The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) have agreed to strengthen their collaboration on scaling-up renewable energy deployment in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

An MoU in this regard was signed in Jordan last month on the margins of the ‘Mena Europe Future Energy Dialogue’, by Irena Director-General Francesco La Camera and RCREEE Executive Director Dr Jauad El Kharraz.

Under the agreement, Irena and RECREEE will partner on regional dialogues and initiatives that address the challenges, needs, and opportunities of a renewables-based energy transition in Mena countries.

The agencies will also share knowledge and cooperate on building capacity in Mena countries particularly through enabling policy and regulatory frameworks that can accelerate renewable energy adoption.

La Camera said: "The energy transition offers a must-seize opportunity for the MENA region. By taking advantage of abundant renewable energy resources, countries in the region, many of which are highly dependent on fossil fuels, can future proof their economies and chart a long-term path of sustainable economic growth for future generations."

On his part, El Kharraz said: "The Mena region thanks to its geographic position, can play a key role in the energy transition process. It is thus of utmost importance to cooperate in order to lead the region into a sustainable future, starting from the reinforcement of the regional cooperation."