The two-day meeting of the first G20 Energy Transitions Working Group concluded successfully in Bengaluru today with shared views and consensus on priority areas. Talking to media persons during the second day of the meeting, Shri Alok Kumar, Secretary (Power) said that member countries have responded positively to the need for energy security and diversified supply chains.
However, participants shared the view that the energy transition path should be different for each country depending on its energy base and potential. There was a clear understanding that fossil fuels would continue to be used more or less in most countries over the next 15 to 20 years to increase the share of renewable energy, he said.
The power minister said it was appreciated that grid interconnection like India’s promoted under “One Sun, One World, One Grid” can lead to better utilization of available energy resources among member countries without much storage capacity. The considerations highlighted the need to focus more on the energy efficiency of industries.
Regarding the session on Universal Access to Clean Energy, Shri Alok Kumar said, the sessions highlighted the need to manage fuel prices and technology choices so that everyone on the planet has access to affordable energy. Member countries favor a people-centered energy transition mechanism, he added.
Delegates commended India for implementing the Soubhagya, Ujala and Ujjwal power schemes in mission mode, leading to full access to electricity, clean cooking and efficient lighting. The Energy Minister informed that the next ETWG meeting is scheduled for the first week of April in Gandhinagar. , Gujarat.
On a side note, India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand Joint Trade Council for Growth Triangle (IMT-GT JBC), Malaysia to further promote the adoption of energy efficiency and sustainable practices in the region. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Energy, signed a (MoU) with IMT-GT JBC Malaysia during India Energy Week celebrations.
As part of this strategic partnership, EESL will provide technical consultancy, project management support, contracting and implementation support for the implementation of selected energy efficiency programs from its portfolio with a proven track record of successful implementation.
The delegates were taken to the Infosis Green Buildings campus in the city today. A visit to the Pavagada solar power plant will be arranged tomorrow.
The three-day event began yesterday with a keynote address by the Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh. In addition to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and many other international organizations, more than 150 delegates attended, including the G20 countries and nine special invited guest countries.
