A new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) aims to assist countries in their transition to renewable energy-based power systems. The Age of Renewable Power, released on the sidelines of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum in Tokyo, identifies 20 measures that can be taken to support the development of national roadmaps to integrate variable renewables.

It also highlights lessons learned by countries already pursuing a power system transformation.

The report finds that technology solutions to support renewable energy integration are already available, but other challenges remain.

To develop a successful national strategy on power sector transformation, policy-makers must anticipate the effects this transformation will have on economic development, energy security and the environment.

To do this, the report posits, policy-makers must ensure data collection and energy planning tools are in place, examine existing flexibility options, and secure human capacity to develop and adapt technologies to local conditions.

“There is enormous growth potential for solar photovoltaics and wind power in almost all countries, but we are still at a relatively early stage in global deployment” says Irena director-general Adnan Z Amin. “The development of national roadmaps for power sector transformation can ensure that measures are adapted to local conditions, stakeholders are aligned at an early stage, and ambitious renewable energy targets are realised.”