I just wanted to inform you about an interesting side-event at WIREC 2008:

Accelerating the Deployment of Renewable EnergyRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil. Technologies

Organized by: Renewable EnergyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. and Energy EfficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. Partnership (REEEP) with American Council for Renewable Energy (ACORE); Alliance to Save Energy (ASE); US Department of State (link); Environment Canada (link)
Date: 4 March 2008, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Venue: The Washington Convention Centre, Room: 156

One must be a registered participant at WIREC to be admitted to the side event. Please see www.wirec2008.gov for more information.

Description (partly taken from americanrenewables.com):
At the request of the US State Department, the Renewable Energy and Energy EfficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. Partnership (REEEPThe Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) is a non-profit, specialist change agent aiming to catalyse the market for renewable energy and energy efficiency, with a primary focus on emerging markets and developing countries.) has carried out regional consultation meetings in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Southern Africa. The consultations, with regional RE companies, energy utilities, financial institutions, regulators, NGOAn NGO is a legally constituted organization that operates independently from any government. The UN term is normally used to refer to organizations that aren't part of a government and not for-profit business. s and consumers, have assessed how national governments can help to accelerate the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies within their regions, focusing on the following areas:

• AgricultureCultivation of the ground and harvesting of crops and handling of livestock, the primary function is the provision of food and feed. and Rural and economic development
• Technology, Research and Development
• Finance and investment
• Commercialisation

Within these areas, the consultation process has focussed on understanding:

• What drives current successful investments in RE
• What policy tools and business models underlie successful RE investments
• What problems does the current policy and business environment present to potential RE investors/project developers

The outputs of the REEEP regional meetings/consultations are contained in a report which provides a clear assessment of the status and opportunities for renewable energy systemsRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil., and provide direct suggestions on how national governments and the international framework can help to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy systems within their regions. The report, which will be the focus of the proposed side event, provides a clear and specific regional message on what is currently working, what is not working, and what is needed for renewable energy systems to be developed, attract investment and be deployed in the delivery of sustainable energy services for development and environmental stewardship.

You can download the Agenda here

I would be very happy to see many people there and I am looking forward to interesting discussions with the representatives of the REEEP regional secretariats of North America, South East Asia, Southern Africa and Latin America.