German government calls for International Agency for Renewable Energies

The German federal government announced a plan for an International Agency for Renewable Energies (IRENA). The government made the announcement at a meeting hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs , attended by 170 delegates from more than 60 countries. Government officials said that a coordinating international body was needed for renewable energy policies in developing and developed countries.

Last month in Germany, Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that a 10 percent biofuels mandate would be scrapped over the potential for vehicle damage during implementation. Observers said that the minister is seeking an “exit strategy” after environmental groups turned against biofuels because of deforestation concerns. German law requires an E10 and B7 blend commencing in 2009, increasing to E17 and B17 by 2020.

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