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For release: June 17, 2009

Canada needs seat at international renewable energy table

(Ottawa) – Organizations working on climate change are urging MPs from all parties to support a motion calling on Canada to join a leading international agency promoting the rapid development and deployment of renewable energy technologies around the world. The vote will take place today in the House of Commons.

Established last January, the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA) is the first global organization with the sole purpose of facilitating the rapid development and deployment of renewable energy in both industrialized and developing countries. To date, 98 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America have become members. Were it to join, Canada would be the first North American member.

“Joining IRENA gives Canada an opportunity to help influence the priorities and policies that will shape the global renewable energy sector for years to come,” says Jose Etcheverry, President of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. “The future of one of the world’s fastest growing industries is being written now and Canada needs a seat at the table.”  

”Membership in IRENA would send a positive signal that we are serious about catching up with the world leaders in new renewable technologies” says Tim Weis, Director of Renewable Energy and Efficiency Policy with Pembina Institute. “This is an opportunity to share in technologies and policies that will play an important role in the global effort to control climate change, while fostering growth in a whole new economic sector.”

New data published by the United Nations show that in 2008, renewable energy systems such as wind and solar attracted more global investment than fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. The Canadian renewable energy sector has also expanded rapidly over the past five years, although future growth is now at risk because federal financial support for the industry is projected to expire later this year, having not been renewed in the 2009 budget.

“The Harper government is wasting billions of taxpayer dollars to subsidize the old rustbelt economy of cars, tar sands and nuclear power,” says Dave Martin, Energy and Climate Coordinator for Greenpeace Canada. “A shift to renewable energy would protect the environment, and put us on the fast track to green jobs. IRENA membership would give Canada a window on the world’s new economy.”

Climate Action Network Canada - Réseau action climat is a nation-wide coalition of 50 environmental, faith, development, aboriginal, health, and youth organizations committed to making action on climate change a reality.

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