China to join IRENA

World’s largest energy producer is a latecomer to the agency.

China has said it will join the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which will be a major step toward universal membership for the agency that currently has 160 participating states.

China’s membership will also be a milestone in international efforts to double the share of renewable energy worldwide by 2030.

“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,” said Liu Qi, Vice-Minister of the National Energy Administration of Chin.

China has a total installed electrical power generation capacity of 1140 GW, and is increasingly turning to renewable energy to power its expanding economy.

It is already the world leader for installed capacity in hydro and wind power, with 249 GW of hydro and 63 GW of wind, and is adding more hydro and wind capacity annually than any other country.

China’s installed generating capacity of solar PV power has reached 7 GW, a tenfold increase over two years. China is also a manufacturing powerhouse for solar PV, wind and hydro power technology.

“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.”