The overall aim of SWERA is to bring sustainable energy approaches to developing countries through increased investment in renewable energy projects. The database and analytical tools developed through SWERA help governments develop progressive energy policies and programmes that are based on sound knowledge of available renewable Resources.

SWERA complements other UNEP-supported efforts to promote renewable energy, such as the development of RETScreen™, a renewable energy awareness, decision-support and capacity building tool developed by Canada's Energy Diversification Research Laboratory (CEDRL).

With the completion of the successful pilot project, SWERA has expanded into a full programme offering resource information and mapping tools across the spectrum of renewable energy sources. All information and tools can be found in one on-line location with a common user interface....visit SWERA web site.