Ministry of Economics and Technology of Federa : State Secretary Baake attending IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi

Press Release

2017-1-13

© International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Rainer Baake, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, travels to Abu Dhabi to attend the 7th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) this weekend. Energy Ministers and high-ranking delegations from 149 Members will come together to take decisions on the acceleration of the global expansion of renewable energies.

State Secretary Baake said: 'The energy sector plays a key role when it comes to reaching the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. More than two-thirds of emissions stem from the combustion of fossil fuels. In order to attain these ambitious targets and to avoid misallocated investments, we need to take the necessary decisions for a smart energy and climate policy at an early stage. For this purpose, energy efficiency measures must be implemented quickly. At the same time, we need to expand the use of renewables worldwide and address issues such as the integration of renewable energies, efficient grids and a functioning electricity market in a timely manner. We want to continue discussing and pressing ahead with these issues with our partners.'

Therefore, the Assembly will discuss measures that the IRENA Members can take to accelerate the expansion of renewables after the entry into force of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The fact that the IRENA Assembly and the subsequent World Future Energy Summit are taking place on the Arabian Peninsula also reflects the great interest of the Gulf states in the use of their abundant renewables. Germany will actively advocate the benefits of the energy transition on the occasion of these events. German companies are global leaders in the energy sector. Some of them will have the possibility to present their products and services at the subsequent World Future Energy Summit.

State Secretary Baake will sign a Joint Declaration of Intent with the United Arab Emirates on the establishment of an energy partnership on behalf of the federal government and co-chair the first session of the Steering Group together with H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei. The partnership aims to foster the energy policy dialogue and to strengthen the cooperation in the field of modern energy technologies.

You can find out more about the current German energy policy in the fortnightly Newsletter 'Energiewende direkt'.