At the launch of the publication ‘Renewable Energy: RD&D Priorities, Insights from IEA Technology Programmes’, Executive Director of the IEA Claude Mandil said public funds need to be used as effectively as possible in achieving a ‘clean, clever and competitive energy future’. “Renewable energy technologies are crucial in achieving a global energy future; renewables can make major contributions to the diversity and security of energy supply and to economic development”, Mandil said.

The IEA reports that global funding of biomass, solar photovoltaic and wind energy has increased, while funding of ocean, geothermal and concentrating solar power technologies has declined. The balance of spending in individual countries shows great variation, depending on resource potential and national energy policies. The United States, Japan and Germany are the biggest spenders on energy technology RD&D, but Switzerland, Denmark and the Netherlands spend the most on a per capita basis.

The purpose of the IEA publication is to assist governments in prioritising their RD&D efforts for renewable energy. According to the IEA successful RD&D programmes should be co-ordinated with both industry efforts to promote commercialisation and competitiveness in the markets, and with international programmes.

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