WORLD SOLAR TO 2020

Solar Energy May Reach 980 Gigawatts by 2020
December 3, 2010 (Regulacion Eolica con Vehiculos Electricos)

"Global solar energy capacity (photovoltaic and concentrated solar energy) may reach 980 gigawatts by 2020 as governments worldwide seek to reduce fossil fuel consumption and cut emissions of greenhouse gases.

"Development of photovoltaic and Concentrating Solar Power projects will cut emissions of carbon dioxide by about 570 million tons over the decade, the equivalent of shutting down 100 coal-fueled power plants or taking 110 million cars off the road, according to [Seizing the Solar Solution: Combating Climate Change through Accelerated Deployment] from 21 solar industry associations from around the world]...[which] urged governments to include solar energy incentives as part of the effort to address climate change..."

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"For the U.S., boosting total solar capacity to 139 gigawatts, as the report predicts, would account for 4.9 percent of the country’s total output, add 683,0000 jobs and help reduce the cost of electricity to $2.32 a watt from $5.71 today...The report shows that combined world targets for solar electric capacity will reach 700 gigawatts and solar thermal capacity will reach 280 gigawatts (GWth, thermal equivalent) by 2020. This level would reduce carbon pollution by 570 megatons, equivalent to shutting down more than 100 coal plants...Highlights of the report will be presented at an official side-event...[at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP16) in Cancun]...

"...[The] solar coalition, comprised of more than 40 leading international solar and renewable energy organizations, is demonstrating the immediate potential of the accelerated deployment of solar energy in reducing harmful pollution, combating climate change and creating jobs and economic impact. The group is urging political and business leaders to take action now to accelerate solar deployment..."

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"The report also identifies key policies...[including] establishing a price on carbon to ensure a level playing and field and factor externalities into the costs of fossil fuels...[s]etting internationally agreed mid-term and long-term emission reduction targets for all developed countries...[e]nding the massive subsidies given to fossil fuel industries...[e]nsuring that renewable energy targets set by developing countries qualify as Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs); and...[d]eveloping an international financing framework...

"...[A]n online petition has been launched and hundreds of people from across the planet have already signed it. After COP16, the Solar Petition will be sent to key political leaders...[with] the list of supporters...[and] a Solar Dancing Flower to remind them of the power of the Sun. All the funds generated from the production of these solar flowers will be donated to Solar Solidarity, an NGO active in the promotion of projects for the developing world using renewable technology..."