South Africa has officially joined the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), after President Jacob Zuma authorised Energy Minister Dipuo Peters to sign statutes joining the organisation and to participate as a full member in all its deliberations.

Previously, South Africa was an observer country to the agency, and did not have full membership of this body, which was established in January 2009, and would be headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Peters attended the third session of the preparatory commission in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, where decisions were made on the 2010 work programme and budget of Irena, as well as on the interim financials and staff regulations and rules.

"This commission is important as it acts as the main decision-making body of the organisation until the entry into force of the statute after the 25 required ratifications have been realised. This is a pioneer development that will enable us to work with other countries to accelerate the introduction of renewable energy and to confront our vexing energy challenges," said Peters.

Department of Energy spokesperson Bheki Khumalo explained that the Minister attended the preparatory conference, which was a steering committee of countries that are key in the introduction of renewable energy in the world. These member countries would share renewable energy technology concepts and know-how, and promote the greater use of renewable energy.

South Africa has set a target of producing 10 000 GWh of renewable energy by 2013, and has also established a renewable energy feed-in-tariff, although this was yet to be implemented.

The nation's solar water heater strategy, with a target of rolling out one-million solar water heaters, was also being finalised.

Renewable energy was said to contribute 18% of global energy consumption. This number was expected to increase as improved technologies were being continuously developed, as well as the necessary legal, economic, and social frameworks being put in place and investment increased.

Irena was said to be facilitating this change, and as a member of Irena, South Africa would benefit from its membership by accessing information, technology and capacity building in the field of renewable energy.

The agency is comprised of stakeholders from the energy industry, academia, institutions and civil society.