The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) is the entity that is responsible for ensuring the sustainability and excellence of the energy sector in the emirate. DoE has entered a strategic partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA) in order to promote knowledge sharing and resource development with a strong focus on training, capacity building and participation in international events and conferences.

Both parties signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU focuses on one of the areas where two parties can collaborate as well as execute procedures to achieve the desired results.

H.E. Eng. Mohammed bin Jarsh AlFalasi, Undersecretary of the Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi, said: As Abu Dhabi continues its sustainable growth journey, it is more and more important that we build strategic international partnerships that benefit the Emirate and align with the directives of our wise leadership, its vision for the future, and its dedication to ensuring a better life for future generations.

Our new partnership with the International Energy Agency will allow us to exchange experiences and develop our national expertise to strengthen the capacity of the energy sector in Abu Dhabi. This is important as we face future challenges by using the latest and most efficient technologies based on the highest international standards. The agreement with IEA will open new doors and increase the energy sectors attractiveness among international investors in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, said: Abu Dhabi is pursuing an ambitious programme that focuses on energy as a top priority to achieve sustainable development across all sectors. In doing so, Abu Dhabi is reevaluating its current suite of policies and regulations to incentivize investment in clean energy. This Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen the cooperation between the International Energy Agency and the DoE, and includes technical exchange that I hope will assist Abu Dhabi to reach its targets.

The MoU was signed at the Agencys headquarters in Paris by DoEs Undersecretary His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Juma Bin Jarsh Al Falasi, and Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. The MoU strengthens the emirates position as an active and influential player in the global energy sector. This agreement is another milestone in Abu Dhabis journey to sustainable future that is shaped by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging the usage of new technologies and embracing the achievement of the UNs Sustainable Development Goals.

The elements of the agreement between DoE and IEA: The partnership seeks to enhance cooperation between DoE and IEA; promote the exchange of knowledge and information; and develop bilateral scientific, technical, technological, legislative, administrative, and commercial cooperation in the energy sector.

Both parties will work collaboratively to promote training and capacity building. IEA will hold regular training events which will cover a host of issues including energy efficiency policy and procedures; renewable and low-carbon energy technology; and energy analysis.

IEA and DoE will explore the possibility to design and implement a secondment programme including the possibility of inviting a nominated modeler(s) to join one of its long-term modeling teams for a period of time, in order to exchange experiences and help bolster the DoEs modeling capacity.

According to the agreement, DoE will participate in meetings of the relevant standing groups on global energy issues such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The agreement is one of the steps among other initiatives undertaken by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy to continue its presence on the international stage.