China To Join UAE-Based IRENA

China has announced that it will join the Abu Dhabi- headquartered International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which currently has 160 participating countries.

Speaking at IRENA’s 3rd annual assembly in Abu Dhabi, Liu Qi, vice-minister of the National Energy Administration of China, confirmed the Asian giant’s inclusion in the agency.

“China looks forward to becoming a full member of IRENA soon, as well as working alongside all countries for greater achievements in global renewable energy development,” he said.

China is the world’s largest energy producer, with total installed electrical power generation capacity of 1140 GW. The country is also aggressively investing in renewable energy generation.

According to IRENA, China’s financial investments in renewable energy amounted to 58 per cent of the combined share of the developing countries.

The country invested up to $52.2 billion in renewable energy in 2011, a 17 per cent year-on-year increase.

The Asian powerhouse currently leads the world in terms of installed capacity of water and wind power, with 249 GW of hydro and 63 GW of wind. China is also adding more hydro and wind capacity annually than any other country in the world.

China’s installed solar power PV generating capacity has reached 7GW, up tenfold over two years.

“The decision by China to join IRENA is a milestone in international efforts to promote renewable energy,” said IRENA’s director-general Adnan Z Amin.

“I am delighted with the confidence China has shown in IRENA and I look forward to their active participation in the global effort for a clean energy future for all.”

Formally established in 2011, IRENA promotes the sustainable use of renewable energy across the world.