UNECE RE-Uptake – Renewable energies in the UNECE region

The UNECE RE-Uptake project is jointly undertaken by the UNECE, REN21 and dena, and in close cooperation with and commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

The challenge:

The member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) are not only different in terms of their language, culture and geographical location, but also in regard to their energy systems. While some countries have already achieved very high shares of renewable energy sources in the electricity and heating market, others are still lagging behind. We therefore see great potential in sharing this know-how on a transnational scale.

UNECE Hard Talks

As part of the project, a series of so-called Renewable Energy ‘Hard Talks’ with selected UNECE member states will take place in 2021 and 2022 and the results will be incorporated into the respective dena study and REN21 report. Renewable Energy Hard Talks will be held with: Albania, Georgia, Serbia and Moldova.

The ‘Hard Talk’ is a discussion format on current issues concerning renewable energy with actors from the participating UNECE member states, and is organised by the UNECE project team, consisting of the UNECE, REN21, and dena, together with host, partner-organisations. The Hard Talks aim to identify the best measures for promoting renewable energy in the particular UNECE member country given the particular local requirements and international best practices.

Hard Talk with Albania

The first of the four UNECE Hard Talks was dedicated to Albania and took place on July 6 and 7, 2021 in the form of an online event. It focused on the grid integration of renewable energy, accompanying energy policies and funding. The outcome of the Hard Talk will help Albania to further advance the use of renewable energy and implement the relevant policies for an attractive, target-oriented market.

Hard Talk with Georgia

The second Hard Talk was held on October 12 and 13, 2021 and dealt with the promotion of renewable energy investments in Georgia. In particular, it focused on improving the bankability of projects and promoting sustainable financing. The results of this virtual Hard Talk will help Georgia to improve its regulatory framework and secure long-term investments in renewable energies.

Hard Talk with Serbia

The third Hard Talk was held on November 16 and 17, 2021 and explored support mechanisms for the development of renewable energy in Serbia. With more than 80 participants, this online event focused on the role of net metering and renewable energy auctions. The results will help Serbia to overcome the various obstacles to create a stable and efficient system for the deployment of renewable energy.

Hard Talk with Moldova

On June 14, 2022, the final Hard Talk took place and addressed the integration of renewable energies in the Republic of Moldova. The event was held on site in Chişinău and focused on resilience and flexibility options in the energy system. Overall, the Hard Talk addressed many current, critical issues and paves the way for future cooperation to assist Moldova to enhance energy security and independence.