The European Union and India have adopted a Joint Declaration on a clean energy and climate partnership, vowing to cooperate on solar and offshore wind energy development, smart grids, energy efficiency, energy research and innovation.
Under the partnership, both the EU and India will share views on policy and regulatory approaches, promote business solutions and support joint innovation activities.
The declaration, endorsed by leaders at the EU-India summit in Brussels on 30 March, builds on the 2012 Joint Declaration for enhanced cooperation on energy between the EU and India and takes it further.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is set to contribute more than any other country to the projected rise in global energy demand. Steep rises in power production and consumption are expected to accompany India’s economic growth, the European Commission said in a press release.
Miguel Arias Cañete , European Commissioner for climate action and energy, said: “As a major world player, India is a crucial partner for the EU on energy and climate matters. I look forward to deepening our already fruitful relationship with this new partnership. Together, the EU and India can boost energy security and fight climate change through a clean and sustainable energy system.”
The Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has developed a policy dedicated to offshore wind, which was approved by the Cabinet in September 2015.
Furthermore, the European Commission released early information about the “ Clean Energy Cooperation with India (CECI) ” project last year, in an effort to enhance India’s capacity to deploy low carbon energy production, improve energy efficiency, secure power supply and contribute to global energy security. The project also aims at creating opportunities for European businesses in the energy technologies sector.