Abu Dhabi's IRENA, Japan's NEDO training to accelerate solar photovoltaic deployment in developing countries

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) have launched a joint training programme to focus on project development and implementation for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. Launched in Abu Dhabi on 25th September, the training programme aims to develop capacities for fast-growing renewable energy technologies in developing countries. Nearly 40 trainees from 27 countries, mainly developing nations, will participate in training sessions between 25th September and 11th October, in the UAE and Japan, according to a press release from IRENA. The programme is facilitated by IRENA, the global inter-governmental agency mandated exclusively for renewable energy, which promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy worldwide, and is fully funded by NEDO, Japan's largest public research and development management organisation. It actively undertakes various projects worldwide aiming to address global energy issues and enhance Japanese industrial competitiveness. The programme aims to share the proven experience of Japan in solar PV deployment with practitioners from the public and private sector. Offering a testimony of IRENA's commitment to provide a platform for Member States, the training is expected to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills and sharing of best practices. The joint capacity-building initiative is the first programme under the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between NEDO and IRENA in January 2012 to promote collaborative activities for renewable energy deployment. A highly motivated group of 38 trainees, coming from 27 different countries, was selected competitively through the networks of NEDO and IRENA. The programme will provide lectures by leading experts in the field, intensive hands-on training, and site visits, including one to the 10 megawatt Masdar solar PV plant in Abu Dhabi as well as some Japanese solar PV manufacturers and power companies in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. The programme covers solar PV project planning; engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and operation and maintenance (O'&'M). The trainees are expected to contribute to PV deployment, both in their respective countries and globally. Participants were introduced to the Masdar 10 MW Solar PV Power Plant, located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The plant is one of the largest in the region, generating around 17,500 MWh of clean electricity per year and offsetting 15,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. – Emirates News Agency, WAM