International Renewable Energy body launches in Germany

Jan 26, 2009, 10:24 GMT

Berlin - A new organisation promoting the development and use of renewable energies was launched Monday in the former German capital, Bonn.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will advise industrialised and developing nations on ways of reducing their dependency on oil, coal and gas.

Speaking at the opening event, German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the potential for renewable energies is huge, and needs more help to achieve a global breakthrough.

'IRENA will be the new mouthpiece for renewable energies,' he said.

Around 60 states were expected to sign the founding document, while representatives from a further 40 countries are in Bonn for the occasion.

The United States is not signing the treaty, although the US is expected to invest more in renewable energy sources under President Barack Obama.

IRENA is intended to provide a counterbalance to the International Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency, by becoming a driving force behind renewable technologies such as sun, wind, water and geothermal energy sources.

The organisation aims to facilitate the transfer of renewable technologies to developing countries rich in renewable energy resources, such as sunshine.

Germany, one of the world's leading developers in solar energy, stands to benefit not just from the environmental do-good factor, as IRENA could lead to lucrative partnerships with developing countries.

German Foreign Ministry representative Gernot Erler said the development of renewable energies would offer economic opportunities, adding that 'Germany in particular is well positioned with its outstanding environmental technology.'

Thailand Energy Minister Wannarat Charnukul, who is attending the opening ceremony, last week welcomed the launch of IRENA.

'We've confronted some problems with solar energy development in Thailand so we need some technology transfer from IRENA,' Wannaret said.

Germany, Spain and Denmark initially campaigned for the foundation of a renewable energy organisation. The preliminary framework was drawn up in Madrid in October 2008.

The city of Bonn, which has developed into a centre for environment and sustainable development, is bidding to host IRENA's headquarters.