Australia today became a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), further strengthening Australia's global leadership role in renewable and low emission energy.
The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, who is representing Australia at the meeting of foundation members in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, said: "IRENA provides an unparalleled opportunity for Australia to work cooperatively with more than 125 countries to further the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. In joining IRENA, Australia recognises the role many countries, and particularly Germany, have played in driving the establishment of this institution."
Joining IRENA is another example of Australia's commitment to international engagement on climate change and energy issues and comes only three months after the Government established the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute. To date, 16 governments, and more than 60 companies and NGOs have joined the Australian Government-funded Institute.
Minister Ferguson said: "Australia's participation in IRENA is a natural extension of our strong domestic action to promote and deploy renewable energy, which includes the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, a Renewable Energy Target of 20% by 2020, and the $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative."
The Clean Energy Initiative includes:
- $2.4 billion for Carbon Capture and Storage technologies;
- $1.6 billion in solar technologies; and,
- $465 million to establish the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy to support the development and commercialisation of renewable energy technologies in Australia.
Minister Ferguson said: "This level of investment in clean energy is unprecedented in Australia and demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the use of renewable energy technologies in a cost-effective manner.
"However, it is important to recognise that not all countries enjoy the energy options available to Australia and that some countries are grappling with natural, economic, and technical barriers to the greater use of renewable energy.
"Through IRENA, member countries have the opportunity to access the latest information on renewable energy technology to help increase their access to the most appropriate renewable energy for their domestic energy needs. I am confident that through IRENA, Australia will be able to further the adoption of renewable energy around the world and promote Australia's industrial capacity in this essential industry."