Canada is about to become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) after confirming its intention to begin the membership applications process. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, Kim Rudd, made the announcement during the ninth Clean Energy Ministerial in Copenhagen.
Renewable energy accounts for two-thirds of Canada’s power generation and just under 20% of its total energy supply, due to significant hydropower resources, which make it the second largest producer of hydropower in the world.
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Renewable power generation in Canada increased from 78 gigawatts (GW) in 2009 to 99 GW in 2017. In addition, Canada also has significant wind, biomass, solar, marine and geothermal energy potential. For example, wind accounts for 5% of electricity generation in Canada.
IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin, stated:
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. 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 welcomed three new member states, while Ukraine, Paraguay and Chad, Canada and Brazil have announced their intention to join the Agency.
As of now, 181 countries and the European Union are engaged in IRENA’s work.
