Abu Dhabi Department of Energy enhances cooperation with IRENA in areas of energy efficiency and sustainability

Based on its commitment to lead Abu Dhabi’s journey to sustainable development, according to the emirate’s vision, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has enhanced its cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the lead intergovernmental organisation for the energy transformation.

The enhancement came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the DoE and IRENA during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020, which is being held from January 11-18 in the UAE capital. The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and practices, review the development of training systems, engender capacity building and advance the energy transformation process in Abu Dhabi.

The MoU was signed by H.E Eng. Mohammed Bin Jarsh Al Falasi, Undersecretary, DoE and Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, with the signing ceremony attended by a number of officials from both parties. The agreement aims to build a framework of cooperation between the agency and the departments, with a focus on projects and practices that support renewable energy scenarios and increasing their share in the energy mix.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said: “As the energy transformation advances it is clear that the shift is not only about the actions of nations but also of subnational actors. Every region, city, company and citizen has a role to play in creating the low-carbon future we aspire to. In this respect, Abu Dhabi has become a regional leader in the pursuit of sustainable development. This agreement will deepen IRENA’s engagement in Abu Dhabi and further reinforces the central role of subnational actors.”

According to the MoU, the two parties will work on identifying areas of cooperation and promoting dialogue that serves mutual strategic targets. The areas of cooperation include developing customised energy scenarios for Abu Dhabi, reviewing the strategies and plans related to energy and its effects, studying the social, economic and environmental impacts of the energy transition and related policies, developing planning modules and predicting used methodologies, linking the use and management of water and power, planning the integration and resilience of energy systems, designing the energy market, and working together on major events, such as Expo 2020.

Original source: IRENA
Published on 16 January 2019