Canada has officially become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Canada joins 159 countries in an intergovernmental organization devoted to providing clean, sustainable energy for the world’s growing population. The announcement was made earlier this month by Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s minister of natural resources.
IRENA supports countries in their transition to sustainable energy. It provides a platform for international cooperation, a center of excellence and a repository of knowledge on renewable energy.
In addition to promoting the development of renewable energy, Canada also plans to help shape the ongoing global dialogue on renewable energy and climate change, including on issues such as energy access and gender equality.
“The growing green economy is among the greatest economic opportunities for Canada in a generation,” says Sohi. “Becoming an IRENA member will accelerate Canada’s efforts to build a clean energy future that will bring new economic growth and thousands of new, well-paying jobs.”
“We are delighted to welcome Canada as a new member of the IRENA family,” notes Adnan Z. Amin, director-general at IRENA. “Canada has vast renewable energy resource potential and long-standing experience in low-carbon development that it can share through international cooperation. We look forward to working with the Canadian government, as well as the private sector and research institutions, to advance energy transformation. Canada’s membership firmly underscores the leadership it can demonstrate in renewable energy technology, sustainable development and global energy decarbonization.”
