OES / About Us

• What is an Implementing Agreement
• The OES-IA
• Background
• Vision, Mission, Strategic Objectives
• Contracting Parties to the OES-IA
• Ocean Energy

What is an Implementing Agreement

The International Energy Agency has established Implementing Agreements to provide a framework for international collaboration in energy technology R&D, demonstration and information exchange. They specify the commitments of the Contracting Parties, and a management structure. They provide for the production and protection of intellectual property, and record arrangements for commercial exploitation and benefit sharing.

The Implementing Agreement "mechanism" is flexible and accommodates energy technology and R&D collaboration between and among different entities, such as government institutions, universities, utilities and private companies. It can be used in all phases of the energy technology cycle, i.e., research and development; demonstration and validation of technical, environmental and economic performance; market deployment and information exchange.

Implementing Agreements can also facilitate a variety of collaborative projects under the same legal framework. "Umbrella" type Implementing Agreements consist of a series of collaborative projects in a technical sector, combined under a single Agreement. Umbrella Agreements offer flexibility - countries need not participate in all activities under an Agreement and specific projects may be initiated or terminated within the framework of an ongoing Agreement.

Once an Implementing Agreement has been established, its annual work programme is approved and managed by an Executive Committee comprising representatives nominated by the Contracting Parties.