The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) organized its biennial Solar World Congress in Kassel, Germany. The Congress, which is the world’s largest scientific gathering of experts in the field of solar energy and buildings, took place from 28 August - 2 September 2011.

ISES Solar World Congress 2011 drew approximately 700 participants from over 60 countries and was a great success. The congress demonstrated that a combination of solar and other renewable energies, in combination with energy efficiency and smart storage technologies, can meet our current and future energy needs. It was also clear from the high-quality presentations during the Congress, that many new solar technology innovations have passed the research and development phase and are now mature for markets.

The congress included over 600 poster and oral presentations, expert speakers presenting keynote talks on the latest in various solar energy themes, plenary speakers from international organizations such as UNEP, IEA and IRENA. Upon conclusion of the Congress, ISES issued a statement which sent a clear message to decision and policy makers around the world that renewable energy is key to climate recovery and sustainable development. The presentation made by Mr. Ramde at the congress was titled “Solar Thermal Power Plants in West Africa: Site selection and potential assessment”.

As part of the congress, a networking event was organized for University Lecturers/ Professors to exchange on issues related to teaching Renewable Energies at universities. It was an edifying platform during which Mr. Ramde presented the distance learning Master’s programme in Renewable Energy Technologies, a programme being jointly run by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and The Energy Center (TEC), KNUST.

Mr. Ramde also represented TEC at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Solar Energy Society. The meeting took place during the Solar World Congress and was an excellent opportunity for all ISES members to meet with their Board of Directors and HQ staff, to learn of the Society's activities.

The next session of ISES Solar World Congress will take place from 17-22 March 2013 in Cancún, México.

To download the statement issued by ISES click here