The meeting was attended by approximately 800 delegates and more than 90 ministers from 150 countries, as well as a number of UN agency representatives, international agencies and non-governmental bodies.
During the meeting, Adnan Amin was appointed director-general of IRENA for a four-year term.
In the second session, held in January 2012, the agency's work program was approved, as well as the budget, which was estimated at USD 25 million in 2011.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, took part in the meeting. Addressing nearly 1,000 participants representing 137 countries, the European Union, and 57 organizations, he lauded the meeting's resounding success of the "International Year of Sustainable Energy for All" initiative launch, which was announced during the World Future Energy Summit.
Renewable energy is one of the three pillars of SE4A, with a target to double the world's share of renewable energy by 2030, alongside goals for universal energy access and doubling energy efficiency. Because of its expertise and broad legitimacy, IRENA was appointed as the lead for the renewable energy. "Sustainability cannot be achieved through individual actions. IRENA has provided the required political drive in this regard, as well as the necessary guidance for our efforts," said Ban Ki Moon.
IRENA's third meeting, held last January within the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2013, discussed the declining cost of renewable energy and advanced technologies that make its generation and distribution less expensive and more efficient.
The meeting witnessed three significant events. The first was the unveiling of a planned expansion of the Global Atlas of Renewable Energy initiative. It is the largest project in the world for the assessment of solar and wind energy providing vital internet-based data on the quality of renewable energy sources across the world. Twenty-five countries, including the UAE, pledged to provide data and technological support for the resources assessment project.
The Global Atlas initiative is the largest of its kind assessing and sorting the available renewable energy sources worldwide. It provides data and resource maps from leading research organizations and companies. The initiative offers an integrated and detailed mapping of solar and wind energy, with plans for expansion in the coming two years to include other forms of renewable energy.
The Global Atlas initiative is an internet-based working platform available on IRENA's website. It has been designed to raise awareness on the potentials of renewable energy sources, and to help companies and organizations that seek to invest in new markets. The initiative is a highly-efficient tool that complements international efforts to redouble the share of renewable energy in the world by 2030.
Another significant event at IRENA's third session was the launch of a global roadmap for renewable energy. This roadmap provides guidance to the United Nations and member states on ways to achieve the 2030 goal of doubling the share of renewable energy across the world.
During the assembly's third session, IRENA began welcoming online applications for first tranche of the USD 350 million concessional loans from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFP) over seven years of funding cycles to boost renewable energy projects in developing countries.
Moreover, the UAE also announced its formal ratification of its headquarters agreement with IRENA, confirming its position as the global hub for renewable energy, and the first international organization headquartered in the Middle East.
The agreement also formally accords IRENA with the rights, privileges, and protections of an international organization.
During this year, IRENA applauded the activation of the world's largest operational Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) facility to date; the "Shams 1" project. It was designed and developed by Shams Power Company as the Middle East turns to clean energy to fuel future growth.
The Shams 1 solar power plant, built at a total cost of USD 600 million, covers an area of 2.5 square kilometers in the Western Region. It adds 100 megawatts of sustainable, renewable electricity to the national grid, which otherwise consumes fossil fuels, and provides enough energy to power nearly 20,000 houses.
IRENA also welcomed the launch of the largest solar photovoltaic plant in Africa, which was inaugurated by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) last April. It lauded the launch of other projects executed by Masdar such as the Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in Spain; the London Matrix for sea-wind power in the UK; and the Port Victoria Wind Farm in the Republic of Seychelles as well as the off-grid solar photovoltaic power project in Afghanistan.
Collaborating with relevant bodies and organizations, IRENA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The MoU aims to enhance sustainable development in Dubai, as per the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the long term initiative launched by His Highness under the slogan "Green Economy for Sustainable Development." This initiative aims to establish a framework and facilitate cooperation between DEWA and IRENA. It also supports and enhances the use of renewable energy, as well as the development processes and implementation of the appropriate policies and regulations through joint activities that serve the interests of both parties.
Last year, Masdar awarded the design and construction contract for its new headquarters complex, which will also house IRENA's offices.
The headquarters will be one of the most advanced, sustainable multi-use complexes in the country, and the cornerstone of Masdar City. The new headquarters will integrate cutting-edge technologies in energy efficiency, green buildings, and water conservation. The completion date is set for the summer of 2014.
Moreover, IRENA and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, in cooperation with their supporting partners, announced the official commercial launch of the "UAE Solar Atlas." On 25 January 2012, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and IRENA signed a memorandum of understanding in Abu Dhabi to support the development of a publicly-accessible atlas of solar and wind resources.
