The establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in January 2009 in Bonn, Germany, marked an important step towards promotion of a widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy all over the world. At the Founding Conference 75 countries signed the Statute of the Agency.

Continuing the momentum



To ensure a rapid and effective start for IRENA, the Founding Conference adopted a resolution to establish a Preparatory Commission to act as the interim body. To date the Preparatory Commission has met three times to define the Agency’s Work Programme and legal framework. An Administrative Committee to support the Commission in administrative and secretarial tasks was established to speed up the preparation process.

At its second session in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from 29 – 30 June 2009, the Preparatory Commission determined the location of the Agency's interim headquarters and assigned its Interim Director-General (IDG). Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, was chosen as interim headquarters of the Agency. The other two applicants, Bonn and Vienna, will host IRENA's Centre of Innovation and Technology (Bonn) and the Agency's Liaison Office for cooperation with other organisations in the field of renewable energy (Vienna). Ms. Hélène Pelosse, was appointed the Interim Director-General of IRENA.

In summer 2009, the IDG took office. The Agency started recruiting staff which was complemented by staff seconded from IRENA Signatories. Efficient working structures and communication networks were created with Member States, the host country and IRENA’s external stakeholders. Within the first six months the work of the Secretariat mainly focused on developing the legal framework for IRENA and establishing the Agency’s institutional structures.

At the third session of the Preparatory Commission in January 2010 Member States adopted the 2010 Work Programme and Budget. The thematic priorities for the current year include:

- the initialisation of the first advisory programmes and pilot projects
- the establishment of IRENA’s secretarial and governance structures
- the development of expertise within the Agency

The Preparatory Commission, in close cooperation with the Administrative Committee and supported by the Secretariat, will continue to lead IRENA's activities until its Statute enters into force and the first Assembly will be convened.

Entry into Force of IRENA’s Statute

On June 8, 2010, the 25th country ratified IRENA's treaty and deposited its instrument of ratification with the Depository. On July 8 IRENA became a fully fledged organisation. The Assembly acting as the supreme organ of the Agency will at its first session establish a Council. The Council will consist of a selected number of representatives of the Members of the Agency and facilitate consultations and cooperation among Members. Both, the Assembly and the Council, will be assisted by a Secretariat. One of its most important tasks is the preparation and implementation of IRENA’s Work Programme.

To date, IRENA’s Statute has been signed by 148 countries and the European Union; 34 Signatories already ratified the Statute.