India and UAE to cooperate on renewable energy

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, especially in the areas of solar and wind power.

Farooq Abdullah, India's minister of new and renewable energy, and Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, minister of state and the UAE's special envoy for energy and climate change, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in renewable energy in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Agreement was also reached to form a joint working group for better coordination through joint research on subjects of mutual interest, exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of available scientific and technologies information and data, according to a statement released by the ministry of new and renewable energy.

The countries have also agreed to the organisation of workshops, seminars and working groups, transfer of skill, technology and equipment.

Abdullah briefed the UAE minister on the progress made by India in renewable energy with special reference to the National Solar Mission launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

He also briefed the minister on India's efforts in promoting energy for remote and un-electrified areas, the statement said.