The Clean Energy Solutions Center, in partnership with the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), hosted this webinar on the launch of REN21’s newest report: Renewables Global Futures Report: Great Debates Towards 100% Renewable Energy.

To achieve a clean energy transition there needs to be an open and frank discussion about the feasibility of achieving it with renewables and energy efficiency and what related macroeconomic impacts might be. The stakes are high—financially, environmentally and socially—and as the transition progresses, there will be clear winners and losers.

This webinar presented a full spectrum of views as to whether achieving 100% renewables by mid-century is a pipe dream or a reality. The webinar drew on over 100 interviews with energy experts from around the world. It aimed to understand better and discuss constructively the opportunities and challenges of 100% renewable energy future. The webinar began with a global presentation of the report and then moved to regional insights from Africa and India. Presentations were followed by an interactive question and answer session with the audience.

Panelists

Christine Lins, Executive Secretary, REN21

Christine Lins was appointed as Executive Secretary of REN21, the Renewable Energy Policy Network of the 21st Century, in July 2011. REN21 is a global public-private multi-stakeholder network on renewable energy regrouping international organizations, governments, industry associations, science and academia as well as NGOs working in the field of renewable energy. REN21 has its headquarters at UNEP, the United Nations Environment Programme in Paris/France. Between 2001 and 2011, Ms. Lins served as Secretary General of the European Renewable Energy Council. Previously, she worked in a regional energy agency in Austria promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Ms. Lins holds a Master’s degree in international economics and applied languages. She has more than 20 years of working experience in the field of renewable energy.

Dr. Sven Teske, Research Principle, Institute for Sustainable Futures/University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Dr. Teske has over 20 years’ experience in technical analysis of renewable energy systems and market integration concept. He has published over 50 special reports about renewable energies including five editions of the World Energy Scenario “Energy [R]evolution: A sustainable World Energy Outlook”, a grid analysis for the Chinese province Jiangsu in cooperation with the China State Grid Company and a 100% renewable energy pathway for Australia. Dr. Teske joined the Institute for Sustainable Futures/University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in October 2015 and has worked on research projects for new business concepts for decentralised renewables (Local Network Credits), storage concepts for high renewable penetration in Australian power grids (ACOLA), as well as the development of high renewable energy pathways for G20 countries. Previously Dr. Teske was with Greenpeace International.

Kanika Chawla, Senior Programme Lead Council on Energy, Environment and Water

Kanika Chawla is a policy specialist, working at the intersection of India’s two revolutions: in renewable energy and in financial markets. Ms Chawla manages CEEW’s work on renewable energy policy, finance, and jobs and skills. Her current responsibilities include: analysing financial risks affecting renewable energy investments in India; changing market conditions and tax regimes and their impact on renewable energy; managing CEEW’s periodic surveys on RE jobs; and convening a high-level working group on renewable energy finance (comprising investors, developers and manufacturers). She is actively engaged with private and public enterprises within and outside India to design and develop new financial de-risking instruments and new financial institutions, such as green banks.

Charles Murove, Principal Consultant, Hermit Investments

Charles Murove is an engineer by qualification with over 34 years of experience in the energy sector both in the public and private sectors in Africa. He has worked as an energy researcher, resource management consultant, carbon originator, technology and project evaluation and capacity building expert. His main area of focus is sustainability advisory with a particular focus on energy and water efficiency, renewable energy project evaluation and development and business case development. Capacity building for industrial, utility and government personnel and young people is an area of particular interest.