The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations (UN) to advance the use of renewable energy in peacekeeping missions and their host countries.

The two organisations will work with countries that host UN peacekeeping operations to identify policy, regulatory and technical measures that could help increase their renewable shares.

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IRENA director-general Francesco la Camera said: “The provision of affordable and reliable energy is a fundamental building block of inclusive development.

“While an energy system underpinned by renewables is key to decarbonising our world in line with climate goals, the abundance of renewables empowers governments and citizens, bringing them energy security, economic opportunity and social equity.

“Under this agreement, our two organisations will seek to make this future a reality in host countries as they rebuild.”

IRENA has also agreed to support the UN in these regions by encouraging private sector investment to strengthen renewable power generation.

These measures are expected to bring socioeconomic benefits to the host nations in terms of net positive economic growth, job creation and energy access.

The move will help the UN reduce its environmental footprint and increase the host countries’ renewable energy generation capacities.

UN Department of Operational Support under-secretary-general Atul Khare said: “Our focus on raising awareness, improving performance and reducing our environmental footprint has prompted peacekeeping missions to implement more renewable energy projects.

“Several renewable energy projects are already underway in the field missions and we are keen to look for new and innovative ways to outsource renewable energy supply and implement on-site renewable solutions.

“Partnerships will be very important in bringing our goals to fruition and we look forward to working with IRENA to find innovative ways to increase the proportion of our energy from renewable sources.”

IRENA currently has 164 member states around the world. In 2019, Canada became the organisation’s 160th member state.