India to join International Renewable Energy Agency
India has decided to join the International Renewable Energy Agency, an inter- governmental body aimed at spearheading the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies at the global level.
India has decided to join the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an inter- governmental body aimed at spearheading the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies at the global level.
The country would also contribute $112,500 (about Rs 54 lakh) in the first year of its joining the world body, the membership of which would enable the country to have cooperation in technology transfer and joint R&D of renewable technologies with other member nations.
A decision to this effect was taken last night at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
The IRENA membership would enable India to forge partnerships with other member countries at a multilateral level for accelerating development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, an official spokesperson said on Thursday.
India has been actively engaged in the consultation process and decided to join the IRENA as a founding member. The proposal to set up IRENA was mooted in 2007 by Germany.
"Development of renewables with support of the global players and lead countries would have a positive impact on the country's energy security position in accordance with our nationally designed programme," the spokesman said.
The Cabinet also approved a proposal for India signing an agreement with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for capacity building in the field of protection and conservation of environment.
The agreement will help in providing exposure to various international law and practices, he said.