Archive - Energy Resources

The development of alternative energy systems is a crucial issue in many small-island situations, often almost totally dependent upon a steady supply of seaborne petroleum products. In the last couple of decades, virtually every avenue that might contribute to greater self-sufficiency for island communities has been explored, including feasibility studies, demonstration projects and commercial development of a range of energy sources including hydropower, wind, ocean waves, solar and geothermal energy, municipal solid waste, biogas. In many cases, progress in alternative development has fallen short of expectations. Shortfalls between hopes and accomplishments have been attributed to many factors, including inadequate resource assessments, poorly conceived projects based on unworkable assumptions, and opposition by environmental and other groups. The main focus for UNESCO work on renewable energy is provided by the Organization's programmes in the basic and engineering sciences, and more particularly in its involvement in the scientific underpinnings of efforts for harnessing clean energy sources. This work, which dates back to the mid-1950s, was boosted in the 1990s by the World Solar Summit process (1993-1995). As part of this process, a series of learning materials in engineering sciences was prepared in cooperation with the International Technology University, including modules on new and renewable energy. Furthering renewable energy technologies as a tool for sustainable development has subsequently provided the focus of UNESCO's contribution to the United Nations World Solar Programme (1996-2005). Capacity building aspects include the Global Renewable Energy and Training Programme (GREET). Other component activities include support to the development of 'solar villages' and other high priority national projects on renewable energies. Examples in Barbados include the installation of solar photovoltaic systems for making ice at fishing villages, for lighting at governmental headquarters and at Harrison's Cave (the island's most popular tourist attraction), and for computer laboratories at local high schools. And more recently, UNESCO's contribution to discussions on renewable energy during the World Summit on Sustainable Development included the organization in Johannesburg in August-September 2002 of an exhibition on renewable energies and sustainable development, as a joint initiative with the World Solar Commission and other international partners. At the regional level, support is provided to the promotion of sustainable energy in Pacific island countries, which focuses on training and research in engineering science and technology, in particular renewable energy applications and appropriate community technology. Joint UNESCO-UNDP activities involve cooperation with a range of national bodies and regional organizations, including the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and the University of the South Pacific (USP). Recent activities include support to a national energy policy and strategic action plan for Tokelau, feasibility study on power options for 24-hour power for Apolima Island (Samoa), technical assistance to grid-connected wind power on Niue and the increased use of renewable energies in the Cook Islands, publication of teaching and information materials on renewable energy issues, training in photovoltaic solar home systems. In terms of NGOs which work closely with UNESCO, the International Scientific Council for Island Development (INSULA) has a strong programme on renewable energy (in Europe and the eastern Atlantic in particular), including the organization of international conferences, diffusion of conference publications and other information materials, and technical support to renewable energy projects at the field level (e.g. El Hierro in the Canary Islands).

	100% Renewable Energy Islands: Forum for Renewable Energy Islands
	One of the Partnership projects associated with the Johannesburg Summit, with the aim of assisting island states to meet 100% of their energy requirements from renewable energy sources. Partnership Initiatives Information Sheet (.pdf) >> More

	El Hierro 100% Renewable Energy
	Promoting energy self-sufficiency on El Hierro (designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2002), through a three-pronged programme of energy saving, electricity production and transport, supported by the European Commission and a consortium of partners coordinated by the Instituto Technologico de Canarias. http://www.insula.org/elhierro100.htm >> More

	EuroCaribbean Island Cooperation in Sustainable Energies
	Initiative promoted by several European organizations under the coordination of INSULA (International Scientific Council for Island Development) in cooperation with the Saint Lucia Government. http://www.eurocaribbean.org/goals.htm >> More

Global Renewable Energy Education and Training (GREET) Programme

Capacity-building activities include summer schools and ‘training of trainers’ sessions, designed to enhance the knowledge of managers, engineers, technicians and trainers on the use, application and management of renewable energy technologies. A ‘Renewable Energy Training Platform’ comprises an adapted training tool for diffusing renewable energy knowledge for decentralized electrification. GREET programme >> More

Events

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EuroCaribbean Conference (St Lucia, 30-31 May 2002) ( 30-05-2002 - 31-05-2002) Follow-up activities include a discussion group on the EuroCaribbean cooperation agreements on energy resources established during the St Lucia conference. More

Island Solar Summit (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, 6-8 May 1999) ( 06-05-2003 - 08-05-2003) Organized by INSULA (International Scientific Council for Island Development) in cooperation with UNESCO, World Solar Programme, and others. More

International Conference on RES for Islands, Tourism and Water Desalination (Crete, Greece, 26-28 May 2003) ( 26-05-2003 - 28-05-2003) Included discussion of successful applications of renewable energy sources (RES) on islands, in the tourism sector and in the field of desalination. More

Expert Meeting on Capacity Building for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Small Island Developing States (Matavai Resort, Niue, 7-11 July 2003) ( 07-07-2003 - 11-07-2003) Report includes examples of applications of renewable energy technologies in small island settings. Also elements and recommendations for developing a comprehensive sustainable energy agenda for SIDS. More

Third AOSIS Workshop on Climate Change, Energy and Preparations for Ninth Session of Commission on Sustainable Development (Nicosia, Cyprus, 15-19 January 2001) ( 15-01-2001 - 19-01-2001) Includes annexed 49-paragraph text of AOSIS submission to CSD-9. Download MSWord Report More

Multimedia

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		Small is Working: Technology for Poverty Reduction (2003) Wind generation for rural energy supply, and the use of waste cooking oil for biodiesel oil for powering lorries, are two of the technologies described in this video and accompanying 60-page booklet. Co-production of UNESCO, the Intermediate Technology Group and the Television Trust for the Environment, released in late 2003 to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the publication of E.F. Schumacher’s influential book ‘Small is Beautiful’.

