This report discusses the need for a change in the energy sector towards sustainable technologies such as renewable energies sources and efficient decentralised cogeneration. It shows that a business as usual scenario, based on the International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook projection, is not an option for future generations.The writers describe climate change as nothing short of an energy revolution that will require a change in the way that energy is produced, distributed and consumed. The five key principles behind this shift are:implement renewable solutions, especially through decentralised energy systemsrespect the natural limits of the environmentphase out dirty, unsustainable energy sourcescreate greater equity in the use of resourcesdecouple economic growth from the consumption of fossil fuels.The paper finishes with an overview of current political frameworks and barriers that need to be overcome in order to unlock renewable energy’s great potential to become a major contributor to global energy supply. These include:renewable energy targetsdemands for the energy sector – compensate for current distortions in the energy marketsupport mechanisms for renewables.The paper finishes by recommending more time and experience be spent on drawing credible conclusions on the potential impacts of the full range of policy options available and their ability to attract investments and deliver new capacity.