While attending the 11th council meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday morning,  Minister of Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett was appointed as the IRENA council chairman.

The agency is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.

It also serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a center of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.

The Bahamas joined the 147-member organization in 2014 in order to assist in the deployment of renewable energy sources in the country; however the council that Dorsett will oversee is comprised of 21 members who are elected in rotation.

The Council focuses on ensuring equal distribution of its work, the participation of developing and developed countries and reviews the draft budget and annual report among other things.

The meeting kicked off on yesterday where attendees will discuss cost reductions in solar and wind technologies, regional work to increase renewable energy deployment in Latin America and West Africa, and IRENA’s roadmap to doubling the global share of renewables by 2030.

There will also be discussions on initiatives to increase renewable energy on islands and the strategic future direction of the Agency’s work as well as the launch of the third edition of Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review.

The ministry congratulated Minister Dorsett on his appointment as they look forward to supporting all its efforts as council chairman in the upcoming year.