Irena seeks global efforts

Dubai: Renewable energy should be incorporated in the new "pact" world leaders will hopefully reach this week that will encourage countries to minimise their impact on global warming, said the head of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

More coordinated efforts to invest in renewable energies, and research and development on an international level are needed, said Helene Pelosse, interim director-general of Irena, who is establishing the agency's secretariat in Abu Dhabi.

"There is no doubt that we have been able to witness huge efforts during the last years… an estimated $120 billion (Dh440.4 billion) was invested in renewable energy worldwide in 2008. This is double the equivalent of the 2006 investment which amounts to $63 billion," Pelosse told Gulf News in an e-mail interview.

"But I think that we must even be more ambitious considering the challenges we are facing. And I am very positive about that. We can certainly do better. It is up to each country how they promote renewables but Irena is there to assist and support its members in this undertaking."

Not only does the emerging renewable energy framework boost industries such as transport with electric vehicles powered by renewable energy, but "renewables prove to be a real job motor in those countries all around the world that make use of renewable energy technologies," she said.

Green buildings are opening new possibilities for architects, construction companies and designers as well, she added.

In the long term, no country will want to be left behind in finding and using new ways of energy production, she said.

The UAE's efforts to generate 7 per cent of its energy needs by 2020 are almost as ambitious as those of Europe, given their large carbon footprint, said Pelosse.

While many of the world's oil-producing countries are already members of Irena, which was established to promote the adoption of renewable energy worldwide, some countries might find it difficult to be outside of the large group of 138 members, said Pelosse.

Oil-producing countries should not see renewable energy as a threat to their economy.

"Preparing for the future is not a threat… Many oil producing countries are blessed with sun — renewable energy thus presents them with the unique opportunity to diversify their national energy mix."

Pelosse will be part of an energy minister's round table at the upcoming World Future Energy Summit being held in Abu Dhabi from January 18 to 21, which will serve to raise awareness on renewable energy worldwide.