Minister Coelho, right, and Minister Ferreira, center, with Dr Birol in Brazilia as Brazil joins the IEA as an Association country

Brasilia : Brazil has joined the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an association nation, a move that will further drive the country to develop clean energy, a media report said.

Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy Fernando Coelho Filho and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol signed a three-year working program here on Tuesday that details cooperation between the two sides, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We are taking another important step to place Brazil at the centre of global debate on key energy policy issues, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, rational use of fossil fuels, energy security and sustainable development,” Coelho said.

The IEA said Brazil’s decision to join the agency will open “new avenues for cooperation towards a more secure and sustainable energy future with Latin America’s largest country.”

Brazil, which is part of the BRICS nation, relies on hydroelectric power plants and bio-energy. In addition, the country has significant potential in developing wind and solar power.

—IANS