Cooperation between IRENA and REN-Alliance announced

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Renewable Energy Alliance (REN-Alliance) have agreed to work together in order to speed up the utilisation of renewable energy sources worldwide.

The groups announced their cooperation plans in Stockholm in conjunction with the World Bioenergy - Clean Vehicles & Fuels 2009.

The fields of co-operation will be:

• Carbon funds for renewable energy
• Sustainability assessment
• Potentials for renewables
• Renewable energy scenarios

IRENA and REN-Alliance will launch their joint efforts through a side-event at COP15 in Copenhagen in December. “I am pleased to start cooperation with the international organisations on renewable energy. IRENA will profit from the know-how of the sector in terms of technologies, generation potential and best-practice.” said Hélène Pelosse, Interim Director-General of IRENA.

Peter Rae, chair of REN-Alliance, also emphasized the significance of this landmark partnership. "All the associations in REN-Alliance see the importance of cooperating with IRENA and the governments of the member states it represents,” he said.

REN Alliance is an alliance of five international non-governmental organisations within renewables:

• IGA, International Geothermal Association
• IHA, International Hydropower Association
• ISES, International Solar Energy Society
• WWEA, World Wind Energy Association
• WBA, World Bioenergy Association