India and UK to work together to meet renewable energy targets

Edward Davey, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, has met with his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi last week and the two countries will collaborate to meet renewable energy targets.

Davey (pictured far left) was in India on Thursday and Friday last week to discuss renewable energy, energy efficiency, emissions reduction and ongoing cooperation on their respective targets in these areas.

Goyal (pictured far right) is Minister of State for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy and stated: “We are keen to partner with UK on harnessing India’s true energy potential, particularly in the renewable sector (solar, wind etc). I’m confident our partnership will yield extremely fruitful results.”

India is developing into a major player in the renewable energy sector and is investing heavily in solar and wind power.

The government is planning to supply solar powered electricity to the 4 million Indian households that are currently without power.

Pioneering plans like the world’s largest floating solar park, city rooftops peppered with solar panels and canals lined in UV converting technology, illustrate a drive from the newly elected government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and clean energy generation has been made a clear priority.

India has recently pledged to double the tax on both imported and exported coal – and the extra revenue will be reinvested into renewable energy projects.

Another statement, from the Rural Development Ministry of India, has announced plans to plant 4 million trees along India’s highways in an effort to stimulate the job market as addressing India’s acute pollution concerns.

Davey spoke at an event organised by Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) in the Indian capital, where he outlined the UK’s ambition to "strengthen and deepen" its partnership with India in the energy sector to ensure energy security.

Davey also highlighted India’s crucial role in solving global climate change issues.

United Kingdom is already engaged with India on a range of climate and energy initiatives including a £150 million jointly-funded, climate change research programme.