RGI in 2023 Solidarity and collaboration to support a nature- and people-positive energy transition

To push forward to the future we want, RGI is continuing to center our activities on supporting a people- and nature-positive energy transition. Many of the crises we are facing cannot be solved without an accelerated energy transition and fast and robust nature restoration. Moreover, none of these crises can be solved without the support of people. RGI and our extended ecosystem of actors continue to believe in prioritising unity, solidarity, collaboration and trust as we address the climate, energy, and biodiversity crises in parallel. In this report, we show how we put these values into action in 2023.

To this end, RGI’s work in the last year addressed how to integrate space requirements in energy system planning, critically examined different decarbonisation scenarios and the role of green hydrogen, and brought attention to the importance of climate adaptation for the entire electricity system. Our technical work area was instrumental in tackling these elements holistically while addressing system optimisation for grid infrastructure in times of scarce resources.

Deeply routed in our identity, we also strongly believe that the intrinsic link and interdependencies between the biodiversity, energy, and the climate crises require integrated planning and solutions that can contribute to addressing multiple challenges in parallel. We continued to apply this approach to the work of our Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN) and onshore nature team, allowing us to reach new heights in the last year. This included welcoming four new organisations to OCEaN, launching OCEaN in the Mediterranean Sea, holding a collaborative field trip on Intergrated Vegetation Management, and creating insightful social media campaigns, publications, and advocacy statements. In addition, RGI welcomed Biom, Statnett, and Ember as new Members, and IUCN as our second Supporting Member, and held our celebration of 10 years of the ‘Good Practice of the Year Award’ – now rebranded as the RGI Grid Awards.

We invite you to browse our 2023 Annual Report and discover the work of the RGI Secretariat as we present the various projects, events, and advocacy efforts which defined our past year, all undertaken with an eye towards our long-term goal of achieving a renewables grid for both people and the planet. Happy reading!Image Source: 4th PCI Energy Days 2023