The mission of the Renewable Energies Unit is to support European policies on the introduction of renewable energies into the energy-supply system by providing reference on relevant technological issues, on enhancing energy end-use efficiency in Europe, and on providing expertise for the implementation of sustainable development concepts. The Unit undertakes in-house research and development in selected fields requiring further European effort, so as to maintain and enhance its competence as a European Reference Centre in Photovoltaic Technology. The Unit directly supports European policies in the fields of Environment and Sustainability, Renewable Energies, Economic Affairs, and Foreign Trade.

The Unit is leading the efforts of IE in becoming a world-wide recognised centre of reference for the intercalibration and accreditation of photovoltaic technologies, supporting the Community goal of doubling the share of renewable electricity by 2010. In addition, the vicinity of the JRC to the policy-making process has fostered activities on the efficient use of electricity, underpinning Community policies to reduce the vulnerability of Europe's energy systems. A "Common Scientific-Technical Reference System on Renewable Energy and Energy End-Use Efficiency" has been set up to support European policy makers in these tasks.

Main research infrastructure of the Unit is the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) which is the first accredited test facility for the calibration of photovoltaic devices worldwide, offering photovoltaic type approval tests and calibration services to manufacturers, research partners and other users. The Renewable Energies Unit also serves as reference centre for solar irradiance measurements.