Renewable Energy & Sustainability Heroes by GineersNow Engineering GineersNow Engineering Magazine Issue No. 017, Ren | Page 26

reference report on the global renewable energy
market, industry and policy landscape. Our
network stands at over 2,000 contributors and
reviewers who together help us collect data on
renewables that cover 92% of the world’s GDP
and 95% of the global population.
The drive for decarbonisation and the constantly
changing renewable energy landscape however
is pushing us here at REN21 to look beyond
the current status and identify when, where and
how an energy transition with renewables can
be achieved. Finding solutions for some sectors
is easier than for others. Views are influenced
by different regional perspectives, the current
stage of development within a region and the
part of the energy sector being discussed.
While we can’t predict the future we do need to
debate the opportunities and challenges of a
100% renewable energy future. Good decision-
making depends on solid data and constructive
exchange of opinion! REN21’s Global Futures
Report is a complement to its Renewable Global
Status Report series. The former presents
thinking about how a renewable energy future will
evolve; the latter provides a real-time snapshot
of what is happening. Together the two reports
illustrate the distance between where we are now
and what needs to happen if an energy transition
with renewables is to be achieved.
But tracking development and debating the future
is not enough. We need to understand how
system integration can shift thinking from the
traditional perspective of baseload power to one
where optimal integration of variable renewable
energy provides on-demand, reliable, affordable
electricity and brings added-value to grid
infrastructure. By creating more system flexibility
we will be able to provide new opportunities for
renewable energy to reach end-use sectors. This
requires developing thematic networks where
latest information exchanged reflects diverse
viewpoints from both private and public sector
actors. REN21 works at this nexus, bringing
together governments, intergovernmental
agencies, industry associations, NGOs, research
and academia to collectively dispel myths and
drive policy change. The result is a robust,
dynamic, international network that regularly
exchanges its knowledge and through its
activities works to drive a rapid, global transition
to renewable energy.
My professional journey of advancing the energy
transition with renewables and energy efficiency
is exciting, intense and personally very rewarding.
I meet passionate people and have the privilege
to work with an outstanding team. I see first-hand
how the energy transition towards renewables
can change people’s lives for the better and
what a profound effect the energy transition has
and will have on how we produce and consume
energy now and in the future. A lot has over the
past two decades; I am convinced, however, that
the best is yet to come.