The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) expressed regret over the United States’ announced intention to withdraw from the organisation, after President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the country’s exit from dozens of international bodies deemed contrary to U.S. interests.

The memorandum follows a broader review mandated by Executive Order 14199, which tasked the U.S. Secretary of State with assessing all international organisations, conventions, and treaties to determine whether continued U.S. participation aligns with national interests. IRENA is among more than 30 non-UN organisations and multiple UN entities—including climate, energy, development, and humanitarian bodies—listed in the directive for immediate withdrawal.

In a statement, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said he “regrets the announced intention of the United States to withdraw its membership” from the agency. He highlighted the United States’ historical role as a key global stakeholder in renewable energy and its contributions to advancing international cooperation in the sector.

“La Camera stressed that renewable energy is not only a climate solution, but also smart economics that will be decisive for the competitiveness of economies,” the agency said. “Renewables are a powerful driver of business opportunities, job creation, technological leadership and industrial innovation. From lowering power costs to offering strategic investment, the energy transition presents a historic opportunity for countries to achieve substantial economic returns.”

The agency also underlined the importance of renewables for energy security and geopolitical stability in today’s uncertain environment, calling international collaboration “more critical than ever” to accelerate the global energy transition and deliver socioeconomic, environmental, and security benefits.

IRENA acknowledged the valuable contributions the United States has made to its work and that of its 171 member countries over the years. “We hope to see renewed engagement in the future. The door for continued cooperation remains open,” La Camera said.

The U.S. withdrawal from IRENA comes amid a wider push by the Trump administration to reduce U.S. involvement in multilateral institutions, part of an ongoing effort to prioritise national interests and review engagement with international organisations across climate, energy, development, security, and humanitarian sectors.

Meanwhile, Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, said that “the renewable energy transition is the economic opportunity of the century. By stepping away, the US is choosing to miss out on jobs, investment and industrial growth that are already reshaping the global economy. The rest of the world is moving forward, together.” 

He added that “these conventions are not symbolic. They are catalysts for collaboration that underpin climate action, strengthen security and unlock growth across borders. And while the US administration is stepping back, US companies, investors and states continue to choose renewables because it is the most competitive and most secure path forward. In a global economy, there is only one Earth and one future, and the transition is accelerating with or without US participation.”