UAE welcomes representatives to renewable energy summit

UAE Minister of State and Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change Sultan Al Jaber welcomed representatives from more than 150 countries to the sixth meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) last week in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting was held to craft IRENA's strategy for the next two years.

"As we look forward to 2016, it is important to acknowledge the tremendous progress that IRENA has made over the past two years,” Al Jaber said. “IRENA has been instrumental in supporting the widespread adoption of renewable energy and helping to shape the future global energy landscape."

Al Jaber pointed to the creation of the Global Geothermal Alliance, the Sustainable Energy Marketplace and the sustainable development goals developed at the recent climate talks in Paris as signs that renewable energy is developing momentum. Al Jaber said IRENA is also in the process of confirming the membership of 30 additional countries.

The event's focus on renewable energy is supported by this week's designation as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Al Jaber said the weeklong event gathers business leaders, government officials and renewable energy advocates to network and build new partnerships that can support renewable energy efforts around the region and internationally.