctions. The results will help Serbia to overcome the various obstacles to create a stable and efficient system for the deployment of renewable energy.
Hard Talk with Moldova
On June 14, 2022, the final Hard Talk took place and addressed the integration of renewable energies in the Republic of Moldova. The event was held on site in Chişinău and focused on resilience and flexibility options in the energy system. Overall, the Hard Talk addressed many current, critical issues and paves the way for future cooperation to assist Moldova to enhance energy security and independence.
The results of the UNECE Re-Uptake Project (2020-2022) were presented at the UNECE Sustainable Energy Expert Week 2022 at the United Nations in Geneva. The meeting was attended by experts from dena and the project partner REN21, representatives of the UNECE member states and international energy organisations. In the main session, dena held a session on "Sharing Experiences on the Increased Use of Renewable Energy", including presentations on past Renewable Energy Hard Talks from Albania, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. The presentations and contributions of the partner organisations from the Hard Talks once again highlighted the benefits of this project in supporting and promoting reform of the energy sector.
Additional information on the Hard Talks, including concept, agenda and outcomes, can be found here.
If you would like to find out more about the UNECE RE-Uptake project, the dena study or the Hard Talks, or if you would like to otherwise get involved, please get in touch with dena’s experts listed below.
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