NREL Case Study Leads to International Partnership (Fact Sheet)

In 2012, NREL analysts produced a case study, 'Integrating Variable Renewable Energy in Electric Power Markets: Best Practices from International Experience,' which drew upon dozens of interviews with international experts involved in crafting effective policies and markets. The report proposed a cross-cutting initiative to transform the world's power systems by implementing two complementarystrategies: the large-scale deployment of renewable energy, and a combination of comprehensive energy efficiency and smarter grids. This recommendation led to the launch of the 21st Century Power Partnership in April 2012, and its membership has since grown to include Denmark, Finland, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. NREL, together with its affiliated Joint Institute forStrategic Energy Analysis, are the operating agents.