Norway-REEEP solar workshop at DSDS: Mainstreaming Solar Energy Development in India
Delhi, 03.02.2010 - REEEP International Secretariat
A one–day special event alongside the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) 2010 on 3rd February examined how the private sector can complement the government efforts in achieving the targets set under India’s National Solar Mission. Discussions centered around what kind of enabling environment that would be required and the role of international links in the process, particularly with an eye towards low carbon technology.
Hosted by the Embassy of Norway and REEEP in association with the IFE (Institute of Energy Technology) and Research Council of Norway, the event drew experts from government, regulatory bodies, business, finance and academia. Distinguished speakers included the Hon. Ms Ann Ollestad, the Norwegian Ambassador to India, Ms. Gauri Singh, Joint Secretary from India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Mr. Amit Kumar, Regional Strategic Advisor from the REEEP South Asia Secretariat.
The event took place against the background of India’s aggressive action in promoting solar development. In 2009 India launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission which specifically aims to set up an enabling environment for solar technology. The mission aims for 20 GW of installed grid-connected solar power by 2022, up from 3 MW today, and over the longer term aims to bring the price of solar-generated electricity down to match that of fossil fuels by 2030.
Mr. Binu Parthan, REEEP’s Deputy Director General underlined the importance of this groundbreaking initiative, saying “with the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission India has taken a voluntary leadership role to low-carbon energy transition. REEEP is working on several projects to disseminate solar energy in many parts of the world with governments, and NGOs, etc. The Indian Solar Mission has the right kind of ingredients for its implementation and has opportunities for innovative partnerships. We are excited to work with the Indian government. We hope that several initiatives under this mission would be undertaken to encourage rural energy access. ”
In her special address to the event, Ambassador Ollestad was quoted in The Telegraph (Calcutta) as saying “Recognizing the challenges in the solar development, the Solar Mission has facilitated an environment for investments in the sector to create a domestic solar industry. Norway with its cutting edge technologies look forward to collaborate with India that has already begun with the entrance of two major Norwegian companies. I am happy that different stakeholders working in renewable energy are coming together and this conference has provided them with an important platform for exchange of ideas. ”
Ms. Gauri Singh is quoted as saying that “REEEP and Norway are working closely with MNRE to promote renewable energy, particularly addressing rural energy deployment in India. Norway is one of the few countries that ‘walk the talk’ and with MNRE are electrifying 30 remote villages through solar energy in states like Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh” and others. She also noted that “we are moving fast in operationalising the mission. REEEP is closely working with the Ministry and IREDA on renewable energy certificates, this would also help in opening the renewable energy sector.”
"We are pleased very pleased to see REEEP efforts supporting India's cutting edge Solar Mission, and believe that this initiative serves as a prime example for other nations to follow," said Marianne Osterkorn, REEEP's Director General.