20 years of REN21

This year marks two decades since the inception of REN21 – an opportunity to celebrate 20 years of instrumental contributions to the advancement, shaping and understanding of renewable energy worldwide.

Established in 2004, REN21 emerged from the collective vision of global pioneers who convened to call for accelerated commitments towards renewable energy adoption. For two decades, REN21 has been pivotal in elevating renewables to the forefront of global agendas for leaders and decision makers across all stakeholder groups, enabling knowledge exchange, dialogue and debate about the global transition to renewables.

The 20th-anniversary celebration of REN21 is also the occasion to acknowledge REN21's flagship knowledge product, the Renewables Global Status Report. Since the GSR's first release in 2005, REN21 has published 18 editions of the report, crafted annually with the most up-to-date insights, facts and stories from thousands of contributors spanning diverse regions and sectors. The GSR has been central to fulfilling REN21's mission, becoming a reference for many and positioning REN21 as the global trusted voice on renewables.

20 years of CROWD-SOURCED, crowd-owned knowledge and data

REN21's data and knowledge collection method is unique, drawing upon the organisation's global multi-stakeholder community of experts. Contributors from across the globe are invited to submit data, insights and stories on annual developments in renewable energy technologies, market trends, policies and local perspectives, resulting in a comprehensive and diverse dataset.

REN21 performs rigorous data validation and fact-checking throughout the report's development, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Validation of the data is a collaborative and transparent process conducted through open peer reviews.

Collectively, hundreds of experts contribute to making the GSR one of the most authoritative and comprehensive publications in the field of renewables. Alongside its wealth of key facts and figures, the GSR is openly accessible, fostering a shared language that shapes the sectoral, regional and global debate on the energy transition.