Planning Workshop for an Initiative on Renewable Energy and Climate Science for the Americas: Metrology and Technology Challenges.

Planning Workshop for an Initiative on Renewable Energy and Climate Science for the Americas: Metrology and Technology Challenges.

Background

Implementation of renewable energy and climate change related policies around the globe will require access to accurate, internationally recognized measurements and standards. These will be critical for both policy-making purposes as well as evaluating the impact of mitigation efforts. Such capabilities will be equally important for assessing the impact of energy and climate change policies on the economic development of each country. National Metrology Institutes (NMI) in each country need to be aware of the measurement and standards capabilities necessary for implementation of such policies, and must be able to ensure the quality and international acceptance of data on Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) measurements and characterization of renewable energy sources.

In the Americas, the Inter-American System of Metrology (SIM) has undertaken a major effort to strengthen the measurement and standards infrastructure in the hemisphere. This initiative will build on that effort by establishing a new focus to develop a robust infrastructure for renewable energy and climate science in each country; this effort would directly support the activities planned within Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA). ECPA established seven principles as its pillars including energy efficiency, renewable energy, cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels, energy infrastructure, etc. This initiative clearly addresses many of the ECPA pillars, and will facilitate the implementation of technologies and promote economic development in the region.

The objectives of the Planning Workshop at CENAM are to:

1. Identify technology and metrology areas where training and sharing of best practices would be most beneficial for countries of the Americas;

2. Start planning of workshops to improve local and regional measurement and standards infrastructure for renewable energy and climate science;

3. Explore ways to promote regional and international partnerships to share approaches and best practices for expanded utilization of renewable energy, measurement of air quality, GHGs and other pollutants, and efficient energy use and distribution systems; and

4. Develop an initial Action Plan for the Americas.

Organized by NIST, OAS and CENAM

Where: CENAM, Queretaro, Mexico

When: October 8-9, 2013
See event agenda, here.