José Manuel Entrecanales participates in the first forum of the UN initiative "Sustainable Energy for All"

José Manuel Entrecanales, chairman of ACCIONA, participated in the First Forum of "Sustainable Energy for All," the UN and World Bank initiative to address the transition to a more sustainable energy model involving companies, governments and civil society.

During this Forum, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon and World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim, officially launched the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All 2014-2024 (SE4ALL) through video statements. The objectives of the SE4ALL initiative are: doubling the share of renewables in the global energy mix to reach 30% by 2030, achieving universal access to modern energy services by 2030 and improving energy efficiency by 40%.

José Manuel Entrecanales, Chairman of ACCIONA, is a member of the Advisory Board and co-chairs the Renewable Energy Committee along with the Director-General of IRENA, Adnan Z. Amin. In this First SE4ALL Forum, both presented the progress made by the Renewable Energy Committee, which included the recommendation for five specific areas of improvement:

Knowledge management, to share information on available technologies, policies and regulatory options and success stories and lessons learned in the implementation of renewable energies. Shared, accessible and clear information is the basis in order for society, as well as the public and private sectors to make accurate decisions.

Policy and regulation, given that commitment from governments is key in achieving the target of 30% renewable energy by 2030. In this regard, the Committee raised the need to promote a global macroeconomic analysis of the energy model and energy planning, implementing stable and consistent regulatory frameworks and removing barriers to promote competitiveness.

Social support, which is key to the development of information campaigns, outreach and social awareness and informed debate on the energy model of the future.

Two transversal objectives complete the areas of improvement: the development of innovative financing products and lines and training to boost employment.

The REMap 2030 report was presented at this First SE4ALL Forum, which shows that it is technologically, economically and financially feasible to transition from 18% renewable energy in 2010 to 36% in 2030.

This increase would mean an investment of 265 billion dollars, which would be offset by a savings of 740 billion dollars associated with the costs of pollution from fossil fuels that would not occur as a result of doubling renewable energies in the energy mix.

ACCIONA and SE4ALL

 "Sustainable Energy for All" (SE4ALL) is an initiative started by the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon in 2011, which was launched in the UN Private Sector Forum.

This initiative aims to join the efforts of governments, the private sector and civil society to achieve three major objectives for 2030:

1. Achieving universal access to modern energy services
2. Improving energy efficiency by 40%
3. Producing 30% of global energy from renewable resources 

At this Forum, ACCIONA presented its commitment to provide access to basic electricity through renewable energy sources to isolated rural communities outside the traditional grid in emerging economies and countries. This commitment is based on an innovative model of public-private partnership and includes a commitment to collaborate with local and national governments to promote a framework that is favorable to supplying renewable energy, in addition to the development of local renewable energy providers in isolated rural communities.

In September 2013, ACCIONA increased its commitment to the initiative in Africa, where the company is committed to replicate the "Light in the Home" program already implemented in Peru and Mexico.  ACCIONA is studying possible areas in Africa to implement this program, particularly in South Africa and Gabon in 2015.

In April 2013, the Chairman of ACCIONA was elected to form part of the new Advisory Council for two years for the "Sustainable Energy for All" initiative. The Council is co-chaired by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon and the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim.