IRENA - SPAIN SUPPORTS UAE BID FOR HQ, SEEKING

UNCLAS MADRID 000583 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/WE, EEB/ESC:B.MONOSSON, OES/EGC:G.THOMPSON, IO/EDA:R.WEBBER, AND ENERGY FOR PIA/K.BALLOU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO SP SUBJECT: IRENA - SPAIN SUPPORTS UAE BID FOR HQ, SEEKING SUPPORT FOR SPANISH DG CANDIDATE REF: SECSTATE 59969 1.(U) On June 15, Econoff discussed reftel points with Amb. Rafael Matos Gonzalez, Special Ambassador for Energy Affairs. Matos welcomed the news that the USG is considering joining IRENA. He said IRENA is "direct and practical." Matos confirmed Spain's support for the UAE's bid to house IRENA's headquarters; the U.S. can expect Spain's support on this issue at the Cairo meeting. ¶2. (U) Matos downplayed the concern that IRENA will duplicate efforts of other energy organizations, noting that the IEA,s reaction to the development of IRENA is a "classic argument" of an organization seeking to defend its turf. In clarifying the differences of IRENA as compared to other energy agencies, he stated that the scope of IRENA is "universal," open to all UN members and not regional. IRENA is focused on the potential of renewable energy, diversifying the energy supply, promoting energy security, preventing climate change, and reducing carbon emissions. ¶3. (U) Matos made a point of noting that IRENA is a tool for development and public awareness. He stated that IRENA will be used as a tool to finance developing state renewable energy projects as well as to facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge to developing states. Matos stated that there will be a capacity building function to IRENA. Matos expected ratification of IRENA to move forward very quickly within the GOS, but he did not offer a date. 4.(U) Matos asked for USG support for Spain,s DG candidate, Juan M. Ormazabal Jordana. Ormazabal is Director Genergal of CENER (National Center of Renewable Energy),a private foundation financed by public funds with a mission to facilitate the development of renewable energy in Spain and other countries through research, development, and innovation. Post has forwarded Ormazabal,s CV to EEB, OES, and IO. CHACON