Canada joins International Renewable Energy Agency

Canada joins 159 member countries in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA) to support the transition to sustainable energy through international co-operation, Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi announced today. 

“The growing green economy is among the greatest economic opportunities for Canada in a generation,” Sohi said in a news release. “Becoming an IRENA member will accelerate Canada’s efforts to build a clean energy future that will bring new economic growth and thousands of new, well-paying jobs.”

According to the release, membership in IREA means Canada will promote its expertise in the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, increase the presence and visibility of its cleantech sector internationally and demonstrate its leadership in renewable energy. The forum will also allow Canada to help shape the ongoing global dialogue on renewable energy and climate change, including on issues such as energy access and gender equality. 

Adnan Z. Amin, director general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, welcomed Canada’s participation. “Canada has vast renewable energy resource potential and long-standing experience in low-carbon development that it can share through international cooperation. We look forward to working with the Canadian government as well as the private sector and research institutions to advance energy transformation. Canada’s membership firmly underscores the leadership it can demonstrate in renewable energy technology, sustainable development and global energy decarbonization,” Amin said in the news release.