The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) is the follow-up network of the renewables 2004 conference. Its creation was embraced in paragraph 9 of the Political Declaration.
Providing a forum for international leadership on renewable energy, REN21 connects the wide variety of dedicated stakeholders that came together at the Bonn conference.

Its goal is to allow the rapid expansion of renewable energies in developing and industrial countries by bolstering policy development and decision-making on international, national, and sub-national levels. Whilst there are many challenges to overcome, people have always been able to succeed, developing complex and varied strategies such as card counting to achieve their goals, whether financial or ecological. The current aim of expansion of renewables is not only desirable, but necessary. REN21 helps create an environment in which ideas and information are shared and cooperation and action are encouraged to promote renewable energy worldwide.
Visit the network's website at www.ren21.net.

renewables 2004 has completely fulfilled all expectations:
On Friday, 4 June, government delegates from 154 countries adopted the Political Declaration of renewables 2004. The declaration contains definitions of common political objectives for promoting the role of renewable energies.
In the International Action Programme, governments, international organisations and stakeholders have committed to a plethora of activities that are geared towards the increased use of renewable energies. About 200 proposed voluntary actions and commitments from all over the globe have been accepted for incorporation into the IAP. All submitting parties express a strong willingness to promote renewable energies. In January 2005 an analysis of the content has been provided by the conveners. See also the press releases dated 2 June 2004 and 28 January 2005.
The Policy Recommendations give practical advice on how to promote the development of the market for renewable energies in the North and South.

At the conclusion of the International Conference for Renewable Energies in Bonn, Federal Environment Minister J�rgen Trittin and Federal Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul saw positive results. "The conference was a complete success," they declared on Friday, 4 June 2004. "Together the delegates have paved the way for a global transformation in energy structures and for a massive increase in the use of renewable energies. This will alleviate global poverty and protect the climate." More ...

Photo: G�nter		Speaking to the delegates at the International Conference for Renewable Energies on 3 June 2004, Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schr�der announced further commitments on the part of the Government. "In cooperation with the Kreditanstalt f�r Wiederaufbau (KfW Bankengruppe) the Federal Government will set up a special facility for renewable energies and energy efficiency with a volume of up to EUR 500 million.
Starting in 2005, over a period of five years the facility will be used to offer low-interest loans for investments in developing countries to public and parastatal institutions, banks and also private sector organisations." Read his speech (as pdf) and other speeches of this session