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The Minister of Energy of South Africa, Ms Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, MP, yesterday (Sunday, 17 January), signed the register of IRENA statutes in Abu Dhabi. Minister Peters signed the statute at the signing ceremony that was organised by Irena at 09h20 (South African time). This has enabled South Africa to become a full member of IRENA (the International Renewable Energy Agency).

Minister Peters said, "We will now be full members of The Preparatory Commission which is made up of all countries that have signed the IRENA Statute. 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".

IRENA membership is open to all States that are members of the United Nations. Membership is confirmed by signing the Statute.

The Minister is currently in Abu Dhabi to attend the Third Session of the Preparatory Commission for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This is the first meeting of all members following the selection of Abu Dhabi as the Head Quarters of the Agency in 2009, after the second session held at Sharm El Shaik, Egypt, from the 28th - 30th June 2009.
The meeting will be used to establish the infrastructure of the Agency, deal with the elements of the comprehensive and substantiated work programme which must contain a list of priority tasks and activities including the necessary level of detail for organizational and financial purposes. This will ensure that all developed and developing countries benefit from the spoils of renewable energy.
The Founding Conference for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was held in Bonn, Germany on 26th January 2009. This Conference was an important step towards a sustainable and clean energy future. The Conference was attended by 125 delegates from both the developed and developing countries.

BACKGROUND OF THE AGENCY (IRENA)

Mandated by governments worldwide, IRENA aims to become the main driving force in promoting a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale.

Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will provide practical advice and support for both industrialised and developing countries, help them improve their regulatory frameworks and build capacity.

The agency will facilitate access to all relevant information including reliable data on the potential of renewable energy, best practices, effective financial mechanisms and state-of-the-art technological expertise.

IRENA will develop comprehensive solutions, such as fostering all types of renewable energy, and consider various renewable energy policies on the local, regional, and national level.

Additionally, IRENA will consider the specific environmental, economic and socio-cultural conditions.

Renewable energy contributes 18 per cent of global energy consumption. This number is expected to increase as better technologies are being continuously developed as well as proper legal, economic, and social frameworks are put in place and investment increases. IRENA is facilitating this change. As a memebr of IRENA South Africa will benefit from its memebrship by accessing information, technology and capacity building in the field of renewable energy.

Lastly, it will involve stakeholders from the energy industry, academia, institutions and civil society.