IRENA also hosted high level consultations to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in Africa.
A total of 45 African countries participated in the meeting, including nearly 30 ministers and assistant ministers. High level representatives from the African Union and non-African delegates confirmed their participation, including representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), India, China, Germany, France, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.
The ministerial meeting called for kick-starting an ambitious process that includes the development of scenarios and strategies for Africa and launching a continent-wide initiative to prepare African economies to address the current constraints facing the deployment of renewable energy.
The leaders of Pacific nations held a meeting in Abu Dhabi, organized by IRENA. A general statement was issued at the end of the meeting, confirming the agency's proposed activities to accelerate renewable energy deployment in this vital region, which is currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
The meeting was attended by leaders of six Pacific countries and IRENA member states in the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalo, and Vanuatu. It covered IRENA's proposed role in accelerating deployment, as well as opportunities for collaboration with other stakeholders and development partners.
The meeting also provided guidance on IRENA's new proposals, ensuring their compliance with Pacific leaders' policy goals and priorities.
In their statement, the leaders welcomed IRENA's activities and agreed to work with the agency to map renewable energy readiness in the region's countries and territories in an effort to measure opportunities for implementation and identify pathways to close any gaps.
In early June, IRENA took part in the launch of the Renewable Energy Club, which took place during the meeting held in Berlin, Germany on the occasion of the World Environment Day.
The club is a high-level political alliance aiming to promote renewable energy with a view to scale-up renewable energy deployment as it is an essential element of a sustainable and more prosperous future.
IRENA convened a major international strategy session on 22 and 23 June to discuss the prospects for a Clean Energy Corridor (CEC) to serve the rapidly growing power demand across East and Southern Africa. The Africa CEC brings together more than 20 countries in a coordinated effort to build the foundation for a substantial shift to renewable energy technologies for power generation.
The UAE, being the host country of a significant organization of important stature such as IRENA, has become a major partner in establishing the world's renewable energy agenda. This enhances the positive, constructive, and effective role of the UAE's diplomacy.
The UAE's important role is underscored during IRENA's General Assembly meeting, which is held in conjunction with the conferences and events of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. On January of every year, Abu Dhabi becomes the global capital of renewable energy hosting a significant number of country leaders, major experts, and officials to discuss ways to ensure the security of energy and water and to build a future based on the principles of sustainable development.
In the second session, held in January 2012, the agency's work program was approved, as well as the budget, which was estimated at USD 25 million in 2011.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, took part in the meeting. Addressing nearly 1,000 participants representing 137 countries, the European Union, and 57 organizations, he lauded the meeting's resounding success of the "International Year of Sustainable Energy for All" initiative launch, which was announced during the World Future Energy Summit.
Renewable energy is one of the three pillars of SE4A, with a target to double the world's share of renewable energy by 2030, alongside goals for universal energy access and doubling energy efficiency. Because of its expertise and broad legitimacy, IRENA was appointed as the lead for the renewable energy. "Sustainability cannot be achieved through individual actions. IRENA has provided the required political drive in this regard, as well as the necessary guidance for our efforts," said Ban Ki Moon.
IRENA's third meeting, held last January within the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2013, discussed the declining cost of renewable energy and advanced technologies that make its generation and distribution less expensive and more efficient.
The meeting witnessed three significant events. The first was the unveiling of a planned expansion of the Global Atlas of Renewable Energy initiative. It is the largest project in the world for the assessment of solar and wind energy providing vital internet-based data on the quality of renewable energy sources across the world. Twenty-five countries, including the UAE, pledged to provide data and technological support for the resources assessment project.
The Global Atlas initiative is the largest of its kind assessing and sorting the available renewable energy sources worldwide. It provides data and resource maps from leading research organizations and companies. The initiative offers an integrated and detailed mapping of solar and wind energy, with plans for expansion in the coming two years to include other forms of renewable energy.
The Global Atlas initiative is an internet-based working platform available on IRENA's website. It has been designed to raise awareness on the potentials of renewable energy sources, and to help companies and organizations that seek to invest in new markets. The initiative is a highly-efficient tool that complements international efforts to redouble the share of renewable energy in the world by 2030.
Another significant event at IRENA's third session was the launch of a global roadmap for renewable energy. This roadmap provides guidance to the United Nations and member states on ways to achieve the 2030 goal of doubling the share of renewable energy across the world.
During the assembly's third session, IRENA began welcoming online applications for first tranche of the USD 350 million concessional loans from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFP) over seven years of funding cycles to boost renewable energy projects in developing countries.
