A major new operative unit of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has been set up in Bonn, the Innovation and Technology Centre (ITTC). Along with the IRENA headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the ITTC will promote global innovation strategies and technological advances around the world. This will considerably strengthen IRENA’s capability to provide conceptual, strategic and financial advice worldwide. Among other things, the ITTC in Bonn will work on favourable framework conditions for new technologies, innovation processes and improving the competitiveness of renewable energies.

Renewable sources of energy are gaining ground all over the world. In 2010 alone, total investment in the industry reached a record high of 211 billion US dollars, a 30% increase. In the shift to green energy Germany is already in the vanguard. The Bonn-based ITTC will be a significant boost to this process.