1st world atlas on renewable energy launched

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on Sunday launched the world's first atlas on clean energy which will offer open-access information on countries' renewable energy potential. "The Global Atlas is the largest ever initiative to help countries assess their renewable energy potential, and companies bringing together data and maps from leading technical institutes and private companies worldwide," IRENA said. "It currently charts solar and wind resources, and will expand to other forms of renewable energy over 2013 and 2014," the agency announced as it began its two-day annual general assembly in Abu Dhabi. The online atlas is available on www.irena.org/GlobalAtlas IRENA said the atlas will also help companies looking to invest in new markets. "Over the next decade, we expect an enormous increase in investment in the field of renewable energy. Global Atlas will help us make the right decisions," said Danish Climate and Energy Minister Martin Lidegaard, who chaired a session at the gathering. IRENA director Adnan Amin said that by 2014 the atlas will include information on bio-energy, geothermal energy and marine energy. "The Global Atlas provides a powerful new tool in international efforts to double the world’s share of renewable energy by 2030" to around 30 percent of the global energy mix, he said. Thirty-seven countries, including Israel which has no diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, have so far contributed information on their renewable energy potentials to the atlas. Established in 2011, Abu Dhabi-based IRENA is mandated by 159 countries and the European Union to promote the sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. Its meeting comes as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week which includes the Future Energy Summit, the International Water Summit and the International Renewable Energy Conference.