The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was founded in 2009 to promote widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms or renewable energy.

Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will facilitate access to all relevant renewable energy information, including technical data. By september 2010, 149 countries and the European Union had signed the agency’s statute, including countries in 48 African, 38 European, 35 Asian, 17 American and 10 Australia/Oceania States. 33 countries and the European Union have ratified its treaty. The statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.

On June 2009, at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, the French citizen Hélène Pelosse was elected Interim Director-General. Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates was elected as interim headquarters of the Agency.

IRENA's founding reflects a growing consensus among governments around the world on the need to speed up the commercialization of renewable energy worldwide. IRENA provides advice and support to governments on renewable energy policy, capacity building, and technology transfer. IRENA will also co-ordinate with existing renewable energy organizations, such as REN21.