Second assembly of Irena aims to generate capital ideas

Officials gather as the two-day International Renewable Energy Agency assembly opens on Saadiyat Island.

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Officials are gathering on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island yesterday for the second assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

Irena, which supports international efforts to accelerate the use of renewable energy, is headquartered in the capital.

The assembly takes place over two days at the St Regis hotel with topics under discussion including innovation and technology and policy advisory services, as well as the presentation of the agency's proposed budget and work programme for this year.

The agency was founded in 2009 and has a membership of 155 states.

Ahead of yesterday's event , a meeting of Pacific leaders, including six heads of government, was held in the capital on Friday.

"The Pacific region is an area where volatile fuel prices, long and costly supply routes and relatively small energy markets have resulted in high costs and limited access to energy," said Adnan Amin, the director general of Irena. "Renewable resources are a competitive, low-cost alternative for fossil fuels for the Pacific, and some inspiring renewable-energy goals are being set. Some states are aiming for 100 per cent renewable power supply."

Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, the president of the First Irena Assembly and the UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the importance of the meeting.

"Tangible progress in the Pacific islands will demonstrate Irena's capability to support - through action - the acceleration, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies," he said.