UAE | General
UAE minister optimistic about Irena bid
Locating the International Renewable Energy Agency in the UAE would send a strong message, minister tells Gulf News in exclusive interview
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:01 June 25, 2009
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- Gargash says even though it produces oil, the UAE recognises the importance of developing renewable energy as a long-term energy goal.
Abu Dhabi: The countdown has begun. In just a matter of few days, leaders from 98 countries will cast their votes to choose the place that the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) will call its home.
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The voting at Sharm Al Shaikh in Egypt on June 29 is crucial for the UAE, having placed a strong bid to base Irena in the country. With Denmark quitting the race, UAE is competing against Germany and Austria.
So why should one of the world's major oil producers bid to bring home an agency that aims at rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide?
"Housing Irena in a traditionally hydro carbon based economy is a true testament to the fact that renewable energy and fossil-fuel energy-based economies do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, a hybrid energy economy like the one Abu Dhabi is striving to become is the most realistic model for the future," explained Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.
"Based in the heart of the developing world in a place where there are no such agencies, the level of political will and commitment that will be made towards developing and incubating this agency will be extensive. This is the moment for an international agency like this one to be located in the developing world... in a country that will facilitate the principles and mandates of Irena rather than monopolising it."
The UAE in many ways is one foot in the developing world and one foot in the developed world. It would act as the ideal conduit for transfer of renewable energy technology expertise and research capabilities through Irena to countries that need it the most.
After heading four months of hard and professional lobbying to make the UAE bid a success, the minister said the response rate was amazing. "At the end of our dynamic, diplomatic campaign, a large number of countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America were convinced by our arguments."
At the two-day meeting, leaders will also cast their votes to decide the Director General of Irena from amongst the three candidates from Spain, France and Greece.
Since no developing country has bid for the post, locating Irena in one such country would help send a strong message that the world is serious about making renewable energy approachable to all countries alike, he said.
Gulf News: Why should Irena be headquartered at Abu Dhabi? What are the UAE's advantages?
Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash: The UAE offers the Irena headquarters a location that is a meeting point between east and west, north and south, bridging the gap between the developed and developing countries. Our infrastructure is world class and the quality of life unrivalled.
The UAE has worked very hard on lobbying for Irena to be located in Abu Dhabi. Our quest is for Irena to be an agency that is global and inclusive and we seek a voice for the developing world through an organisation that is innovative, international and one that will bring serious advances to the cause of renewables.
Through the engagement of countries in our region as well as in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas we feel the decision on the headquarters location is essential in making renewable energy accessible for both developed and developing nations.
Masdar City itself - as the world's first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city - epitomises renewable energy and is the perfect symbol for the agency that seeks to advance its use.
Masdar City will become a blueprint for cities around the world striving for sustainability and intends to attract international businesses, academics, entrepreneurs and advocates.
Eventually growing to 90,000 daily inhabitants, Masdar City will cross the boundaries of current design and test future thinking in sustainable design.
Our university, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, is the world's first post graduate, full scholarship research institution entirely focused on renewable energy. It is open to students from every corner of the world.
What significance would it have for the region?
Housing Irena in the UAE would represents the first time an international agency of its kind chose a developing country for its headquarters.
This is an opportunity to build a bridge between the developed and developing world in the pursuit of equitable, sustainable and efficient energy sources.
It would send a positive message both culturally and politically to the region: Renewable energy is crucial for their future survival and prosperity, and should not be determined by a country's stage of development.
How tough is the race and what are Abu Dhabi's chances of winning it?
We are confident in our proposal and believe Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is the ideal location to house Irena. We have received great support from nations across the globe thus far and are very encouraged by their positive reaction to our bid.
Who are the other strong players in the scene?
On April 30, 2009, the UAE officially submitted its bid to host the interim and eventual permanent seat of Irena in Abu Dhabi, a move that is aligned with the UAE's clear commitment towards the development of renewable energy.
The UAE will compete with three European countries (now two since Denmark's withdrawal) to host the Irena HQ, marking the only submission from a developing country. If the UAE is successful in its bid, this will be the first time a major international agency is located in the developing world.
As a newcomer in the renewable energy arena, how is Abu Dhabi viewed by other countries?
The UAE has a long tradition of environmental responsibility. Our founding father serves as a powerful force in ensuring that we nurture the environment for future generations.
We believe other countries recognise the UAE's commitment to finding the solutions we need for a safe, secure and equitable energy future.
We are dedicated to working with other nations across the globe and have a proven track record of partnering with a host of organisations on renewable energy projects.
Being a major oil producer, why does Abu Dhabi need to focus on alternative energy?
In a world where the need to become less dependent on oil is increasing, the UAE recognises the importance of finding and developing a renewable energy future.
Our leadership recently committed to a seven per cent renewable energy target by 2020, demonstrating that the importance we place as an Opec nation on the long-term aim of de-coupling our economic growth from fossil-fuels.
Housing Irena in a traditionally hydro carbon based economy is a true testament to the fact that renewable energy and fossil-fuel energy-based economies do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, a hybrid energy economy like the one Abu Dhabi is striving to become is the most realistic model for the future.
Having sought support of nations worldwide, what is the general feedback the UAE has received so far?
As mentioned, we have received great support from nations across the globe and are very encouraged by their positive reaction to our bid.
How do the UAE's and Masdar's goals agree with the statutes of Irena?
We sincerely believe that no other location embodies Irena's vision better than the UAE's Masdar City.
Irena will advance renewable energy by sharing knowledge, developing the necessary regulatory frameworks, and actively promoting the large scale adoption of renewable energy around the world.
These objectives are directly aligned with the UAE, and we believe we have already begun to demonstrate the scale and pace with which we are dedicated to furthering them.
Abu Dhabi The bid placed by the UAE to bring home Irena stands tall on an unprecedented set of commitments by the authorities to help the agency meet its objectives.
The proposal includes support for Irena averaging $22 million (Dh80.74 million) annually through 2015 and $12 million in perpetuity. It also puts forth free of charge housing of the headquarters at Masdar, the world's first large-scale, "positive-energy" mixed-use office building that produces more energy than it consumes.
Housed at the world's first carbon neutral zero waste city of Masdar, Irena will live the mission that it preaches.
The highlight of the proposal is an offer by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to help Irena engage emerging economies by providing substantial funds to move to renewable energy.
ADFD would offer up to $50 million in soft loans annually, for seven years, to finance renewable energy projects that have been endorsed by Irena in the developing world.
The UAE has also offered a stepped-up level of support during the first several years including high-end building fit out, set up of an e-learning platform, expenses for conference facilities and related services, immigration fees, Irena-funded research, operational services, and housing and relocation for Irena employees.
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), will offer 20 full scholarships per class intake for Irena-recommended students.
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