Solar Energy

The global solar industry, as part of the industry’s efforts at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP16) in Cancun, today released its 2010 edition of “ href=”ttp://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/SEIA-COP16_LR.pdf” target=”_blank”>Seizing the Solar Solution: Combating Climate Change through accelerated deployment .” This solar coalition, comprised of more than 40 leading international solar and renewable energy organizations, is demonstrating the immediate potential of the accelerated deployment of solar energy in reducing harmful pollution, combating climate change and creating jobs and economic impact. The group is urging political and business leaders to take action now to accelerate solar deployment. The report shows that combined world targets for solar electric capacity will reach 700 gigawatts and solar thermal capacity will reach 280 gigawatts (GWth, thermal equivalent) by 2020.

This level would reduce carbon pollution by 570 megatons, equivalent to shutting down more than 100 coal plants. “Today, the sun offers us a unique way of generating electricity on a global scale, making it possible to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with the added benefit of being socially responsible, generating jobs and supporting sustainable development locally,” said Adel El Gammal, Secretary General of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). “Government representatives in Cancun should advocate for a clear shift away from conventional fuels to solar energy. This will allow developing nations to leapfrog past conventional energy dependency to a clean and unlimited source that can also easily reach under‐served populations in rural areas.” “Deploying solar energy presents a concrete measure for our nations’ leaders to reduce harmful pollution now,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the US‐based Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “With the right policies, our government leaders can accelerate the adoption of solar reducing CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 110 million cars off the road.” The report also identifies key policies the global solar industry supports in combating climate change. They include: Establishing a price on carbon to ensure a level playing and field and factor externalities into the costs of fossil fuels; Setting internationally agreed mid-term and long-term emission reduction targets for all developed countries; Ending the massive subsidies given to fossil fuel industries; Ensuring that renewable energy targets set by developing countries qualify as Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs); and Developing an international financing framework to encourage technology transfer and investment in solar projects worldwide.

The full report is available at href=”http://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/SEIA-COP16_LR.pdf.” target=”_blank”>http://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/SEIA-COP16_LR.pdf.