*''Diversifying the energy mix is an economic and environmental imperative. To this end we need new technologies and the right policy frameworks to trigger and deploy them. This book offers knowledge and inspiration to promote renewable energy in developing and industrialised countries.'' — Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of UNEP* A comprehensive review on renewable energy from world authorities in the field*Detailed, thematic coverage, including policy recommendations and best practice examplesFrom technology to financing issues, ''Renewable Energy'' offers a comprehensive and authoritative review of the determining factors that drive worldwide dissemination of renewable energy technologies. With a clear emphasis on policy and action, contributions from internationally renowned experts combine to form a holistic picture on the current status, impacts, and future potential of renewable energy. Addressing the situation in both developing and developed countries, each chapter reviews in detail a different issue, thereby presenting extensive information on social, environmental, political, economic, and technological aspects. Contributors: José Goldemberg, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil, Janet Sawin and Christopher Flavin, WorldWatch Institute, USA, Jonathan Pershing and Jim Mackenzie, World Resources Institute, USA, Virginia Sonntag O’Brien, Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy, Switzerland, Eric Usher, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Axel Michaelowa, Mathias Krey and Sonja Butzengeiger, Hamburg Institute of International Economics, (HWWA), Germany, Joachim Luther, ISE Freiburg / Global Research Alliance (GRA), John Christensen, Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD), Achim Steiner, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Thomas Wälde, University of Dundee, Scotland, Adrian Bradbrook, University of Adelaide, Australia, Thomas B. Johansson, Kes McCormick and Lena Neij, Lund University, Sweden, Wim Turkenburg, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, Stephen Karekezi, African Energy Policy Research Network (AFREPREN), Kenya Kusum Lata, Tata Energy Research Institute, India, Suani Teixeira Coelho, University of São Paulo, Brazil, Joy Clancy, Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, Sheila Oparaocha, Energia and Ulrike Roehr, LIFE e.V.