Websites

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European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) Umbrella organization of the leading European renewable energy industry and research associations active in the sectors of photovoltaic, wind, small hydropower, biomass and solar thermal. >> More info   >> Go to website

OPET (Organisation for the Promotion of Energy Technologies)-Island The aim of the OPET initiative of the European Commission is to disseminate information on innovative energy technologies and promote the benefits deriving from them. Among the associated networks, the Europe Island OPET promotes the implementation of sustainable energy technologies in European islands, through such projects as a manual for the design and installation of solar systems for hotels in Cyprus. >> More info   >> Go to website

Secretariat of the Pacific Community Provides links with many documents and news items on renewable energy in the Pacific >> More info   >> Go to website

South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) Independent intergovernmental regional organization concerned with natural resources (principally non-living resources) developed in a sustainable manner and with reduction of vulnerability for the people of the Pacific. >> More info   >> Go to website

UNESCO Basic and Engineering Sciences ‘Energy’ and ‘Engineering’ are two of the principal themes in the work programme of UNESCO’s Division of Basic and Engineering Sciences. >> More info   >> Go to website

Virtual Campus for Renewable Energies Educational materials include technical procedures for calculating solar thermal pre-installations. >> More info   >> Go to website

Wise Coastal Practices for Sustainable Human Development Virtual forum operated by UNESCO’s Coastal Regions and Small Islands (CSI) Platform, which includes postings of experience in promoting renewable energy in small island situations, such as that on Cousin Island in the Seychelles. >> More info   >> Go to website

Documents

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Sustainable Energy Seminar for ACP Island States - by Proceedings of European Commission-supported seminar held in June 2001 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.More

Renewable Energies for Islands: Towards 100% RES Supply - by Proceedings of an international conference held in Chania (Crete, Greece) in June 2001, under the aegis of the International Scientific Council for Island Development (INSULA).More

International Journal of Island Affairs: The Water-Energy Binomial (Year 10, No. 1, January 2001) - by Based on selected contributions to a conference on policies and strategies for desalination and renewable energies held on the island of Santorini.More

UNEP ‘Industry and Environment’ Magazine (Volume 23, No.3, July-September 2000): Sustainable Energy - by Energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, alternative fuels and technologies, energy and climate change, energy in developing countries,....topics featured in this issue of the quarterly magazine of UNEP’s Division of Technology, Industry and Economics.More

Potential and Future Prospects for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) - by Al Binger Overview by Director of University of West Indies Centre for Environment and Development, Kingston, Jamaica. Assessment of potential contribution of OTEC to sustainable development in SIDS is preceded by a review of the present economic, social and environmental situation in SIDS.More

Wiley/UNESCO Energy Engineering Learning Package - by Distance learning package, with modules on such topics as energy planning and policy, solar energy, wind energy technology, biomass conversion and technology, ocean thermal energy conversion.More

UNESCO Manuals/Text Books on Renewable Energy Technologies - by Subjects addressed include maintenance of renewable energy systems, micro-hydroelectricity, biogas technology, water desalination.More

Solar Photovoltaic Systems - by This UNESCO Toolkit of Learning and Teaching Materials consists of two companion volumes, published in late 2003: 'Solar Photovoltaic Systems: Technical Training Manual' and 'Solar Photovoltaic Project Development'.More

Switched On: Renewable Energy Opportunities in the Tourism Industry - by UNEP (2003, 56 pp) UNEP handbook which explores how clean and renewable forms of energy can sustainably power the expanding tourism sector, providing the latest information on solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass (plant and animal matter) resources. Also demonstrates how tourism businesses powered by renewable energy can reduce environmental impacts, generate benefits for local communities and, often, lower costs.More

UN Atlas of the Oceans - by The world’s oceans represent a relatively untapped resource for both hydrocarbons and renewable sources of energy (tidal, wave, thermal, salinity, wind), as described under the Atlas’s ‘Uses’ section.More

International Journal of Island Affairs: Biosciences and Biotechnologies (Year 12, No. 1, February 2003) - by Renewable energy features in several of the contributions to this issue of the periodic magazine of the International Scientific Council for Island Development (INSULA).More

EIO (European Island OPET) Newsletter: Renewable Energy Sources for Islands - by Produced within the framework of European Commission’s OPET Network (Organization for the Promotion of Energy Technologies).More

Geothermal Energy: Innovation and Technology - by eds Mary H. Dickson and Mario Fanelli (2003) Description of geothermal energy and geothermal exploitation, with each contributing author addressing a specific area relating to the uses of geothermal energy, effects on communities, and economic and regulatory aspects. Due to be published in late 2003-early 2004.More

WEHAB: Framework for Action on Energy (2002, 36 pp). - by One of five thematic papers on the WEHAB initiative proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as a contribution to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).More

Pacific Islands Energy Policy and Plan (2002) - by Coordinated by the Committee of Regional Organizations of the Pacific (CROP), represents a consensus affirmed at the 2002 Regional Energy meeting in Cook Islands via the Rarotonga Declaration.More

‘Our Planet’ Issue on Energy and the Environment - by UNEP (2002, 32 pp.) Solar, wind and other sources of renewable energy are among the subjects addressed in articles contributing to Volume 12, Number 3 (2002) of UNEP’s magazine for environmentally sustainable development.More

Pacific Energy News (PEN) - by Periodic news bulletin produced by the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). The 11-page Issue No 2 (June 2003) includes updates on some current regional energy projects.More