International Renewable Energy Agency founded in Bonn

At the founding conference of the International Agency for Renewable Energies (IRENA) today in Bonn, some 400 representatives of 120 governments worldwide participated. About 50 nations have become the first signatories of the agreement.

The agency seeks to propagate the use of technologies for producing electricity from solar, wind, water and biomass sources. The launch of IRENA is expected to provide a worldwide boost in the extension of renewable energy, says the German Minister of the Environment Sigmar Gabriel: “IRENA will be the international voice for renewable energy.”

Counterweight to the International Energy Agency

Renewable energy can reduce the dependence on ever shrinking supplies of fossil fuels such as oil and also help to counteract climate change. Especially for developing countries that can scarcely afford to import modern technologies, IRENA seeks to show the way to energy alternatives.

Environmental organizations greeted the founding of IRENA as a correct policy decision. This also creates a counterweight to existing organizations such as the International Energy Agency, which has systematically ignored renewable energy, explained the German nature protection association NaBu.

Just as other large nations – including Russia, Japan, China and Brazil – the USA did not sign the founding document. Several nations expressed a need for clarification, explained Gabriel. He is sure, however, that additional nations will join. US President Barack Obama has already declared that environment and economy are not contradictions and that he will vest in renewable energy.

KD

Source: IRENA (translated)