EU (European Union) Becomes Member of IRENA ( International Renewable Energy Agency)

The bioenergysite website reports that the European Union has signed the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Berlin. IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation with the aim of achieving a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide. Among its goals are: the creation of a centre of excellence for renewable energy, advising governments on drawing up national programmes for the introduction of these sources, dissemination of information about renewable technologies and implement training activities and advice on best practice and financing options. Since its creation in January 2009, the organization has about 137 member countries, and the EU is its 138^th member. According to EU Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs, joining IRENA, the European Union has shown that the promotion of renewable energy sources worldwide is a key element of our external energy policy. With less then a month before Copenhagen, this again underlines that the EU collectively supports a shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable technologies. Making this shift today rather than later benefits us in terms of the climate, security of supply and also the economy".

Related information on IRENA: http://www.irena.org/