The following list contains links to international organizations that are active in the field of photovoltaics or renewable energy in general. Note that institutes of the European Union, are listed in the section of national organizations, European Union. The organizations are listed in alphabetical order.

• ACE, ASEAN Centre for Energy
  The ASEAN Centre for Energy will accelerate the integration of energy strategies within ASEAN by providing relevant information state-of-the-art technology and expertise to ensure that over the long term, necessary energy development policies and programs are in harmony wilth the economic growth and the environmental sustainability of the region
• APEC, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
  The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Regional Energy Cooperation Working Group, Technology Cooperation Expert Group, has produced Compendium of Renewable Energy Programs and Projects in Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Member Economies
• CREST, Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology
  REPP-CREST produces educational multimedia CD-ROMs and operates Solstice, an Internet service for the sustainable energy field. CREST was formed in 1993, and a West Coast office opened in 1996. In 1999, CREST merged with the Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP). The CREST discussion groups on a variety of renewables topics are easy to locate (and join), and the ‘Global Energy Marketplace’ is a useful portal database for locating renewables organizations around the world.
• CTI, Climate Technology Initiative
  The CTI was launched at the First Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Berlin in 1995, by 23 IEA/OECD countries and the European Commission. The CTI updated its mission statement in early 1998 and developed a set of core values to guide its work and policies. The CTI’s mission is to promote the objectives of the UNFCCC by fostering international co-operation for accelerated development and diffusion of climate-friendly technologies and practices for all activities and greenhouse gases. The website gives information about the organization and its partners. It also includes publications, which can be downloaded.
• ECIX, Energy and Climate Information Exchange
  Offers a large number of publications that can be downloaded.
• Enersol
  A non-profit international development organization that is working to improve the quality of life in rural areas of developing countries by fostering the use of sustainable energy for rural development.
• EPIA, European Photovoltaic Industry Association
  The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) is the world’s largest industry association devoted to the solar electricity market. The association aims to promote photovoltaics at the national, European and worldwide levels and to assist its members in the development of their businesses in both the European Union and in export markets.
  The website offers detailed information about markets and applications, as well as a news, events and publications section.

