Increased utilization of renewable energy is a priority area for achieving sustainable development. Lack of data and information has repeatedly been identified as a key barrier for its promotion. In discussing how to address and contribute to this issue, ADB, UNESCO and ESCAP have identified the establishment of a regional database on renewable energy, including a network for sustaining the initiative as a key measure.

The ESCAP/UNESCO Expert Group Meeting on Renewable Energy Database and Project Development was held in Bangkok on 29 January 2002, where energy experts from 10 countries, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations and research institutions came together to exchange views and ideas on the development of renewable energy databases for the support of information and experience exchange among countries. The experts reaffirmed that lack of appropriate policies was a major barrier in promoting the use of renewable energy, and agreed on the need to develop a database at the regional level, which could support countries in the formulation of effective policies and project implementation.

Phase I of the project is being implemented by the Asian Institute of Technology. During Phase I, sample records of a regional database will be developed, and methodology and maintenance procedures will be established.

• Database of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in Asia and the Pacific region
• Database of renewable energy (RE) databases worldwide with emphasis on Asia and the Pacific region
• Success stories/Case studies and lessons learnt
• National renewable energy status, projects/programs (research, development, and dissemination), and key players
• Government support/incentives and policies
• Linkages to relevant websites (particularly national RE sites)