Overview of United Nations activities in the development and application of renewable sources of energy

Energy continues to be a major constraint in achieving socioeconomic growth in developing countries. Studies indicate that current patterns of energy consumption and anticipated growth of demand in developing countries risk becoming unsustainable in the long run and hence countries need to focus on sustainable energy strategies that do not impair their development goals. While the important role renewable sources of energy are destined to play in sustainable development strategies is well recognized by nearly all nations, the development and application of these sources on a wide scale face formidable technical, economic and social challenges. Major national and international efforts are needed to expand the use of renewable energy in order to ensure that future energy systems are sustainable from an environmental perspective. Such efforts are especially needed in building the requisite institutional capacity, decentralized infrastructure, human resource capabilities, technological and production capabilities and above ail an enabling environment. The United Nations system is well positioned to make an important contribution to developing the strategies needed for this effort and to assisting the developing countries in implementing them. This paper presents highlights of the United Nations work in the field of renewable sources of energy and suggests specific initiatives that could be taken to increase the future impact of these energy sources