International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and REN 21

About IRENA:

• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy.
• IRENA provides practical tools and policy advice to accelerate renewable energy deployment, and facilitates knowledge sharing and technology transfer to provide clean, sustainable energy.
• Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• Founded in 2009 and entered into force in 2010.
• IRENA is an official UN observer.

IRENA Publications include:

• Global Energy Transformation: A Roadmap to 2050
• Renewable Energy Statistics

Membership

• Membership in the agency is open to those states that are members of the United Nations, and to regional intergovernmental economic-integration organisations.
• Current membership: 160 countries and EU.
• IRENA will also co-ordinate with existing renewable energy organizations, such as REN21

REN21: The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st century

• REN21 is an international non-profit association, global renewable energy policy multi-stakeholder network that connects a wide range of key actors.
• REN21 brings together governments, nongovernmental organisations, research and academic institutions, international organisations and industry.
• REN21 was launched in June 2004 as an outcome of the International Conference for Renewable Energies in Bonn, Germany.
• REN21’s goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, policy development and joint action towards a rapid global transition to renewable energy.
• The REN21 Secretariat is based at UN Environment in Paris, France.
• Major reports include:
  •  Renewables Global Status Report (GSR)
  •  Global Futures Report (GFR) wherein experts share views on feasibility and challenges of RE.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements and identify the correct ones:
1.International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a UN agency for renewable energy promotion.
2.“Renewable energy statistics” is a publication by IRENA.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2 
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question