UAE to host International Renewable Energy Agency HQ
Thursday, 02 Jul 2009
Gulf News reported that UAE has become the first developing country to host a major international organization with Abu Dhabi becoming home to the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency.
The Irena headquarters will be located in Masdar City, which is currently under construction. Masdar City will be the world's first carbon neutral, zero-waste city completely powered by renewable energy.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated President His Highness Mr Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the country.
Mr Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan foreign minister of UAE thanked the countries that extended their support for the UAE. He particularly appreciated the stance of Germany and Austria, which supported the UAE's quest to host the headquarters. He said that "The contest was strong, but it was fair and transparent.”
While Irena's headquarters will be in the UAE, the former West German capital Bonn will host the organization's innovations branch and Vienna will host Irena's office for liaison with the UN and other international energy organizations.
The agency established in Bonn last January 26th hopes to be the body that will oversee and help contribute to a global transition to what is seen as the next generation of energy.
Irena's mandate will come from its 129 member countries and it is expected to help industrialized and developing countries in improving their regulatory frameworks and build capacity for renewable energy.
