This Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report (IPCC-SRREN) assesses the potential role of renewable energy in the mitigation of climate change. It covers the six most important renewable energy sources--bioenergy, solar, geothermal, hydropower, ocean and wind energy--as well as their integration into present and future energy systems. It considers the environmental and social consequences associated with the deployment of these technologies and presents strategies to overcome technical as well as non-technical obstacles to their application and diffusion. SRREN brings a broad spectrum of technology-specific experts together with scientists studying energy systems as a whole. Prepared following strict IPCC procedures, it presents an impartial assessment of the current state of knowledge: it is policy relevant but not policy prescriptive. SRREN is an invaluable assessment of the potential role of renewable energy for the mitigation of climate change for policymakers, the private sector and academic researchers.
Foreword
Preface
Summary for policymakers
Technical summary
1. Renewable energy and climate change
2. Bioenergy
3. Direct solar energy
4. Geothermal energy
5. Hydropower
6. Ocean energy
7. Wind energy
8. Integration of renewable energy into present and future energy systems
9. Renewable energy in the context of sustainable development
10. Mitigation potential and costs
11. Policy, financing and implementation
Annex I. Glossary and Acronyms
Annex II. Methodology
Annex III. Recent Renewable Energy Cost and Performance Parameters
Annex IV. Contributors to the IPCC Special Report
Annex V. Reviewers of the IPCC Special Report
Annex VI. Permissions to Publish
"The IPCC has provided us with a well-researched, carefully-presented assessment of the costs, risks and opportunities of renewable energy sources. It provides a systematic analysis and scientific assessment of the current knowledge about one of the most promising options to cut emissions of greenhouse gases and to mitigate climate change."
- Lord Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics and Political Science