The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.  IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

With a mandate from countries around the world, IRENA encourages governments to adopt enabling policies for renewable energy investments, provides practical tools and policy advice to accelerate renewable energy deployment, and facilitates knowledge sharing and technology transfer to provide clean, sustainable energy for the world’s growing population.

In line with these aims, IRENA provides a range of products and services, including:

• Renewable Readiness Assessments, conducted in partnership with governments and regional organisations, to provide policy guidance and facilitate the sharing of case studies and best practices;
• the Global Atlas for Renewable Energy, which maps solar, wind sources country by country;
• the IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership (IRELP), an online learning network;
• Handbooks for renewable energy policy development;
• Technology briefs and cost studies
• Facilitation of renewable energy planning at regional levels;
• Renewable Energy Country Profiles.

With more than 140 states and the European Union as members, and active participation by many more signatories and applicants for membership around the world, IRENA helps countries achieve their clean energy potential and promotes renewable resources and technologies as the key to a sustainable future.

What IRENA Does

IRENA helps countries worldwide address sharply rising energy needs in an effective and sustainable manner. Our support includes the provision of:

• Renewable energy data and statistics;
• Advice on best practices, policy development etc.;
• Insights on financial mechanisms and technological expertise;
• Capacity building programmes;
• A large library of publications and other resources.