With the LocalRenewables Initiative, ICLEI supports and strengthens local governments in promoting sustainable energy in the urban environment.
8 Reasons to use Local Renewables
1. Renewable energy sources (RES) are mature, available and ready for us e today.
2. Using local resources to produce energy locally establishes a solid foundation for decentralised, secure energy supply – thereby also making communities more resilient.
3. Financial benefits are inherent – both in terms of saving money and generating an income over the short to long term.
4. A steady transition from fossil fuels to Local Renewables will reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to climate protection.
5. Switching to Local Renewables supports local job creation and stimulates the economy.
6. Local Renewables give an impulse to sustainable urban development, and encourage technical and social innovation.
7. Local action is critical in achieving national and international targets on sustainable energy and climate protection.
8. Local Renewables imply the involvement of local stakeholders, using synergies to create change.
News
Renewable Energy Global Status Report released
[15 May 2008]
The well-known yearly renewable energy report compiled by REN21 has been released! It goes into depth about the successful increase in renewable energy throughout the world, even feeling considerably less of the credit crisis than other sectors. The report also states the active role local governments are playing, "Several hundred cities and local governments around the world are actively planning or implementing renewable energy policies and planning frameworks linked to carbon dioxide emissions reduction". www.ren21.net
ICLEI is working with REN21 to write a similar status report just on local governments, coming out soon in mid-June!
City of Coimbatore, India officially joins the LocalRenewables project
[24 October 2008]
The city of Coimbatore, India signed on to ICLEI's LocalRenewables project last week to become the third Indian Model Community. The city will strengthen its own local policy encouraging the use of renewable energy, as well as serving as an immediate example for surrounding communities and a broader example for local governments worldwide.
China overtakes UK as country for renewable energy investment
[21 August 2008]
China overtakes the UK in the top five most attractive countries for renewable energy investment. The Ernst & Young renewable energy attractiveness indices tracked the first six months of 2008 revealing that the Chinese government's energy policy has prompted a rise in investment in renewable energy in the country. Read the 
press release or read the full report for full details.
The European Photovoltaic Technology Platform will renew 1/3 of its Steering Committee Members
[22 July 2008]
The platform has been established to define, support and accompany the implementation of a coherent and comprehensive strategic plan for Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The platform mobilises all stakeholders sharing a long-term European vision for PV, helping to ensure that Europe maintains and improves its industrial position, in order to achieve a leadership position within the global PV market. For information on how to apply for the board please visit their website
Freiburg featured on CNN as "green" city
[2 June 2008]
The city of Freiburg, Germany, was recently featured on CNN because of its particular concentration of green energy buildings, settlements, research centres, and innovative technologies. The city stands as an example to homeowners and developers as well as to other cities in particular for its use of solar and renewable energy. The CNN report even features a video on solar energy in Freiburg.
Report available from the Local Renewables 2007 Conference
[28 May 2008]
View the report under the Publication Section. It is aimed at informing and supporting European, national and community decision-makers who address the interconnection between sustainable energy, climate protection, security of energy supply, as well as sustainable local development and using resources at a community level
India planning 60 solar cities based on the Local Renewables concept
[27 May 2008]
The Government of India, inspired by the success of the Local Renewables project in India, is starting a national programme of 60 ‘solar cities’ to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and control air pollution. The project was announced in April at a workshop on ‘energy efficient buildings’ organised by ICLEI South Asia.
Training on Renewable Energy for Home Makers in India
[5 March 2008]
An awareness campaign serie involved the homemakers of Nagpur and Bhubaneswar in the last week of 2007. Women play a pivotal role in implementing new habits in domestic energy consumption. They are effectively managing the energy inputs and consumption through their activities. The women selected were the mothers of the school children already involved in awareness activities.
Local Renewables featured in international energy report
[4 March 2008]
The Renewable Energy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) published on 27 February its annual 'Renewables 2007 - Global Status Report'. the Renewables 2007 Global Status Report paints an encouraging picture of rapidly expanding renewable energy markets, policies, industries, and rural applications around the world. ICLEI and the Local Renewable Initiative contributed to the section on Municipal Policies presenting the work done on urban energy management in Nagpur (India), Betim (Brazil) and Freiburg (Germany). [more - external site]
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