North American Windpower: New 'Global Atlas' Charts Renewable Energy Resources Around The World

New 'Global Atlas' Charts Renewable Energy Resources Around The World

by NAW Staff on Monday 14 January 2013

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released a new global atlas of renewable energy resources that is intended to help countries assess their renewable energy potential.

IRENA also hopes the atlas will help companies gather data and maps from leading technical institutes and private companies worldwide. The atlas currently charts wind and solar resources, and will expand to other forms of renewable energy over this year and next year.

Nine new signatory countries will sign on to the Global Atlas, bringing the current number of participating countries to 22.

“The Global Atlas provides a powerful new tool in international efforts to double the world’s share of renewable energy by 2030,” explains Adnan Z. Amin, IRENA director general. “With 22 countries now taking part, and more expected to join in the coming months, it is a clear sign of our growing political will to transition to clean, renewable energy.”

The Web-based platform, accessible here, is designed to raise awareness of the world’s renewable energy potential and to help companies looking to invest in new markets.

Latest Top Stories

Study: How Northwest Wind Can Play With Energy Storage And Provide Operational Flexibility

Researchers have identified two possible sites in eastern Washington to build compressed-air energy-storage facilities that could temporarily store the Northwest’s abundant wind resources.

Wind Consortium Deploys Nacelle-Mounted LIDAR At Offshore Site In Irish Sea

In an important development for performance verification for offshore wind sites, a group of companies have deployed a nacelle-mounted LIDAR at DONG Energy's 367 MW Walney Wind Farm.

As U.S. DOJ Investigates, Duke Works Adaptive Management Plan

With previous golden eagle fatalities reported at two company-owned wind farms in Wyoming, Duke Energy Renewables is going to great lengths to protect raptors.

DOE To Recast Landmark 20% Wind Energy Report; Study Looks Back, Ahead

The U.S. Department of Energy will update its 20% Wind Energy By 2030 report, which indicated increased levels of wind penetration for the U.S. is not only possible but feasible.

Wind Energy Procurement Top Of Mind For Big-Name Companies

With greater frequency, top-tier companies are discovering the economic and environmental power of wind energy and upping their investments in the resource.