BONN, Germany - Friday, October 7th 2011 [ME NewsWire]
The launch of the Innovation and Technology Center (IITC) of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will add further impetus to the success of the Agency, located in Abu Dhabi said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President of the First Session of the Assembly of IRENA and UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change. “The IITC will provide IRENA with additional capacity and support in delivering its overall work plan.”
His comments came today at the inauguration of the IRENA innovation and technology center (IITC) in Bonn, Germany, on Friday October 7, co-hosted by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety in the Federal Republic of Germany, Norbert Rottgen and Adnan Amin, Director General of IRENA, and attended by His Excellency Mohamed Da’en Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates as well as Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs. Since its founding conference in 2009, IRENA has come to represent a unique international platform to promote the exchange of policies and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy to meet the challenge of energy access, energy security and sustainable development.
“From climate change to energy security, and green growth, IRENA’s mission touches on the key issues of our generation. As such, the importance of its success cannot be understated,” said Al Jaber in his opening remarks at the inauguration ceremony
“This important milestone for the agency demonstrates the strong global determination to work cooperatively to advance the use of renewable energy around the world. Innovation and technology, are key elements to scaling up renewable energy and combating climate change," he added.
In June 2009, Abu Dhabi was selected by IRENA’s then 133, (now at 149), members to be the headquarters of the agency - representing the first time an international organization had been based in a MENA region. IRENA will eventually be located in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City.
Through Masdar, Abu Dhabi provides an open global platform for cooperation to address the advancement of Renewable Energy, the mitigation of Climate Change and sustainable human development.
“Abu Dhabi's initiative to develop renewable energy and clean technology solutions complements its existing position in energy sector,” explained Al Jaber.
The Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) in Bonn supports IRENA’s overall mission by creating a framework for technology support and for the work on cost reduction potentials and policies to support innovation and the wider use of standards.
The center in Bonn will be an integral component of the Abu Dhabi based Agency -– ensuring a streamlined approach and a clear centralized process.
Adnan Amin said: “The launch of the IITC is yet another milestone in IRENA’s arrival on the international scene as the authority partner for governments, private sector and civil society for the global effort on renewable energy."
The Inauguration of the IITC took place at the Steigenberger Grandhotel Petersberg preceded on October 6 by a reception at the Kunstmuseum Bonn (The Bonn Museum of Modern Art).
A panel discussion, focusing on renewable energy competitiveness and innovation, entitled the Age or Renewables took place following the opening ceremony. The discussion included Dr. Rottgen, Mr. Amin as well as Professor Ottmar Edenhofer, Deputy Director and Chief Economist, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.
Photo caption: Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President of the First Session of the Assembly of IRENA and UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change; Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs; Dr Norbert Rottgen Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety in the Federal Republic of Germany; Mr. Adnan Amin, Director General of IRENA.
Contacts
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Shaima Alaydarous, +97124931502
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