India and UAE agreed to Promote Cooperation in Renewable Energy

India and UAE on 18 January 2014 agreed to promote cooperation in renewable energy, especially in areas of solar energy and wind power. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to this effect in Abu Dhabi by Farooq Abdulla, the Minister of New and Renewable Energy of India and Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of State of UAE.

The signed MoU allows the two countries to form a Joint Working Group for better coordination through joint research on subjects of mutual interest like
• Exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel
• Exchange of available scientific and technologies information and data
• Organization of workshops, seminars and working groups,
• Transfer of know-how, technology and equipment on non-commercial basis

Earlier, India has launched in National Solar Mission (launched in 2010) under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. India has been making efforts in promoting energy in remote and un-electrified areas of the country. Indian Minister, Farooq Abdulla also congratulated UAE for the hospitality extended by them during the 4th Assembly session of IRENA.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is mandated as the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange by 124 Members (123 States and the European Union). Over 40 additional countries are in the accession process and actively engaged. Formally established in 2011, IRENA is the first global intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in the Middle East.

IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.  IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.