DBT inks MoU with IAE on Enhancing Innovation for Clean Energy Transition

Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Union Ministry of Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Energy Agency (IEA) for 

enhancing innovation for Clean Energy Transition.

• The MoU seeks to deepen co-operation in support of clean energy innovations to accelerate research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of clean energy technologies in India.
• It will also help support generation of data for policymaking and improve knowledge of good policy practices for innovation in India and around the world.

More details about the MoU:

• The MoU will ensure cooperation for sharing of energy policies on RD&D and sharing of best practices on data collection and analysis.
• It also has provision for activities such as training and capacity building and accelerating energy innovation by identifying sources of finance.
• The MoU will be coordinated for Union Ministry of Sceince & Technology by Mission Innovation India Unit set up by DBT and for IEA it will be coordinated by its International Partnership and Initiatives Unit (IPI).
• It will be initially valid for three years.

About the International Energy Agency (IEA):

• IEA is an inter-governmental organization established in 1974 as per the framework of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• It was established in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis after the OPEC cartel had shocked the world with a steep increase in oil prices.
• Presently it has 30 member countries including India. 
• It is headquartered in Paris, France.
• Its prime focus is on the "3Es" of effectual energy policy: Energy Security, Economic Development and Environmental Protection. 
• It also seeks to promote alternate energy sources (including renewable energy), rational energy policies and multinational energy technology co-operation.
• It acts as energy policy advisor to 29 member countries and also non-member countries like China and Russia.

Question:

Q. With whom has the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Union Ministry of Science and Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhancing innovation for Clean Energy Transition?
a. International Energy Comittee (IEC)
b. International Energy Council (IEC)
c. International Energy Agency (IEA)
d. None of the above