On the 24th and 25th October, the International Renewable Energy Agency held it's fourth session of the Preparatory Commission in Abu Dhabi. All together 300 delegates attended from more than 100 countries.

IRENA's Preparatory Commission held it's first conference in Bonn, Germany in January of 2009. The forming of the International Renewable Energy Agency was spear-headed through the efforts of the German government and Dr. Hermann Scheer's tireless work to promote renewable energy globally. He is easily referred to as the Father of IRENA. 75 countries joined IRENA at this initial meeting and today 148 countries are now participating: 48 African, 38 European, 35 Asian, 17 American and 10 from Australia & Oceania States. Sadly Dr. Scheer passed away last month on October 15th, but we can be exceedingly thankful for the trailblazing he did for the world at large, to move us to reliance on renewable energy solutions. His passion for the well-being of his fellow citizens on this planet inspired me personally and he is dearly missed.

The fourth preparatory commission established that Mr. Adnan Amin will perform the functions of Interim Director-General of IRENA until the 1st session of the Assembly of IRENA, which is scheduled to take place April 4-5, 2011. Mr. Adnan Amin stated “My priority will be to put IRENA on a firm institutional footing and to develop a compelling vision for the future of renewable energy worldwide”. The preparatory commission's work has been to bring the functions of the Agency into place, so that the proposed Assembly and Council of the Agency will be established and replace the interim framework. An administrative body was also set up to assist the work of the preparatory commission and is comprised of voluntary member states eager to contribute to the establishment of this historic Agency.

IRENA's Vision Statement

The world’s vast renewable energy resources remain largely untapped. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion in 2050, abundant renewable energy sources worldwide can make a significant contribution to the world’s growing demand for energy. Recognising the huge potential of renewable energy, IRENA’s Member States have joined together to establish an international organisation dedicated to facilitating the rapid development and deployment of renewable energy worldwide.

IRENA believes that renewable energy use must, and will increase dramatically in the coming years, because of its key role in:

  • enhancing energy security
  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change
  • alleviating energy poverty
  • supporting sustainable development, and
  • boosting economic growth.

IRENA’s vision is for a world where modern and effective renewable energy is accessible in all countries and becomes one of the major energy sources.

For a world, where renewable energy technologies are widely deployed and are seen as one of the key energy solutions of the future by all countries.

A world, where the communities currently without reliable energy supply can rely on renewable energy as the base for their economic and social development.

Visit the IRENA website to learn more