Former US Energy Secretary Applauds UAE’s RE Center

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FORMER US ENERGY SECRETARY PRAISES THE UAE FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS AS A GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER

Former US Energy Secretary and US Ambassador Bill Richardson today praised the United Arab Emirates for its long-term vision to diversify the global energy mix with the deployment of renewable energy and innovations in clean technology. In his visit to the UAE, Ambassador Richardson was an accredited observer of the historic, first session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where he was witness to the confirmation of the IRENA headquarters and selection of the Director General of the Agency.

“The UAE has made a bold commitment to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, and with the confirmation of Abu Dhabi as the home to IRENA, the world is recognizing the nation’s efforts,” said Bill Richardson, former US Energy Secretary, New Mexico Governor and US Ambassador to the United Nations. “The world will remember the members of IRENA for taking a leadership role in redefining the future of energy, and in the process, address some of the most pressing issues we face. From climate change to rural electrification – IRENA will be the beacon from which a cleaner, more cooperative world will emerge.

“With the current uncertainty in the Middle East, the UAE serves as an economic roadmap for how investments in future industries can provide long-term stability,” added Governor Richardson.

The first session of the General Assembly gathered 800 delegates from 150 nations and was attended by more than 90 ministers. IRENA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the adoption of renewable energy worldwide. During the first session, member nations officially confirmed the United Arab Emirates as the permanent home to the global organization and selected Dr. Adnan Amin as the Director General of the Agency.