By the end of 2021, global renewable generation capacity reached 3064 GW. By 2021, Asia added 60% of the new capacity, resulting in a total of 1.46 Terawatt (TW) of renewable power. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation tasked with facilitating cooperation, advancing knowledge, and promoting renewable energy adoption and long-term use. It is the world's first worldwide organisation dedicated solely to renewable energy, serving both developed and developing countries. IRENA is a United Nations official observer. This article will explain to you about the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) which will be helpful in preparing the Environment syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Source: Renewables 2016 Global Status Report

What exactly is Renewable Energy?

• Renewable energy is energy generated from naturally replenished and non-depleting sources such as the sun and wind.
• Renewable energy can be used to generate power, heat and cool buildings and water, and transport.
• Nonrenewable energy, on the other hand, is derived from finite resources that may be depleted over time, such as fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
• Renewable energy already accounts for more than 20% of global energy supply, with certain countries generating more than half of their electricity from renewables.
• In the 2020s and beyond, national renewable energy markets are expected to grow rapidly.

International Renewable Energy Agency - Aim

• IRENA aims to be the driving force behind the global transition to renewable energy.
• As the global voice for renewable energy, IRENA will offer practical advice and support to both developed and developing nations, assisting them in improving their regulatory frameworks and increasing their capacity.
• The agency will make all important information, such as credible statistics on renewable energy potential, best practices, effective funding mechanisms, and cutting-edge technology skills, more accessible.
• IRENA assists governments with renewable energy policy, capacity building, and technology transfer advice and support.
• IRENA will also work with current renewable energy organizations like REN21 to coordinate their efforts.

International Renewable Energy Agency - Member States

• A state must be a member of the United Nations as well as regional intergovernmental economic integration organizations in order to join IRENA.
• States that join IRENA must do everything possible to uphold the organization's legislation.
• On January 9, 2019, Canada became the 160th member of IRENA.
• IRENA now has 165 members, including the European Union, and another 18 are in the process of joining.

International Renewable Energy Agency - International Structure

The Assembly

• This assembly is IRENA's principal institutional governing body.
• The assembly includes one delegate from each member state.
• The assembly meets once a year to examine all aspects of IRENA management, including the budget, membership applications, and annual objectives.

The Council

• The IRENA Council is made up of 21 elected representatives from member countries who serve two-year terms and are accountable to the assembly.
• Members of the Council rotate between states to guarantee that all member countries are represented effectively and fairly, taking into account their size, geographic location, development rates, and specific problems.
• The council has direct contact with IRENA on budgeting and annual reports.

The Secretariat

• The Director-General and their staff make up the Secretariat, which is IRENA's executive branch.
• The Secretariat serves as a check and balance for the council and assembly, as well as providing technical assistance to these governmental bodies.
• Francesco La Camera, the current Director-General of IRENA, was appointed to the role during IRENA's Ninth Assembly and took office on April 4, 2019.
• IRENA's membership has grown to encompass practically every nation on earth.

Renewable Energy Roadmap (REmap)

• The REmap initiative of IRENA assesses the potential for renewable energy to scale up in countries, regions, and around the world.
• REmap evaluates renewable energy potential from the ground up, starting with country evaluations conducted in conjunction with specialists in each country and then aggregating the data to arrive at a global picture.
• The roadmap covers not only renewable energy technologies, but also heating, cooling, and transportation technologies.
• REmap examines a variety of measures, including technological, sector, and system costs; investment needs; externalities related to air pollution and climate change; CO2 emissions; and economic indicators such as employment and economic growth.
• REmap provides policy and decision makers with insights into areas where action is needed based on these country-specific outcomes.
• The REmap programme has a diverse mix of knowledge products, reports, datasets, and papers.

IRENA And United Nations

• Several United Nations agencies work in the field of renewable energy.
• IRENA, on the other hand, is the only organisation dedicated to promoting 100 percent renewable energy around the world.
• IRENA and the United Nations will work together to accelerate the global energy sector's transformation.
• In the areas of education and training, funding, access to energy, potential studies, and commerce, IRENA strives to collaborate with the UN and allied organisations such as the United Nations University, UNESCO, the World Bank, GEF, UNIDO, UNDP, UNEP, and the World Trade Organization.

Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2020

• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has published the report "Renewable Power Generation Costs."
• The world's existing coal-fired facilities, which account for 810 gigawatts (GW), or 38% of total global energy capacity, now have higher operational costs than new utility-scale photovoltaics and onshore wind energy.
• The cost of generating fossil fuel-fired electricity in G20 countries is expected to be between USD 0.055 and USD 0.148 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
• Renewable energy will save operators USD 32 billion per year and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by about three billion tonnes.
• When compared to the same capabilities from conventional sources, renewable capacity created in 2019 would have saved emerging and developing countries USD 6 billion per year.

Conclusion

IRENA's fundamental and important partners are international, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organisations, as well as the many private-sector enterprises that are already taking use of renewable energy's prospects. Civil society organisations can also contribute to the IRENA vision by pushing for and monitoring government and corporate sector efforts. IRENA is well positioned to bring these disparate groups together as a worldwide forum for inclusive cooperation. It provides a platform for people to come together to promote the wider adoption and usage of renewable energy, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a sustainable future.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary purpose of IRENA?

A) To regulate global oil markets
B) To promote the adoption of renewable energy worldwide
C) To oversee nuclear energy safety
D) To manage international coal production

2. Where is IRENA's headquarters located?

A) Vienna, Austria
B) Nairobi, Kenya
C) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
D) Geneva, Switzerland

3. Which of the following is NOT an objective of IRENA?

A) Facilitating international cooperation on renewable energy
B) Providing policy advice and support
C) Regulating global fossil fuel prices
D) Promoting technology and innovation in renewable energy

4. When was IRENA founded?

A) 1995
B) 2000
C) 2009
D) 2015

5. Which of the following renewable energy sources does IRENA promote?

A) Fossil fuels
B) Nuclear energy
C) Solar, wind, and bioenergy
D) All forms of energy

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the role of IRENA in promoting the global adoption of renewable energy. What challenges does it face in achieving its objectives?

Answer: IRENA plays a critical role in promoting the global adoption of renewable energy by providing a platform for international cooperation, offering policy advice, promoting technology and innovation, and enhancing capacity building. It assists countries in creating conducive policies, developing infrastructure, and securing financing for renewable energy projects. However, IRENA faces challenges such as varying levels of commitment among member countries, financial constraints, and political resistance in certain regions. Additionally, integrating renewable energy into existing energy systems and ensuring equitable access to technology and funding remain key issues that need to be addressed to meet its objectives.

Q2: Discuss how IRENA's initiatives align with global climate goals, such as limiting global warming to 1.5°C. How effective are these initiatives?

Answer: IRENA's initiatives, such as the World Energy Transitions Outlook, align with global climate goals by providing comprehensive strategies to limit global warming to 1.5°C through accelerated renewable energy adoption. These initiatives focus on scaling up renewable energy capacity, integrating renewable technologies, and promoting decarbonization. While IRENA has made significant progress in mobilizing international cooperation and knowledge-sharing, challenges like financial constraints, slow policy implementation, and the varying pace of energy transitions across countries can affect the effectiveness of these initiatives. Continued global cooperation and investment are necessary for achieving climate goals.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of IRENA's efforts on energy access and sustainable development in developing countries.

Answer: IRENA has significantly contributed to enhancing energy access and promoting sustainable development in developing countries. Its initiatives focus on capacity building, policy frameworks, and financial assistance to implement renewable energy projects, especially in regions with limited access to electricity. By fostering partnerships and providing technical support, IRENA enables countries to utilize local renewable resources effectively, improving energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, financial limitations, and political instability can hinder progress. Continued support and targeted interventions are crucial for achieving widespread and sustainable energy access.

Previous Year Questions on IRENA

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Where is the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) located?

A) Vienna, Austria
B) Geneva, Switzerland
C) Nairobi, Kenya
D) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Answer: (D)

Explanation: IRENA's headquarters are located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Critically analyze the role of international organizations such as IRENA in promoting renewable energy and their impact on global energy transitions."

Answer: International organizations like IRENA play a pivotal role in promoting renewable energy by facilitating global cooperation, providing technical assistance, and advocating for policy reforms. Their initiatives have accelerated renewable energy deployment, contributed to reducing carbon emissions, and enhanced energy access in developing regions. However, the impact of such organizations is often limited by political, financial, and infrastructural challenges in member countries. Ensuring consistent international commitment and addressing barriers to renewable energy integration are essential for maximizing their effectiveness in driving global energy transitions.