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The launch of the Global Atlas comes as 150 countries gather to chart the future of international renewable energy policy in Abu Dhabi. Nine new signatory countries will sign on to the Global Atlas, bringing the current number of participating countries to 22.

The Internet-based platform, accessible to all, is designed to raise awareness of the world's renewable energy potential, and to help companies looking to invest in new markets. A video and brochure is also available through the webportal.

"In the next 10 years we expect a huge rise in the investments in renewable energy. The Global Solar and Wind Atlas will help us make the right decisions", said Martin Lidegaard, Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Building, and President of the 3rd session of the IRENA Assembly.

"The Global Atlas provides a powerful new tool in international efforts to double the world's share of renewable energy by 2030," said Adnan Z. Amin, IRENA Director-General. "With 22 countries now taking part and more expected to join in the coming months, it is a clear sign of our growing political will to transition to clean, renewable energy."

Contents of the global atlas include:

Technical analysis of wind and solar potential at any geographic scale (e.g. global, continent, region, country);

Display of renewable energy options using common physical units, displaying the potential synergies between different technology options, with a facility that allows users to “zoom” into the maps;

Real-time calculation of specific indicators, e.g. CO2 reductions, total investment, market volumes, and employment volumes;

The potential ability to download maps in an electronic format compatible with standard GIS systems; and

Documented levels or ranges of uncertainty, and information on data quality.