Regions

The Agency has engaged closely with African countries since its formation in 2011. IRENA has pursued strategic, results-oriented partnerships with African organisations and development partners, leading to concrete outcomes and impact on the ground. Strong linkages to the regional programmes and initiatives have heightened synergies in the pursuit of Africa’s energy transformation.

Demand for energy is rising thanks to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, and considerable opportunities exist to avoid locking in carbon-based energy technologies for the long term. Alongside vast renewable energy potential, the region already possesses significant knowledge and expertise on renewables.

Europe has an abundance of renewable energy sources, and its countries in recent years have become leaders in driving the deployment of renewable technologies. Efforts to increase the sustainability of energy systems in Europe are ongoing, with renewable energy targets set for all European countries and the goal of the European Union (EU) members to become “the world number one in renewables”, according to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Latin America hosts some of the most dynamic renewable energy markets in the world, with more than a quarter of primary energy coming from renewables, twice the global average.

North America features some of the world’s richest wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and biomass resources. The region also has a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, plentiful financing opportunities and a highly skilled workforce.

Asia and the Pacific together comprise a large, diverse and dynamic region, with 4.7 billion people living in countries ranging from the world’s largest energy consumer to small island economies that are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.