The United States has officially withdrawn its membership from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week. The move is part of a broader decision to exit 66 international organizations, particularly those focused on climate, labor, and migration, including the International Solar Alliance and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

According to the U.S. Department of State, these institutions were deemed “redundant in their scope, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, captured by interests advancing agendas contrary to our own, or a threat to our nation’s sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity.” A related memorandum notes that U.S. withdrawal from UN-affiliated entities, such as IRENA, includes ceasing participation or funding as legally permitted.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera expressed regret over the U.S. decision but emphasized that “the door for continued cooperation remains open.” He highlighted the strategic importance of renewable energy for energy security, economic competitiveness, and geopolitical strength, noting that international collaboration remains essential for accelerating the global energy transition.

This development follows other policy shifts in the U.S. energy sector, including renaming the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to the National Laboratory of the Rockies, reflecting a refocus on applied energy priorities under the Trump Administration.

Source: pv-magazine.com