- The Stockholm Environment Institute presented an analysis of the possible energy scenarios for the year 2050
- The German Minister of Energy highlighted the role of Spain in wind power development
The Energy Day at Rio+20 hosted over 15 high-level events which claimed the role of renewables as the engine of change in the present model. Renewable energy is the key to build a sustainable future, especially from wind and solar.
One of the most important events was the presentation of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) which, together with representatives from five leading research institutions, explained the conclusion of their latest research as well as an analysis of global energy scenarios and their impacts on world governance. Professor Mans Nilson was responsible for presenting possible scenarios studied up to the year 2050. He said the scenarios differ markedly in countries such as China, Europe or India, so it will be necessary to adopt specific decisions for each market, with differential development of renewable energy. China stood out among the cases analyzed, with growth of up to 28% annually in the implementation of wind power. Youba Sokona, head of the African Climate Agency, suggested analyzing the adaptation process of renewable energies in Europe. From his point of view, it is necessary to understand the needs of developing countries in order to respond to cultural and technological advances that mark the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Another relevant event at the Energy Day was the presentation of the Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This organization promotes an innovative approach combining new technologies and open access by the public to quality data on the potential for exploiting energy such as solar or wind power. This attempts to give a strong support for renewable energies worldwide, especially in countries with a low level of technical information.
The importance of the project was reflected by the presence of Energy Ministers from Denmark, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Germany and Brazil, who stressed the important role that wind energy plays in the development of their countries. The German Minister recalled the positive experiences of Spain and Denmark in wind energy development.
