Speaking on May 24, at the ninth Clean Energy Ministerial in Copenhagen, Kim Rudd, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, announced that Canada is set to join the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) — the world’s largest intergovernmental organization driving the deployment of sustainable renewable energy.
“Canada has been working hard, both at home and abroad, to lead the transition to a low-carbon future. Canada is a global leader in renewable energy and today, we are pleased to take further steps to grow its production across the country,” said Rudd.
Since its founding in 2009, membership in IRENA has grown to include 181 countries and the European Union. And since that time, IRENA has become the main driving force in promoting the transition to renewable energy on a global scale.
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— Natural Resources (@NRCan) June 2, 2018
In becoming a member of the global organization Canada will benefit from increased awareness of renewables’ potential; the challenges and opportunities associated with the large-scale penetration of renewables in all regions of Canada; international trade opportunities for Canadian cleantech companies; and international recognition of Canada’s leadership role in renewable energy.
According to reports released by IRENA, renewable energy accounts for two-thirds of Canada’s power generation and just under 20 percent of its total final energy supply thanks largely to significant hydropower resources, which make it the second largest producer of hydropower in the world.
Canada also has significant wind, biomass, solar, marine, and geothermal energy potential. For example, wind currently accounts for 5 percent of electricity generation in Canada.
“Canada is an established energy powerhouse with tremendous potential to further scale-up its vast renewable energy resources as part of its low-carbon growth agenda,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin, commenting on the Canadian Government’s decision.
“Through active engagement with IRENA and its Members, Canada will be well positioned to further strengthen its role in shaping the global energy transformation agenda and contribute its considerable knowledge and experience to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.”
So far, in 2018, IRENA has welcomed three new member states, Ukraine, Paraguay and Chad, and with the addition of Canada and Brazil, they will join the 181 countries and the European Union in furthering the transition to a clean energy future.
