REN21 joins IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has welcomed aboard a new partner in global efforts to provide education, e-learning and training materials to build job skills for the growing renewable energy sector. The IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership (IRELP, www.irelp.org) now includes the Paris-based Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), a global network connecting governments, industry, academia and civil society. The new partnership builds on a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by IRENA and REN21, reflecting their shared vision for the widespread deployment of renewable energy technologies.

“With investments in the renewable energy sector projected to increase from USD 257 billion [in 2011] to above USD 450 billion by 2030, new jobs and positions will emerge, requiring significantly increased numbers of qualified individuals,” said Hugo Lucas, IRENA’s Director for Knowledge, Policy, and Finance Centre.

“IRENA developed the IRELP portal to raise awareness of readily available renewable energy education and training, thereby enhancing their accessibility. The portal was created to meet the growing worldwide demand for skilled renewable energy personnel, and aims to bridge the gap between what the renewable energy market requires from applicants, and what is taught by educational systems worldwide,” he added.

IRENA’s relationship with REN21, as expressed through the MoU on education and training, will strengthen both organisations in their work to promote renewables worldwide. One of REN21’s central objectives is to promote and support the exchange of knowledge by providing links among knowledge bases worldwide, ensuring that gaps are filled by capable organisations and individuals. REN21’s global network of contacts in the renewable energy sector will play a critical role in populating the IRELP database and increasing awareness of the IRELP platform.

“Today more than 120 countries from all around the globe, more than half of them developing countries, have renewable energy policies and targets in place. A skilled workforce to implement the millions of projects will be a key success-factor for reaching these targets,” said REN21’s Executive Secretary, Christine Lins.

“Renewable energy will undoubtedly play a major role in the world’s future energy mix,” she added. “We need to create awareness and attract the best available talents to this sector. REN21’s partnership with IRENA on IRELP will help to facilitate this.”

For more information on the IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership, see www.irelp.org or contact Lina Kojakian at IRENA (+971 2-4179000 / lkojakian@irena.org). For more information on REN21, see www.ren21.net.