30 June 2009: The second session of the Preparatory Commission of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from 29-30 June 2009, bringing together over 130 member States signatories.

During the session, the Preparatory Commission designated Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as the interim headquarters, and decided that Bonn, Germany, will host IRENA’s center of technology and innovation, while the Agency’s liaison office for cooperation with other organisations active in the field of renewables would be located in Vienna, Austria. The Preparatory Commission also designated Hélène Pelosse as the interim Director-General of IRENA. [IRENA Press Release][IRENA Website]