ARE & ICIMOD Sign MoU to Accelerate Development of RE Sector in Hindu Kush Himalaya
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE). The MoU sets out the shared goals of the two organisations to address the challenges related to the optimal use of the various renewable energies for electrification and the potential for energy efficiency in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) states. Both organisations agreed to promote social and economic development by increasing the share of renewable energies in the energy mix in HKH states.
The partners will work together on a number of activities, including joint advocacy for renewable energy policies in HKH states to create a conducive market environment for renewable energy actors, accompanying and contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve renewable energy targets as well as developing joint knowledge products and organising joint industry events to spur market development.
Furthermore, the partners also aim to support capacity building for renewable energy companies and to collaborate on building the sector work force in HKH states, creating local green jobs, embedding sustainability and enhancing the capacity of the sector to attract adequate financing.
Finally, the MoU states that the partners will offer support through business development services for renewable energy actors working in HKH to address electrification, energy security and climate change challenges.
David Lecoque, CEO of ARE said: “ARE views renewable electrification as an indispensable catalyst for economic growth, creating green jobs and mitigating climate change. The Hindu Kush Himalaya region offers a huge potential for renewable energy in rural and remote areas. Therefore, we are excited to collaborate with
ICIMOD to support private sector and market development to achieve SDG-7 in the region.”
Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD said: “Providing access to renewable energy and energy efficiency services is critical to trigger socio-economic development and build resilience of the mountain communities in the HKH region against the adverse affects of the climate change. Therefore, ICIMOD see ARE as a strategic partner in reducing the energy poverty in the HKH region through the exchange of experiences and creating a conducive market environment for decentralised renewable energy actors in the region.”