A transformation of the global energy system is needed to provide sustainable energy for all, to satisfy rapid growth in energy demand, particularly in developing countries, and to diminish the negative impacts of climate change.
New and renewable sources of energy stand at the center of global efforts to induce a paradigm shift towards green economies, poverty eradication and ultimately sustainable development.
Record investments are being made by some countries to propel innovation, development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies. Nevertheless, much more cooperation and action is needed to substantially increase the contribution of these technologies to the global energy system.
A coordinated global energy strategy needs to be adopted, in conjunction with consistent and stable national policies, to bring down the cost of renewable energy technologies, including off-grid systems, for use by the poorest segments of the population living in rural areas.
We must raise awareness of the importance of energy for sustainable development and poverty eradication, including the need for the promotion of new and renewable sources of energy and the increased role these sources could play in the global energy supply.
The availability of adequate, affordable and reliable energy services is essential for alleviating poverty, improving human welfare, raising living standards and ultimately for achieving sustainable development.
As global development challenges continue to be undertaken, it is increasingly recognized that provision of adequate energy services has a multiplier effect on health, education, transport, telecommunications, and water availability and sanitation. Consequently, energy is an important factor for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Securing “sustainable energy for all” involves the development of systems that support the optimal use of energy resources in an equitable and socially supportive manner while minimizing environmental impacts.
Integrated national and regional infrastructures for energy supply, efficient transmission and distribution systems as well as demand programmes that emphasize energy efficiency are necessary for sustainable energy systems.
World challenges -- including impacts from climate change, limited natural resources, rapid increase in energy demand, and the loss of biodiversity -- demand a greater reliance on new and renewable sources of energy.
Accessibility and affordability of renewable energy technologies are key to ensure sustainable energy for all.
Although considerable progress has been made in technology development and transfer, investment and policy implementation, much more is needed to increase the contribution of renewable sources of energy and to secure the continuation of the current positive momentum for a strong deployment.
Additional coordinated strategies are necessary at the global level to advance the transformation of the energy system especially in the poorest regions of the world so that the goals of sustainable energy for all, increased energy efficiency and reductions in carbon emissions can be achieved.
Reducing the high cost of decentralized systems for rural applications should be one of the main cores of any major coordinated global energy strategy. Specific targets and programmes are required to enable the right environment to induce sustainable energy for the rural populations of the world.
There is a need to establish regional and national technology centres to develop systems and products specifically designed to address local needs at the appropriate levels of income and to benefit from endogenous capacities and local knowledge.
The global strategy needs to include a strong component on statistical data and the development of integrated programmes for long-term energy planning.
Source: Unedited United Nations General Assembly Notes
Joshua Mosshart
https://www.linkedin.com/in/energydevelopmentpartners/
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