The inaugural session of the one-day High-level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition was organised jointly by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society. The conference was held on November 1, 2023, in New Delhi, coinciding with the Sixth Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly.
The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy and President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), emphasized the need for global collaboration in addressing pressing challenges in the renewable energy sector.
He highlighted that the ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions can only be realized if the world collectively addresses the issues surrounding the lack of diversification in solar manufacturing capacity and its associated supply chains. He expressed his concerns regarding the concentration of solar manufacturing capacity, particularly in one country and one dominant chemistry, i.e., lithium-ion. This lack of diversity in manufacturing capacity was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to supply chain disruptions.
He also noted that storage remains critical for maximizing the utilization and round-the-clock availability of renewable energy. He pointed out that adding renewable capacity without corresponding storage solutions leads to energy wastage, making it essential to advance in both areas simultaneously.
The Minister acknowledged India’s rapid energy transition, characterized by a significant shift towards non-fossil fuel capacity and the promotion of green technologies like green hydrogen and green ammonia. He assured the audience that India is confident of surpassing its decarbonization targets for 2030, with the goal of having 50% of established capacity coming from non-fossil fuels.
The conference also featured discussions on financing green energy projects. The Minister stressed the importance of developed countries fulfilling their commitments to provide financial assistance to developing nations for energy access and transition, as pledged in international agreements.
The event witnessed the release of reports, including “Global Solar Reports on Technology, Investments & Markets – second edition” and the “ISA ADB NEDO Report – A Roadmap for Developing and Scaling the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem.”
This high-level conference aimed to translate discussions into concrete actions, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing to drive real-world change and make significant progress toward global climate goals. The focus remains on making solar energy the primary energy source, reducing carbon emissions, extending energy access, and stimulating economic growth.
