The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP announced today that Australia has ratified the statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Established in 2009, IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation focused on increasing the use of renewable energy technologies globally.
IRENA aims to promote the widespread adoption of all forms of renewable energy by acting as a global hub for the exchange of renewable energy information, including technical data and the sharing of different renewable energy policies and experiences.
“It is important that Australia actively participate in organisations such as IRENA so we can tap into global learnings,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Australia’s membership of IRENA will allow us to exchange ideas and draw on the best available data from around the world. It will help inform our approach to developing Australia’s substantial renewable energy resources and deploying renewable energy technologies across the nation.”
Through IRENA, Australia will work alongside nearly 150 countries to accelerate the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies which in turn will deliver greater energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.
“By working together through organisations such as IRENA the world will develop better renewable energy technologies sooner,” said Minister Ferguson.
“Generating more power from renewable sources is an important way for Australia to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
“Renewable energy will play an increasingly important role in Australia’s energy mix and the Australian Government is supporting the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies.
“That is why we legislated the 20 per cent by 2020 Renewable Energy Target and the Government is investing $5.1 billion in the Clean Energy Initiative to develop renewable and clean energy technologies.”
Since its inception, 148 countries plus the European Union have become signatories to IRENA. Australia signed up at the meeting of foundation members in 2009. Australia joins 50 other countries, including India and Japan, in ratifying their commitment to IRENA.