Bold new vision for renewable energy

When the International Renewable Energy Agency's (Irena) member states decided to establish the agency and headquarter it in Abu Dhabi, it sent a signal to the world — that renewable energy could be the truly global new energy paradigm. The fact that a fossil fuel-based economy such as the UAE bid to host Irena, was seen in foresight as step by a nation with its eye on the future.

Members also recognised that the UAE was the first country in the Middle East to take robust and tangible steps towards establishing a sustainable energy trajectory. The clarity of the UAE's vision, and the strength of its commitment to achieving this, is anchored in its history. Irena would like to congratulate the UAE on its 40th anniversary, and its on-going contribution to the international agenda on renewable energy.

The UAE is gaining global recognition for its work in the field of renewable energy: from the knowledge and innovation created by the units of the Masdar Initiative, including the Masdar Institute for Science and Technology whose graduates are enhancing the work of the agency; to the platform hosted by the annual World Future Energy Summit; and the acknowledgement of excellence bestowed through the Zayed Future Energy Prize. Each of these initiatives is contributing to the global repository of knowledge, skill and technology that is vital to the deployment of renewable energy from all sources, to all areas. Further enhancing this global recognition, and the UAE's ability to share its developments, is Irena, the world's first international organisation to have been exclusively mandated to promote renewable energy. It is hoped that from Irena's global reach of advice and assistance, the successes in renewable energy development enjoyed in the UAE may be replicated around the world.

Three programme areas

The significance of Irena's presence in the UAE, and in the region, cannot be underestimated; it is the beginning of a new era in international cooperation. Irena is the first truly international agency based in a GCC member state, and the first in the UAE. It demonstrates the global recognition of the UAE's commitment to new, sustainable forms of energy, and the growing economic and strategic importance of the Gulf region. Irena's presence in the UAE has been a catalyst for the further development of renewable energy in the region. Irena's events have attracted numerous professionals involved in renewable energy from around the globe. Bringing such expertise to the UAE exposes both parties to new ideas and possibilities. From these meetings global synergies, cooperation and innovations are being created. It is hoped that the sphere of influence created by having Irena headquartered in a GCC member state, will spread throughout the wider region, and will act as a catalyst for the further deployment of renewable energy in the Middle East and beyond. The member states of the GCC are already investing in renewable energy projects, but there is still more potential in the region that can be utilised.

Irena has been tasked to promote the development and deployment of renewable energy throughout the world. The work we do towards achieving this is focused in three programme areas covering: knowledge; policy and capacity-building; and innovation. These three programme units produce information and give assistance to our geographically dispersed member states. Part of our work includes ensuring that states have the latest information to help them analyse and develop possible options for policy development, strategies for building capacity, and the know-how to enable the implementation of cutting-edge technology. As an international organisation, the assistance, input and commitment of its member states contribute directly to the success of our endeavours. In its position as host nation the UAE has been also able to contribute effectively in additional ways. Irena has benefited by being headquartered in a country that is being increasingly recognised globally as a renewable energy hub.

The UAE's commitment, both nationally and internationally, to renewable energy is a bold new vision of the future, and a sign of the times. With its natural resources, capital and expertise, the UAE has become an effective player in the international agenda on renewable energy. Irena celebrates the nature of this long-term vision and the commitment to realise it. As the world's newest international organisation, Irena believes that the possibilities are endless and the achievement of sustainable energy access for all seems ever more likely. This is a fitting tribute to the vibrant reality of the UAE as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency