Joint press release with the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
IRENA is the only international organisation to focus exclusively on the issue of renewable energies. It aims to promote the increased use of renewables worldwide. Since IRENA started its work, it has developed more and more into a hub for cooperation on expanding worldwide use of renewable energies. For instance, IRENA is currently drawing up a global atlas for solar and wind energy and develops core analyses and scenarios for the international expansion of renewable energies, taking account of cost-benefit analyses, effects on the job market and environmental impacts. IRENA advises governments on the expansion of renewable energies.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier said: "Germany expressly supported the foundation of IRENA to accelerate the international expansion of renewable energies. We can be very satisfied with the successful work of IRENA in the short time of its existence. Being able to welcome Egypt as the 100th member of IRENA shows the great role assigned to renewable energies, also internationally. With the support of a rapidly increasing number of countries committing themselves, the global switch to sustainable energy structures can be launched effectively."
Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation Dirk Niebel added: "The strong support for IRENA among developing countries illustrates the key position attributed to renewable energies in the areas of energy security, access to energy and sustainable energy supply. In IRENA we have created a very successful organisation that supports sustainable development, especially in our partner countries."
Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle commented: "We are facing the enormous challenge of transforming global energy supply and making it sustainable. Expanding the use of renewable energies is the key for this endeavour. Germany was a driving force behind the foundation of the International Renewable Energy Agency. The fact that 100 countries are participating is a clear sign of the momentum of the changes that have been initiated."
IRENA was founded in Bonn on 26 January 2009 with the support of many countries. The IRENA Statute formally entered into force on 8 July 2010 when the 25th ratification instrument was submitted to Germany as Depositary. A ratification is an action under international law by which a country signals its willingness to be bound by an international agreement following the necessary national adoption procedures.
The range of member countries is remarkable: industrialised, emerging and developing countries from all around the world have ratified the IRENA Statute. Participating countries include oil exporting countries, large countries such as the US, but also small island states which have a model character for renewable energies because of their small closed electricity grids.
The IRENA Secretariat is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This makes IRENA the first international organisation to have its headquarters in the Arab region. One of the three technical branches of IRENA, the Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is based in Bonn. Germany is therefore not only depositary, but also plays an important role as host country.