The United States Government, in cooperation with the American Council on Renewable Energy and several leading renewable energy trade associations, will host the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference March 4-6, 2008, at the Washington Convention Center.   

WIREC 2008 builds upon outcomes from

the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD),

the Bonn Renewable Energy Conference (2004), and

the Beijing International Renewable Energy Conference (2005).

WIREC 2008 provides a global platform for government officials from the largest to the most local level to discuss with leaders from the private sector, and civil society to advance the integration of renewable energy everywhere.  The conference will include interactive sessions focused on creating the necessary enabling policy environment, financing, research & development and deployment.

Approximately 5,000 people are expected to attend WIREC 2008; 2,000 for the 3-day Ministerial-level meeting and 3,000 for the co-located trade show.  Conference organizers also anticipate that dozens of official side events will be held offered by States, foreign governments, civil society private companies, and multinational organizations.  

WIREC 2008 Event Objectives Include:

• Advancing energy security, climate change, air quality, and sustainable development goals, including agriculture and rural development;
• Demonstrating global leadership in renewable energy research, policy development, technology innovation, commercialization and deployment; and
• Fostering industry and government collaboration to help solve global energy challenges.

Events

The WIREC 2008 will consist of 5 major co-located events:

• WIREC 2008 Ministerial Meeting
• WIREC 2008 Legislators Meeting
• Official Side Events (OSE) associated with the WIREC 2008
• Business Conference
• Trade Show Exhibition