India and UK Strengthen Commitment to Sustainable Energy Future
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Synopsis
On February 10, India and the UK reviewed their energy sectors, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable and inclusive energy future. Key initiatives were discussed, highlighting cooperation in renewable energy, power distribution, and the establishment of task forces for offshore wind development.
Key Takeaways
- Reinforced commitment to a sustainable energy future.
- Expansion of cooperation in renewable energy sectors.
- Launch of Phase-2 of the ASPIRE programme.
- Focus on offshore wind and green hydrogen trade missions.
- Formation of a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) On Monday, India and the UK conducted a review of advancements in the energy sectors of both countries, particularly in power and renewable energy, reaffirming their dedication to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy future.
The 'Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue', co-chaired by Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, alongside Ed Miliband, Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero for the United Kingdom, highlighted the significance of ensuring that the energy transition and economic growth occur simultaneously, while guaranteeing affordable and clean energy access for all.
The ministers emphasized the necessity of ensuring energy security and sustainable development, while also advocating for enhanced collaboration in the fields of power distribution, sector reforms, industrial energy efficiency, de-carbonisation, and electric mobility. They also explored new possibilities in emerging sectors like energy storage, green data centres, and offshore wind, with a heightened focus on MSMEs.
They announced the initiation of Phase-2 of the India-UK bilateral Accelerating Smart Power and Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme.
This phase aims to deliver technical support for ensuring uninterrupted power supply, expanding renewable energy projects, and enhancing industrial energy efficiency and de-carbonisation, in partnership with the Ministry of Power (MOP) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
They also reviewed the progress of trade missions focusing on offshore wind and green hydrogen, alongside the collaboration between the UK’s Energy Systems Catapult and India’s Power Trading Corporation.
Acknowledging their mutual goal of promoting offshore wind development, the ministers declared the formation of a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce, which will concentrate on enhancing offshore wind ecosystem development, supply chains, and financing models across both nations.
Miliband praised India’s ambitious endeavors in the renewable energy domain and expressed a keen interest in learning from India’s implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The ministers concurred on the vital role of power market regulations in facilitating the energy transition and ensuring improved energy security and access.
To support this initiative, they announced the continuation of the Power Sector Reforms programme under the UK Partnering for Accelerating Climate Change (UKPACT).
Moreover, a new taskforce has been suggested between the UK’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) and India’s Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) to aid in renewable energy integration and grid transformation in India.
