IRENA-Global Atlas for Renewable Energy
Global Atlas for Renewable Energy
Description
The IRENA Global Atlas for Renewable Energy is a comprehensive and free web-based platform that serves as a valuable resource for assessing and exploring the renewable energy potential worldwide. Coordinated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this initiative addresses the need to bridge the gap between countries with sufficient data and expertise in evaluating renewable energy deployment and those lacking access to such resources.
The Global Atlas brings together over 50 renowned international research institutions, consolidating their expertise and knowledge in the renewable energy field. It provides a centralized platform for users to access a vast collection of over 700 renewable energy maps. These maps cover a wide range of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, and marine energy. By leveraging these maps, users can gain insights into the renewable energy potential of various locations worldwide.
This initiative has played a crucial role in promoting the transition towards a sustainable energy future. It facilitates data-driven decision-making and supports policymakers, businesses, project developers, and researchers in identifying suitable locations for renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the Global Atlas encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, fostering innovation and advancements in renewable energy technologies.
To contribute to the Global Atlas, individuals and organizations can actively engage with IRENA by sharing data, expertise, and research findings. By collaborating with the Global Atlas team, stakeholders can contribute to the continuous expansion and improvement of the platform, ultimately accelerating the global adoption of renewable energy.
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Classifications
Scale of implementation
The Global Atlas is designed to be utilized at a global scale. It provides data and resources for assessing renewable energy potential in various countries and regions around the world. It caters to both individual users and organizations, including policymakers, researchers, businesses, and investors.
Type
The IRENA Global Atlas for Renewable Energy is a web-based platform accessible through a web browser. It operates as an online tool and resource hub for renewable energy data and information.
Phase of solution
The Global Atlas primarily operates in the pre-deployment and planning phase of renewable energy projects. It supports users in evaluating the renewable energy potential of specific locations, identifying suitable technologies, and facilitating informed decision-making during the early stages of project development.
Target audience
The IRENA Global Atlas targets policymakers, government agencies, researchers, project developers, investors, and businesses engaged in renewable energy. It serves as a valuable resource, offering them data, tools, and resources for assessing renewable energy potential, formulating policies, planning projects, and making informed investment decisions.
Key features-functionality
The IRENA Global Atlas for Renewable Energy offers a range of key features and functionalities that support the assessment and exploration of renewable energy potential worldwide. Some of the key features and functionalities include:
- Comprehensive Renewable Energy Data: The Global Atlas provides access to a vast collection of renewable energy data, including solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, and marine energy. It offers detailed maps, datasets, and other relevant information that enable users to assess the renewable energy potential of specific locations.
- Interactive Mapping Tools: The platform offers interactive mapping tools that allow users to visualize and analyze renewable energy data. Users can explore different layers of information, overlay multiple datasets, and customize the visualization to gain insights into the renewable energy potential of specific areas.
- Data Sharing and Collaboration: The Global Atlas promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. It provides a platform for researchers, policymakers, businesses, and other interested parties to share their data, expertise, and research findings.
- Resource Assessment Tools: The Global Atlas offers tools and methodologies for resource assessment, enabling users to estimate the potential energy generation from renewable sources.
- Project Planning Support: The platform assists users in the planning and development of renewable energy projects. It provides guidance and tools for site selection, project feasibility analysis, and the identification of suitable renewable energy technologies based on available resources.
- Policy Support and Market Intelligence: The Global Atlas offers policy support and market intelligence by providing insights into renewable energy policies, regulations, incentives, and market trends.
- Global Network and Community: The Global Atlas facilitates networking and collaboration through its global community of stakeholders.
References & Sources for Further Reading
- IRENA Global Atlas for Renewable Energy https://www.irena.org/Energy-Transition/Project-Facilitation/Renewable-potential-assessment/Global-Atlas
- Nababa, M. (2019). Resource Assessment: IRENA’s geospatial services-A project by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
- BODIS, K. Metadata-Geospatial data layers provided for the Global Atlas of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).