Moreover, the UAE also announced its formal ratification of its headquarters agreement with IRENA, confirming its position as the global hub for renewable energy, and the first international organization headquartered in the Middle East.
The agreement also formally accords IRENA with the rights, privileges, and protections of an international organization.
During this year, IRENA applauded the activation of the world's largest operational Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) facility to date; the "Shams 1" project. It was designed and developed by Shams Power Company as the Middle East turns to clean energy to fuel future growth.
The Shams 1 solar power plant, built at a total cost of USD 600 million, covers an area of 2.5 square kilometers in the Western Region. It adds 100 megawatts of sustainable, renewable electricity to the national grid, which otherwise consumes fossil fuels, and provides enough energy to power nearly 20,000 houses.
IRENA also welcomed the launch of the largest solar photovoltaic plant in Africa, which was inaugurated by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) last April. It lauded the launch of other projects executed by Masdar such as the Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in Spain; the London Matrix for sea-wind power in the UK; and the Port Victoria Wind Farm in the Republic of Seychelles as well as the off-grid solar photovoltaic power project in Afghanistan.
Collaborating with relevant bodies and organizations, IRENA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The MoU aims to enhance sustainable development in Dubai, as per the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the long term initiative launched by His Highness under the slogan "Green Economy for Sustainable Development." This initiative aims to establish a framework and facilitate cooperation between DEWA and IRENA. It also supports and enhances the use of renewable energy, as well as the development processes and implementation of the appropriate policies and regulations through joint activities that serve the interests of both parties.
Last year, Masdar awarded the design and construction contract for its new headquarters complex, which will also house IRENA's offices.
The headquarters will be one of the most advanced, sustainable multi-use complexes in the country, and the cornerstone of Masdar City. The new headquarters will integrate cutting-edge technologies in energy efficiency, green buildings, and water conservation. The completion date is set for the summer of 2014.
Moreover, IRENA and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, in cooperation with their supporting partners, announced the official commercial launch of the "UAE Solar Atlas." On 25 January 2012, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and IRENA signed a memorandum of understanding in Abu Dhabi to support the development of a publicly-accessible atlas of solar and wind resources.
IRENA also hosted high level consultations to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in Africa.
A total of 45 African countries participated in the meeting, including nearly 30 ministers and assistant ministers. High level representatives from the African Union and non-African delegates confirmed their participation, including representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), India, China, Germany, France, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.
The ministerial meeting called for kick-starting an ambitious process that includes the development of scenarios and strategies for Africa and launching a continent-wide initiative to prepare African economies to address the current constraints facing the deployment of renewable energy.
The leaders of Pacific nations held a meeting in Abu Dhabi, organized by IRENA. A general statement was issued at the end of the meeting, confirming the agency's proposed activities to accelerate renewable energy deployment in this vital region, which is currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
The meeting was attended by leaders of six Pacific countries and IRENA member states in the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalo, and Vanuatu. It covered IRENA's proposed role in accelerating deployment, as well as opportunities for collaboration with other stakeholders and development partners.
The meeting also provided guidance on IRENA's new proposals, ensuring their compliance with Pacific leaders' policy goals and priorities.
In their statement, the leaders welcomed IRENA's activities and agreed to work with the agency to map renewable energy readiness in the region's countries and territories in an effort to measure opportunities for implementation and identify pathways to close any gaps.
In early June, IRENA took part in the launch of the Renewable Energy Club, which took place during the meeting held in Berlin, Germany on the occasion of the World Environment Day.
The club is a high-level political alliance aiming to promote renewable energy with a view to scale-up renewable energy deployment as it is an essential element of a sustainable and more prosperous future.
IRENA convened a major international strategy session on 22 and 23 June to discuss the prospects for a Clean Energy Corridor (CEC) to serve the rapidly growing power demand across East and Southern Africa. The Africa CEC brings together more than 20 countries in a coordinated effort to build the foundation for a substantial shift to renewable energy technologies for power generation.
The UAE, being the host country of a significant organization of important stature such as IRENA, has become a major partner in establishing the world's renewable energy agenda. This enhances the positive, constructive, and effective role of the UAE's diplomacy.
The UAE's important role is underscored during IRENA's General Assembly meeting, which is held in conjunction with the conferences and events of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. On January of every year, Abu Dhabi becomes the global capital of renewable energy hosting a significant number of country leaders, major experts, and officials to discuss ways to ensure the security of energy and water and to build a future based on the principles of sustainable development.