From IISD's SDG Knowledge Hub
9 January 2019: Canada has become the 160th member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global intergovernmental organization aiming to promote the widespread adoption of renewable energy.
Canada’s accession was announced on the eve of IRENA’s ninth Assembly, which is bringing together more than 1,200 delegates including high-level representatives from IRENA’s now 160 Member States.
“Becoming an IRENA member will accelerate Canada’s efforts to build a clean energy future.” – Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, Canada
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, Amarjeet Sohi, presented his country’s accession as a move to accelerate Canada’s efforts towards a clean energy future, noting that “the growing green economy is among the greatest economic opportunities for Canada in a generation.” Canada already generates two-thirds of its electricity, equal to almost one-fifth of its total energy supply, from renewable sources, predominantly hydropower. IRENA’s Director-General Adnan Amin said Canada’s accession underscores “the leadership it can demonstrate in renewable energy technology, sustainable development and global energy decarbonisation.”
IRENA’s ninth Assembly convenes from 11-13 January 2019, in Adu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The highlights of the Assembly will include the release of first report of the Global Commission on the Geopolitics of Energy Transformation and the launch of a study on gender in the energy transformation.
In parallel to the Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainablility Week will explore how industries are responding to the digital transformation underway in the global economy, which in turn is giving rise to new opportunities to address global sustainability challenges. [Government of Canada Press Release] [IRENA Press Release, Canada] [IRENA Announcement of Annual Assembly] [IRENA Assembly Live Blog]