Canada has officially become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The country becomes the Agency’s 160th member to join the global intergovernmental organization dedicated to the widespread adoption of renewable energy.
More wind energy has been built in Canada between 2006 and 2017 than any other form of electricity generation, with installed capacity growing by an average of 15% per year between 2012 and 2017, according to CanWEA.
Canada’s membership comes on the eve of IRENA’s ninth and largest Assembly. More than 120 ministers are expected to join 1,200 delegates from 150 countries in Abu Dhabi, to accelerate the deployment of sustainable sources of energy.
“The growing green economy is among the greatest economic opportunities for Canada in a generation,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “Becoming an IRENA member will accelerate Canada’s efforts to build a clean energy future which will bring new economic growth and thousands of new, well-paying jobs.”
Renewable energy accounts for two-thirds of Canada’s power generation and just under 20% of its total final energy supply thanks largely to significant hydropower resources, which make it the second largest producer of hydropower in the world. Renewable power generation in Canada increased from 78 GW in 2009 to 99 GW in 2017.
In addition to plentiful hydro resources, Canada also has significant wind, biomass, solar, marine and geothermal energy potential. According to the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), wind energy currently supplies approximately 6% of Canada’s electricity demand, generating enough power to meet the needs of over three million Canadian homes.
“We are delighted to welcome Canada as a new member of the IRENA family,” said IRENA Director-General, Adnan Z. Amin. “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,” said Amin. “Canada’s membership firmly underscores the leadership it can demonstrate in renewable energy technology, sustainable development and global energy decarbonization.”
Filed Under: News, Policy
