Energy Community and International Renewable Energy Agency strengthen cooperation

The Energy Community Secretariat and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) strengthening the organizations’ cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

Leveraging on their expertise, the two organizations will team up to boost the uptake of energy from renewable sources, including by supporting regional dialogue on the challenges, gaps and opportunities for scaling up renewables deployment and intensifying cross-border renewables cooperation. Another key dimension of the MoU is the sharing of information on topics such as the socio-economic benefits of renewables and the energy transition.

Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, said: “The Energy Community’s cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency is already well-established. With the new cooperation agreement, we will be even more equipped to support the Contracting Parties in the transition to a carbon neutral energy future. Together, we will help to unlock new renewables investments, also by building the capacities of local communities and citizens to implement renewable energy projects.”

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, said: “No country or region can achieve its decarbonisation goals in isolation. Cooperation is the cornerstone of the energy transition and is absolutely critical to the realisation of climate and sustainable development goals. With these principals in mind, IRENA looks forward to working closely with The Energy Community under this agreement and codeveloping ways to accelerate the pace of transition bringing widespread socioeconomic benefits to South East Europe.”