Renewable energy has long been used in South East Europe, whether as fuelwood for heating or in the form of hydroelectric power generation. More recently, governments from Slovenia to Ukraine have pledged to shift to renewables to replace ageing fossil-based energy installations and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Clean, sustainable power sources should drive future economic growth.

This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), prepared in collaboration with regional researchers, aims to support South East European governments in preparing long-term renewable energy strategies.

While non-hydro renewables have previously been treated with caution, falling costs have prompted South East Europe’s policy makers to take a closer look. The region – encompassing the newest European Union (EU) member states and others in the EU-led Energy Community – envisages ambitious targets for 2030.

Report by Irena