In a truly international response to the growing issues of energy scarcity and insecurity as well as climate change, the International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA – was founded on January 26 in Bonn, Germany. While the initiative and early work belong to Germany and like-minded countries such as Denmark and Spain, the global embrace of IRENA’s goals reveals countries’ common understanding of the urgent need for solutions, and 75 countries signed the Agency’s Statutes in Bonn.

The Agency’s goal is to reach the massive market potential of renewable energies. IRENA’s work of building capacity, facilitating technology and know-how transfers, and creating suitable policy frameworks is aimed at both developing and developed countries – which was clear from the 60 supporting statements made by country representatives. Sweden for example wishes to learn from the experience of larger countries, but also to share its own experience with achieving a high share of renewable energy. South Korea and others highlighted their wish to change their heavy reliance on imported energy. Many countries including Uganda, Turkey, Oman, and Afghanistan described not only their enormous renewable energy resources, but also their lack of financial and policy mechanisms.

The current economic instability and fluctuating oil prices were brought up repeatedly. Concerns did not stop at the short-term, however; many statements reflected the sentiment that our current energy system built on fossil fuel is unsustainable. Iceland, Egypt and many others echoed the general agreement that energy security and environmental protection are global challenges, intrinsically linked to world peace and durable economic development. Renewable energy, in short, is viewed as a path toward sustainable development, decreased dependency on imported and fossil fuels, and increased security of energy supply for all countries. (Irina Comardicea)



For more information on the International Renewable Energy Agency please see www.irena.org

Published in:ECC-Newsletter, February 2009