India and EU to Strengthen Co-Operation
in Renewable Energy Research
India and the European
Union have agreed to strengthen co-operation in the
area of new and renewable energy on the basis of common
interest and mutual benefit under the EU-India Science
and Technology Co-operation Agreement. Both sides attach
high priority to sustainable development of energy systems
to jointly meet the challenges of energy security and
climate change. At a Workshop held at New Delhi, the
two sides identified strategic areas and topics for
research and technology development co-operation in
solar photovoltaics, solar thermal power generation,
wind energy, biomass and waste-to-energy. Apart from
these areas, the Indian side also expressed interest
for cooperation in hydrogen, fuel cells and biofuels.
Science and Technology co-operation
in the renewable energy sector would include joint studies
and research; technology and product development; setting
up of pilot demonstration units; capacity building covering
testing, standards, best practices, exchange of information
and experts, training etc. Mechanisms and instruments
for co-operation could include participation of India
in the EU Framework Programme, Technology Platforms
for Renewable Energy, European Industrial Initiatives
and Specific International Co-operation Actions.
The Framework Programmes are the main
instrument of the European Commission for funding research.
Energy, including renewable energy, is an important
focus area. Under the Seventh Framework Programme which
runs from 2007 to 2013, it has been decided to issue
an India-EU Call for Research and Technology Development
proposals in renewable energy in the areas identified
at the Workshop. Co-operation between research institutions
in various EU countries and Indian research institutions
would be on the basis of co-investment of resources,
including funding to the tune of Rs.30 crores each by
the European Commission and the Government of India.
The Workshop was organized by the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in association
with the Directorate General Research of the European
Commission and the Department of Science and Technology.
It was attended by scientists and experts and delegates
from leading institutions who are active in renewable
energy research and technology development, apart from
officials from both the sides.
Source:
Press Information Bureau Date: March 12, 2008
