How much of the world’s energy could come from solar, wind and bioenergy?

A workshop at DTU will try to answer this issue. The workshop will take place on 14 - 15 January 2009 at DTU in Lyngby. See the programme and register at DTU Climate Change Technologies.

Only 1% of the world’s energy consumption comes from modern renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar and bioenergy. The upcoming energy workshop will contribute to raise that figure.

The aim is an energy system based on more renewable energy. Therefore, the workshop will present solutions to the main challenges which research, energy industry and politicians are facing. EU’s goal is to increase the share of renewable energy technologies to 20 % in 2020. Denmark’s goal is to reach 30% in 2025. The big question is how quickly it can be done, the obstacles to be overcome, and how research, energy industry and politicians must work together to make it succeed.

Energy must be available whenever society needs it. But renewable energy depends on how the wind blows and how the sun shines. Therefore, storage of renewable energy is one of the major challenges to future energy planning. Which technologies can we use for energy storage, how can we put them into use in the energy system, and how can we make energy stores interact with the overall energy system of society?

"The promotion of renewable energy involves political and economic instruments and business interests as well as research into sustainable energy technologies. Through this workshop we want to bring together key players in society to pave the way in a joint effort for more renewable energy. Not just in Denmark and Europe, but globally. We want to help developing countries find new ways for sustainable development, "says Director Henrik Bindslev, Risø DTU.

The programme of the workshop includes presentations by more than 30 leading international experts from research, industry and authorities. The workshop will give specific recommendations in order to get more renewable energy at the local, regional and global levels.

The workshop is part of DTU Climate Change Technologies programme, which is to provide a better platform for finding solutions to the climate change challenge.

More information

Senior Advisor Niels Michael Petersen, Risø DTU, 4677 4612, niels.m.petersen@risoe.dk