Berlin  - The German city of Bonn is vying to host a new global energy organisation, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the government announced Wednesday.

IRENA, whose purpose is to promote renewable energy, will advise industrialised and developing nations on ways of reducing their dependency on oil, coal and gas.

The organization will come into existence January 26 at a conference in Bonn. Around 80 countries have announced their intention to join, half of whom plan to attend the signing of the founding articles in the former German capital.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will be present, alongside Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul.

One of the first tasks of the fledgling organization will be to choose a new home. The German government announced Wednesday its desire for Bonn to be considered as host city.

Since the transfer of the German capital to Berlin after reunification, Bonn has developed into a centre for environment and sustainable development.

The medium-sized city hosts 16 United Nations institutions, including the office of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Germany, Spain and Denmark initially campaigned for the foundation of a renewable energy organisation. The preliminary framework was drawn up in Madrid, in October
2008.

Germany has until April to submit its candidacy to host IRENA. The final decision is expected in June. (dpa)