Renewable agencies to work together

World Bioenergy: Clean Vehicles & Fuel 2009

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Renewable Energy Alliance (REN-Alliance) have agreed to work together in order to speed up the utilisation of renewable energy sources worldwide

The groups announced their cooperation plans in Stockholm in conjunction with the World Bioenergy - Clean Vehicles & Fuels 2009.

The fields of co-operation will be:

• Carbon funds for renewable energy
• Sustainability assessment
• Potentials for renewables
• Renewable energy scenarios
• IRENA and REN-Alliance will launch their joint efforts through a side-event at COP15 in Copenhagen in December.

“I am pleased to start cooperation with the international organisations on renewable energy. IRENA will profit from the know-how of the sector in terms of technologies, generation potential and best-practice.” said Hélène Pelosse Director General of IRENA.

Peter Rae, chair of REN-Alliance, also emphasized the significance of this landmark partnership. “All the associations in REN-Alliance see the importance of cooperating with IRENA and the governments of the member states it represents,” he said.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was officially established in Bonn, Germany in January 2009 as an international governmental organisation. To date, 136 states have signed its Statute. IRENA is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with an Innovation Center in Bonn, Germany and a Liaison Office in Vienna, Austria.

As the global voice for renewable energy, IRENA's main objective is to actively promote the rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale. REN Alliance is an alliance of five international non-governmental organisations within renewables:

• IGA, International Geothermal Association
• IHA, International Hydropower Association
• ISES, International Solar Energy Society
• WWEA, World Wind Energy Association
• WBA, World Bioenergy Association