The Clean Energy Solutions Center recently launched an Ask-An-Expert service that connects those seeking clean energy policy information and advice with more than 30 global experts who can help them achieve their goals. To date, more than 100 questions have been received from people in more than 40 countries. The Center says this demonstrates the growing demand for this type of service.

“Responding to 100 requests is a tremendous accomplishment that speaks to the quality of guidance our experts provide,” said Solutions Center initiative lead Ian Lloyd. “Governments and organizations looking for technical policy assistance know that the Solution Center’s Ask-an-Expert service will offer top-notch advice that is specific to their situation.”

Since its launch in January 2012, Ask-an-Expert has provided assistance to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies; enhance energy access; and address other municipal, state, and national clean energy objectives. This assistance has included developing strategies, standards, financial incentives, and deployment programs; reviewing draft measures and strategies; conducting research; and sharing best practices.

The 100th request for assistance, from Kenya, relates to the intersection of energy access and the health sector. Notable achievements to date supported by Ask-an-Expert assistance include the following:

• Provided support to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states to set regional and national sustainable energy targets in the CARICOM Energy Policy.
• Assisted the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) with the design of a regulation–which has since been adopted–to promote energy efficiency in the commercial building sector.
• Helped Malaysia analyze the trade-offs between Feed-in-tariffs (FITs) and competitive tendering for large solar PV projects.
• Provided assistance to Mauritius to expand development of solar hot water schemes for the residential sector.

Representatives of countries receiving assistance have commended the Ask-an-Expert service as an indispensable tool for advancing clean energy. “The assistance you have provided has proven invaluable to our work here,” said Barry Bradencamp with SANEDI.

Ask-An-Expert requests can be submitted through the Solutions Center website. Clean energy policy support is available to representatives of government agencies, organizations, and institutes assisting governments, as well as to select others. Support is limited to remote assistance and to clean energy policy topics.