UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Source: IRENA
What’s in News
Recently, a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency highlighted that renewable energy projects commissioned in 2025 helped avoid an estimated $840 billion in fossil fuel costs globally, underlining the growing economic benefits of clean energy.
Key Facts
- IRENA is an intergovernmental organization established in 2009 to support countries in their transition towards a sustainable energy future, serving as the principal global platform for international cooperation on renewable energy.
- It acts as a centre of excellence, a repository of policy, technology and financial knowledge, and a facilitator of international collaboration in clean energy.
- Objectives: Promote widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies, support energy security and sustainable development, facilitate international cooperation, and provide policy advice, capacity building and technical assistance.
- Membership: 170 members, including 169 countries and the European Union; India is one of the founding members. Headquarters: Abu Dhabi.
- Governance: The Assembly is the highest decision-making body (one representative per member state); the Council has 21 elected member states serving two-year terms and implements Assembly decisions; the Secretariat, headed by the Director-General, provides administrative, technical and operational support.
- IRENA enjoys official observer status at the United Nations.
Consider the following statements regarding the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA):
1. It is an intergovernmental organization established in 2009.
2. Its headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
3. India is one of the founding members of IRENA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: IRENA was established in 2009. Statement 2 is correct: its headquarters is in Abu Dhabi. Statement 3 is correct: India is among IRENA’s founding members.
