New Delhi: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), Govt of Spain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) announcing their interest in collaborating and cooperating in the fields of clean energy, especially in the rational use of energy and in development of renewable energy, mainly solar energy (photovoltaic and thermal) and wind power, in order to contribute to achieve the objectives to fight against climate change.

Her Excellency Ms Maria Teresa Fernandez De La Vega Sanz, First Vice-President of the Government of Spain was also present at the signing ceremony as witness of honour.

In her address Ms Maria Teresa Fernandez De La Vega Sanz, who apart from holding the designation of First Vice-President of the Government of Spain, is also the Minister of the Presidency and Spokesman of the Spanish Government, said "We are truly happy at the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that has been signed today, and we hope this step will open opportunities for several activities that we could carry out in partnership between TERI and the Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE). TERI's support towards this collaboration would be of great value in ensuring success and we on our part would do all that is required to meet the challenge posed by climate change."

Dr RK Pachauri Director General TERI in his welcome address emphasised the First Vice Presidents visit to TERI as a significant and very promising development. He said, "In the economic, social and technological fields both India and Spain face many challenges which are common. In particular, given the importance of tackling the threat of climate change and the need to pursue a path of development which is sustainable, cooperation between our two countries and specific activities joining Indian as well as Spanish institutions would help us in meeting these goals expeditiously and efficiently." He further reiterated that TERI as an Indian institution with a major presence in other countries should have much more to do with Spain and institutions in Spain to achieve in combating the dangers of climate change globally.

The activities proposed to be undertaken under this MoU include strengthening of capacities for energy technology innovation, with special focus in promoting wind and solar technologies to increase energy conservation and for a cleaner energy supply. The forms of cooperation under this MoU include exchange of technical information and experience, technical and managerial personnel and holding of conferences and seminars for sensitisation. TERI would work closely with IDAE in its establishment, including human resources and infrastructure development; working out the research agenda and its plan of action so that the aims of IDAE are met.

Within the framework of the present Agreement of Cooperation the both TERI and IDAE will undertake actions for:

-- Collaboration in the promotion and development of innovative technology projects in renewable energy, principally solar and wind power.

-- Collaboration in the preparation of studies of energy potential and in the development of plans for development of renewable energy.

- Energy audits and diagnostics.

- Joint investment projects in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

- Regulatory Framework for the development of renewable energy.

- Linking development and renewable energy development in local areas.

- Technical assistance for development projects.

- Organizing training courses and seminars.

- Joint projects for dissemination and communication.

TERI, by this collaboration, fulfills its commitment to promote environmental sustainability of energy consumption at a global paradigm. The MoU is a global enterprise that recognises TERI as a knowledge hub with its well-established infrastructure, resources, laboratories and institutional support.