• EUFORES, European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources
  EUFORES is an independent, non-profit making organization that promotes the use of renewable energy. EUFORES was established to pursue the target outlined in the 1994 “Declaration of Madrid” - a 15% substitution of conventional primary energy demand by renewable energy sources by 2010.
• EuroREX, European Renewable Energy Exchange
  EuroREX is devoted to the promotion of renewable energy in Europe. EuroREX provides commercial, investment, export, country and technology information with up-to-date news on sustainable and alternative energy developments in Europe and the rest of the world.
• EUROSOLAR, European Solar Energy Association
  EUROSOLAR is a non-partisan independent European Energy Organization aiming at the replacement of nuclear and fossil fuels and their sources with environmentally sound energy sources, using both direct and indirect sources of a solar energy (= renewable energies), such as solar energy, wind energy, biomass, hydropower, and the ocean energies. The site offers, besides information about EUROSOLAR, overviews of publications, conferences, news and links.
• FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization
  FAO was founded in October 1945 with a mandate to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations. Today, FAO is the largest autonomous agency within the United Nations. FAO works to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition and the pursuit of food security - the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life. The Organization offers direct development assistance, collects, analyses and disseminates information, provides policy and planning advice to governments and acts as an international forum for debate on food and agriculture issues. FAO is active in land and water development, plant and animal production, forestry, fisheries, economic and social policy, investment, nutrition, food standards and commodities and trade. It also plays a major role in dealing with food and agri cultural emergencies. A specific priority of the Organization is encouraging sustainable agriculture and rural development, a long-term strategy for the conservation and management of natural resources. It aims to meet the needs of both present and future generations through programmes that do not degrade the environment and are technically appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable. The site gives extensive information about the numerous projects of FAO.
• GEF, Global Environment Facility
  The Global Environment Facility was established by the World Bank to forge international cooperation and finance actions to address four critical threats to the global environment: biodiversity loss, climate change, degradation of international waters, and ozone depletion. Related work to stem the pervasive problem of land degradation is also eligible for GEF funding. The website describes participants, policies, projects, partners, results, and features an overview of publications.
• ICLEI, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
  ICLEI is an international agency for local governments aiming at sustainable development in cities all over the world.
• IIASA, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
  The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is a non-governmental research organization located in Austria. The institute conducts inter-disciplinary scientific studies on environmental, economic, technological and social issues in the context of human dimensions of global change. The website describes the organization, research areas, and features a searchable publications catalog.
• IIEC, International Institute for Energy Conservation
  The IIEC seeks to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient policies, technologies, and practices in developing and transition countries to enable economically and environmentally sustainable development.
• INFORSE, International Network for Sustainable Energy
  INFORSE is a world-wide network of 200 NGOs in more than 60 countries. All of these organizations work to promote sustainable energy and social development. INFORSE acts as independant initiator of programmes and projects and is actively engaged in international awareness rising. Moreover, INFORSE provides a meeting place for organizations at all levels including donors.
• IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
  Recognizing the problem of potential global climate change the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988. It is open to all members of the UNEP and WMO. The role of the IPCC is to assess the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change. It does not carry out new research nor does it monitor climate related data. It bases its assessment mainly on published and peer reviewed scientific technical literature. The website gives information about the organization, and its activities. It includes many publications, which can be downloaded.
• ISES, International Solar Energy Society
  ISES is a multi-faceted, global organization. A long history and extensive technical and scientific expertise find expression in a modern, future-oriented Society. Clearly defined goals, extensive communication networks and practical, real-world projects are the hallmarks of ISES. ISES Wire WIRE is the International Solar Energy Society's World-wide Information System for Renewable Energy.
• MMEE, Moving Markets for Energy Efficiency
  MMEE aims to foster environmentally sound economic growth by promoting the efficient use of energy in developing countries.
• PV GAP, Global Approval Program for Photovoltaics
  PV GAP is a not-for-profit organization, registered in Switzerland, that certifies the quality of PV systems and components. The site offers organizational information, standards and specifications, publications, news and information.
• RECS Central Information Exchange
  The RECS Central Information Exchange contains public information about the pilot RECS scheme operating in Europe, and provides an information exchange for the organizations that are currently working to implement it.
• RIET, Regional Institute of Environmental Technology
  RIET is a regional not-for-profit organization facilitating environmental business in Asia and matching the Asian demand for environmental best practices with the economic co-operation interest of the most advanced countries.
• SDG, Solar Development Group
  Solar Development Group (SDG) provides business development support and investment to companies with high growth and profit potential that provide PV and other energy services to off grid rural areas in developing countries. Business development loans and grants up to 150 000 USD are available from the Solar Development Foundation to assist entrepreneurial companies to prepare for private investment (e.g. market research or essential training activities). Solar Development Capital offers debt or equity capital of 100 000 to 2 000 000 USD to businesses with a viable business plan and good prospects of near-term profitability.
  The group's website is designed to assist companies seeking such investments to determine whether they may be eligible for assistance, and to prepare their applications.
• SEI, Solar Energy International
  Solar Energy International (SEI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education and technical assistance so that others will be empowered to use renewable energy technologies. The site gives information about SEI's Renewable Energy Education Program, which teaches the practical use of solar, wind and water power, as well as their workshops, projects and books.
• SEREF, Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation
  The Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation develops and disseminates educational material regarding solar and other alternative energy sources. SEREF is involved with development of both printed and electronic curriculum materials, and is closely linked with the network of US renewable energy trade organizations in Washington DC.
• Solar For Schools
  An Energy Services program designed to bring solar energy technologies and new education resources to schools.
• SolarBank
  SolarBank International is a planned new mechanism for global wholesale financing for solar energy end-use markets. The concept for SolarBank responds to a growing concensus that the availability of low-cost financing is a key to the development of worldwide markets for PV and other renewable energy systems.
• UCCEE, UNEP Collaborating Centre on Energy and Environment
  UCCEE is a collaborating centre of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), specialised on energy and environmental issues. The Centre supports UNEP in pursuing its aim of incorporating environmental aspects into energy planning and policy worldwide, with special emphasis on developing countries.
• UN, United Nations
• UNDP, United Nations Development Programme
• UNEP, United Nations Environmental Programme
• UNFCCC, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
• UNIDO, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, Climate Change
• WADE, World Alliance for Decentralized Energy
  WADE has been launched by a group of major companies and national industry associations to accelerate the development of high efficiency cogeneration and decentralized energy (DE) systems which will deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits worldwide. The key objective of WADE (formerly the International Cogeneration Alliance, ICA) is to change the way the world makes electricity.
  The website offers an overview of relevant publications, news and events, and links.
• WB, World Bank Group
• WB-GEF, World Bank, Global Environment Facility
  The Global Environment Facility was established by the World Bank to forge international cooperation and finance actions to address four critical threats to the global environment: biodiversity loss, climate change, degradation of international waters, and ozone depletion. Related work to stem the pervasive problem of land degradation is also eligible for GEF funding. The website describes participants, policies, projects, partners, results, and features an overview of publications.
• WBCSD, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
  The WBCSD is a coalition of 165 international companies and 43 national and regional business councils and partner organizations located in 39 countries.
  The Council aims to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to promote the role of eco-efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility.
  Membership of WBCSD is by invitation only, but the website provides a variety of useful resources to assist businesses to understand key environment and development issues such as the Kyoto Protocol, and the Clean Development Mechanism as well as the role and opportunities for businesses to assist capacity building and sustainable livelihood creation in less developed countries.
• WEC, World Energy Council
  The site is part of the Council's drive to find ways of reducing emissions within the industry, and a pilot programme for the reduction of annual emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2005, is currently underway. Recently the World Energy Council added an interactive database to its website, to identify and monitor projects for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• WMO, World Meteorological Organization
  From weather prediction to air pollution research, climate change related activities, ozone layer depletion studies and tropical storm forecasting, the World Meteorological Organization coordinates global scientific activity to allow increasingly prompt and accurate weather information and other services for public, private and commercial use, including international airline and shipping industries. The website includes an online catalog of publications.

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