Russia approves plans to join international renewable body

RUSSIA: Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree approving plans for Russia to become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

by David Weston 29 August 2014

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree approving plans to join Irena

Based in the United Arab Emirates, Irena works to aid countries in adopting renewable energies by advising on supportive policies to encourage investment and share the latest developments in knowledge and technology.

Irena currently has 132 members, with 37 states, and now Russia, applying to join the agency.

In a statement, the Russian cabinet said the it will begin paying membership to the agency in 2015.

According to the Russian wind energy association (RAWI), joining Irena will mean the country will be able to help develop global renewable energy and contribute to improving international standards.

The Russian wind market remains largely untapped, but foreign companies are said to be eyeing up making an investment in the country, should local content laws be relaxed.

The Kremlin had previously set a requirement that 55% of wind components had to be made domestically, rising to 65% in 2016-2020. However, may now be reduced to 36% and 49% respectively.

“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç revealed earlier this week that Chinese-turbine manufacturer Goldwind was looking at setting up a manufacturing plant in Russia.