The document outlines the need for continuing research into the development of renewable technologies and the improvement of their cost effectiveness. The publication recommends priorities for this effort, drawing on studies, analyses and technology programmes carried out by the IEA technology network. It also reviews the trends in government RD&D spending and lists RD&D policies in IEA member countries.
Among renewable energy technologies, the shares in global funding of biomass, solar photovoltaic and wind have increased, while those of ocean, geothermal and concentrating solar power have declined – broadly reflecting the evolving consensus as to where the greatest potential lies.
Of course, there are great variations in the balance of spending of individual countries, reflecting resource potential and national energy policies. The United States, Japan and Germany are the biggest total spenders on energy technology RD&D, although Switzerland, Denmark and the Netherlands are the leaders on a spending per capita basis.
The purpose of the IEA publication is to assist governments in prioritising their RD&D efforts for renewable energy. It argues that successful RD&D programmes:
- Need to be well focused;
- should be co-ordinated with both industry efforts to promote commercialisation and competitiveness in the market, and with international programmes;
- must reflect national energy resources, needs and policies;
- need to have roots in basic science research, and;
- need to address issues of public acceptability, grid connection and adaptation and managing intermittency, which are common to a range of renewable energy technologies.
However, the authors argue that renewables RD&D should not be left solely to government. Industry can be expected and should be encouraged to play a major role in the development of all technologies, whether or not yet commercially available. Energy security, climate and environmental concerns are strong drivers of national energy policies. Renewables must take on these challenges.
Claude Mandil, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said: “Renewable energy technologies are a crucial element in achieving a balanced global energy future; renewables can make major contributions to the diversity and security of energy supply and to economic development”. He added that: “Countries must improve their market-deployment strategies for renewable energy technologies and, above all, increase targeted renewables RD&D - simultaneously ensuring continued cost-competitiveness. There is much at stake.”
