May 31, 2006 International Science Panel on Renewable Energies (ISPRE) - A Scientific Panel in Formation Joachim Luther Chair of the ISPRE Planning Group, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Germany

May 31, 2006 Rationale of ISPRE, I Science and technological innovations are the basis for a rapid and cost-effective transformation of the global energy systems towards sustainability Further fundamental scientific results are crucial to transform our energy system in due time

May 31, 2006 Rationale of ISPRE, II Concepts and focal points in science and technology have to be developed and shared internationally in the most effective way in order to guarantee the rapid, effective and wide-spread application of renewables. A swiftly dissemination of scientific and technological results is of utmost importance No focused scientific panel – working without restrictions globally - takes care of this issue

May 31, 2006 The Formation of ISPRE The members of an international Planning Group for ISPRE were appointed by the International Council for Science (ICSU) in 2005 First financial support was granted by the German Government Two Planning Group meetings were held in Paris, France and Freiburg, Germany

May 31, 2006 The Mission of ISPRE Identifying gaps in existing efforts and recommending future R&D priorities and strategies Providing strategic guidance for renewable energy R&D efforts worldwide Improving the effectiveness and coherence of national, regional and global R&D efforts Comments: ISPRE will work world-wide including especially developing countries

May 31, 2006 What ISPRE can not and will not do Energy policy development Policy-driven work Organization or carrying out of education and training

May 31, 2006 Technological R&D Focal Points of ISPRE, Examples Biomass energy and bio-fuels Photovoltaics Solar thermal power plants Wind energy systems Small hydro energy systems Solar heating, cooling and dehumidification …

May 31, 2006 Interdisciplinary S&T Focal Points of ISPRE, Examples Research on energy policy and economics Environmental impacts and “sustainable potentials” Resource assessment and mapping, energy meteorology Public acceptance of energy technologies and policies Energy systems (e.g. energy storage, grid integration) Source: UFOP e.V.

May 31, 2006 Embedding ISPRE in a Network of International Organisations The International Council for Science (ICSU) will present the scientific home for ISPRE and will act as the guarantor for highest scientific quality* The proposal of ICSU and ISPRE is to integrate ISPRE into the REN21 network. The exchange of letters of understanding between REN21, ICSU and ISPRE is in preparation * In this role ICSU will be complemented most probable by an academic engineering organisation Source: US Energy Department of Energy

May 31, 2006 Essentials of the Co-Operation REN21, ICSU and (later) an engineering organisation will be receiving partners for ISPRE’s work in the form of assessments and reports ICSU, REN21 and (later) an engineering organisation will jointly appoint the members of the ISPRE panel