NEW DELHI: The first meeting of the Energy Transitions Working Group under G20, held in Bengaluru recently, discussed issues ranging from gaps in critical technologies, low-cost financing of clean sources of energy and fuels of the future.
On this occasion, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh urged the G20 members and participants to unite against global warming and climate change.
The Minister pitched for India’s leadership role in taking the world out of post-Covid economic slowdown and uncertainty arising out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “India’s Presidency promises great hope and unbridled aspirations as the world emerges from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, geo-political and financial uncertainties and the rising cost of energy,” said Singh. He called upon delegates to work towards the common goals of safeguarding the planet, promoting harmony and creating a sustainable future.
Fossil fuel dependency
Highlighting the efforts of Government of India to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, Singh urged the participants “to support each other during this transition.” He emphasised on “sharing best practices, providing financial and technical assistance to those in need.”
Singh also highlighted that India had achieved its nationallydetermined contributions (NDCs) commitment on non-fossil fuel capacity addition nine years ahead of the 2030 target. NDCs are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impact of climate change.
The Energy Minister also emphasised that India is leading the world in energy transition with sustainable technologies, innovative solutions and adaptive lifestyle. “India has the largest energy storage programme with over 15GWh storage capacities under various stages of development,” Singh said.
Concern over tech gaps
During the meeting, there were discussions on various areas of concern in six sessions. In the first session there was deliberation on technology gaps in high priority and critical technologies including electrolysers, fuel cells, battery storage and SMRs.
The second session focused on low-cost financing for critical clean energy technologies, including offshore wind, green hydrogen, battery energy storage and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies.
Importance of “fuels for future”, like biofuels and green hydrogen, and their role in transitioning to a low carbon future, was discussed in the third session.
Energy security
During the fourth session, delegates discussed ways to address energy security and supply chain vulnerabilities, especially for critical minerals; role of transnational grid connections and ways to strengthen and facilitate clean energy transitions globally.
Discussions were held on decarbonizing the hard-to-abate sectors during the fifth session. The sixth and the last session centred around sharing and facilitating best practices towards attaining universal access to clean energy, and ensuring just, affordable and inclusive energy transition pathways.
