Paris, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced at its headquarters in Paris on Feb. 13 that it will set up a regional cooperation center in Singapore, which is scheduled to start operations in the second half of this year. This is the first office of the IEA outside of its headquarters in Paris and aims to strengthen energy security and work with countries in Southeast Asia and other regions to accelerate the clean energy transition.
The announcement was made at the IEA Ministerial Conference on the 50th Anniversary of the International Energy Agency. The RCC in Singapore will serve as a hub for the IEA's activities in Southeast Asia and beyond, with a focus on the deployment of renewable energy and other clean energy technologies, increasing cross-border power**, improving access to financing for clean energy investments, and providing policy guidance, technical support and training.
Birol believes that Southeast Asia is one of the most economically dynamic and fastest-growing regions in the world, and is critical to the global energy transition. The opening of the new office will significantly strengthen IEA's links with the South-East Asia region.
The International Energy Agency was established in 1974. Its work includes energy statistics, monitoring energy market development, promoting advanced energy technologies, and providing policy advice and solutions.