As an integral part of its mandate to support sustainable energy production and use, UNIDO focuses on promoting renewable energy for productive uses and industrial applications in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
To enhance productive activities and increase competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in rural on/off-grid areas, UNIDO’s renewable energy strategy promotes the following forms of renewable energy:
Bio-energy
Bioenergy has the potential to supply significant shares of national and global energy supplies, and can play an important roleinpromoting energy security,creating jobsand helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Small hydro-power
Micro and small hydro-power schemes have little or no environmental impact and can provide a range of valuable energy services especially in rural areas. In regions with hydro-power potential, this form of renewable energy is the most cost-effective opportunity to energize on/off-grid areas.
Solar energy
With the help of solar panels, the energy of the sun can be converted directly into electricity and stored in batteries. Due to ample sunshine in a wide range of developing countries, photovoltaic systems can offer an alternative to provide basic energy services in off-grid areas.
Wind energy
Wind turbines convert the energy in the wind into mechanical and electrical energy. In off-grid applications, wind generators can be combined with other energy sources, such as diesel generators.