US urged to join IRENA

American officials go to Europe and countries like Brazil and India to learn about renewable energy, not the other way around. This is cited as one but not the only reason why the US should join the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

According to the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), an IRENA supporter, the US also stands to benefit from joining the international organization, apart from the group’s necessity to the global climate change goals.

IRENA, the first international body of its kind whose signatories are national governments, was activated on Jan. 26, 2009. At its founding, US officials took part in the talks, but did not sign for their country to be a member.

IRENA is envisioned to be an advisory body for governments in deploying renewable energy in their countries. It aims to educate government officials on well-founded renewable energy policy decisions.

ACORE said that governments, with every proposal towards renewable energy they make, face lobbying from different vested interests which become a bane to policy-making.

IRENA, according to ACORE, is where governments can turn to for “an accepted set of answers” for reaching decisions that are applicable to local country conditions. The US, ACORE said, stands to reap considerable benefits in joining IRENA. This includes the chance to work with other national leaders--particularly on technology—and learn how to attract global manufacturers and make policy education to the US’s own officials more efficient.

ACORE said that joining IRENA will also result in more economic development and business growth in the US.

IRENA was founded by German Parliament member Hermann Scheer, among others. Scheer, also chairman of the World Council for Renewable Energy, has been known for pushing the aggressive adoption of renewable energy in every country.

In January, Scheer said IRENA will act as an “institutional counterbalance” to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Energy Agency.

IRENA currently has 96 members. The new organization has not yet decided on the location of its headquarters. It is expected to elect its interim director-general this June, 2009.

US urged to join IRENA

RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 6:04 AM