International Renewable Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) International Renewable Energy Program supports market development for U.S. renewable energy technologies overseas and provides technical assistance in support of U.S. policy goals.

Since it was founded a decade ago, the International Renewable Energy Program has supported international research and development and technology applications. The DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program assumed responsibility for the International Renewable Energy Program in March 2003.

The market for renewable technologies is global, and DOE guidance on policy and technology development helps other countries to create an enabling environment for U.S. exports. DOE also provides technical assistance to other countries in line with U.S. strategic priorities. This assistance aims to achieve open and hospitable markets for U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency goods and services.

International activities play an important role in advancing program goals of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) technology programs. These goals include accelerating research and development, enhancing U.S. industry viability, and applying experiences learned in international programs to U.S. approaches.

The International Renewable Energy Program also supports the national objectives of energy security, economic vitality, and environmental quality in rapidly growing international markets.

Core Competencies

The International Renewable Energy Program taps into its core competencies to implement U.S. energy priorities, such as the Advanced Energy Initiative announced in January 2006 by President George W. Bush. The program's assets allow it to make unique contributions that leverage the capabilities of other agencies, the private sector, and international institutions:

World Class Expertise in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies

EERE is recognized around the world as an objective source of technical competence, analysis tools, and data on markets and policies. For example, the International Renewable Energy Program has supported the development of analysis tools such as:

• HOMER

  Developed by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, HOMER is a micropower optimization model that allows analysts and designers to find the lowest cost combination of renewable energy technologies to meet the power needs of a home or village.

• PePS

  Developed by DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, PePS is an online management tool that is designed to help public agencies in governments around the world construct energy conservation programs.

Partnerships with the Private Sector

Among U.S. government agencies, EERE has the strongest working relationship with the domestic energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. It can use its contacts to engage international programs to benefit these industries.

Bilateral and Multilateral Relationships

EERE has high-level partnerships with energy agencies in other countries and international energy institutions that allow it to secure meaningful commitments and leverage resources for joint activities.

Convening Power

EERE has the authority and credibility to persuade key U.S. and international players to work collaboratively on international energy activities.

Implementation Mechanisms

The International Renewable Energy Program uses specific implementation mechanisms to enable collaborative research and development and technology utilization efforts that support EERE program goals and overarching DOE international goals:

Multilateral Activities

Efforts that engage multiple countries around common objectives, including support for Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, the Commission on Sustainable Development, and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Bilateral Activities

DOE participates in partnerships with individual countries or regions, such as China and India, which are defined as priorities by the U.S. Secretary of Energy.

Trade and Export Promotion Activities

The International Renewable Energy Program also promotes trade and export for U.S. industries. This includes sharing of market intelligence, project development support, business matchmaking, and related services. Clean Energy Technology Exports is DOE's primary export program for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and is jointly managed by EERE and the DOE Office of Policy and International Affairs.