UAE and China signs MoU on advancement of sustainable energy technologies and solutions

Dubai, Jan 18, 2012 (WAM) - His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, yesterday witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement and a memorandum of understanding on energy between UAE and China at the Emirates Palace. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and the delegation accompanying the Chinese Premier also attended the signing ceremony. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Assistant Foreign Minister and Special Envoy on Energy and Climate Change, signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Zhang Ping, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), signed it on behalf of the People's Republic of China. The MoU paves the way for the UAE to work closely with Chinese firms and institutions on the development and advancement of sustainable energy. Potential avenues for collaboration under the MoU include joint investment in areas such as sustainable technology solutions and large/utility-scale renewable energy projects, as well as exchanging expertise and sharing experience with policies and regulatory matters. In addition, the agreement opens the door for joint research in renewable energy projects and sustainability technologies. A strategic cooperation agreement has also been signed between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). Dr. Joan Salem Al Dhahiri, Secretary General of the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC), signed the agreement on behalf of the UAE, while Jiang Jiemin, President of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), signed it on behalf of China. The agreement aims at collaborating in production and upstream projects in one or more undeveloped areas as specified by the Supreme Petroleum Council. The Chinese company will conduct technical and economic studies in order to assess those areas and will forward the studies to ADNOC. The agreement also aims at cooperating in the fields of petrochemicals, technical services, engineering and construction services, equipment manufacturing and supplying, education and training, and research and development. - Emirates News Agency, WAM