First Global Atlas For Renewable Energy Launched

The first open access world atlas on renewable energy was unveiled by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) during a meeting in Abu Dhabi Sunday.

The global atlas is a complete information platform on the potential of renewable energy. It will help world nations to get open-access information and assess their renewable energy potential. As many as 37 countries have contributed data on renewable energy potential, according to a report by the Agence France-Presse news agency.

"The Global Atlas is the largest ever initiative to help countries assess their renewable energy potential, and companies bringing together data and maps from leading technical institutes and private companies worldwide," IRENA said.

"It currently charts solar and wind resources, and will expand to other forms of renewable energy over 2013 and 2014."

The atlas will be continuously expanded, with IRENA planning to include more information on bio-energy, geothermal energy and marine energy by the year 2014. The agency hopes that the atlas will help in policy development, energy planning and will also support companies that are looking to invest in new markets.

The global atlas will provide a new tool to help in doubling the world's share of renewable energy by 2030, said Adnan Z. Amin, IRENA Director-General.

The atlas has been launched ahead of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week which is scheduled to take place from Jan. 15 to 17.The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week also includes Future Energy Summit, the International Water Summit and the International Renewable Energy Conference.

The online atlas can be accessed on www.irena.org/GlobalAtlas.