In a significant step towards fostering global cooperation on sustainable energy development, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, addressed the G20 Energy Ministers Meet in Goa through a video message. This momentous event witnessed dignitaries from various nations come together to discuss the future, sustainability, growth, and development with a special focus on energy, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the progress of individuals and nations across the globe.
Emphasizing Common Goals
The Prime Minister highlighted that while each country’s reality and pathway for energy transition might be different, the ultimate goals are shared by all. India, being the world’s most populous nation and one of the fastest-growing large economies, is firmly committed to its climate goals and sustainable development. Shri Narendra Modi shared India’s success story in green growth and energy transition, underscoring that the nation has already achieved its non-fossil fuel installed electric capacity target nine years ahead of schedule and has set even more ambitious targets for the future.
India’s Remarkable Achievements
In his address, the Prime Minister proudly mentioned India’s significant achievements over the past nine years. More than 190 million families have been connected to clean and efficient Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), while every village in the country has been electrified, marking a historic milestone. The government is also making efforts to provide piped cooking gas to a majority of the population in the coming years. Shri Narendra Modi emphasized that inclusivity, resilience, equity, and sustainability are at the core of India’s energy strategy.
Green Initiatives and Pioneering Projects
India has taken bold steps towards energy conservation and adoption of renewable energy sources. The country launched the world’s largest LED distribution program in 2015, resulting in substantial energy savings of over 45 billion units per year. Additionally, India is working towards solarizing agricultural pumps, with an ambitious projection of achieving 10 million annual sales of electric vehicles by 2030. The government has also initiated the rollout of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol with the aim of covering the entire nation by 2025, further reducing the carbon footprint.
Green Hydrogen and Decarbonization
To accelerate the transition to clean energy, the Prime Minister informed the global audience about India’s focus on green hydrogen as an alternative. The nation is committed to becoming a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. This mission is driven by the urgency to decarbonize the economy and mitigate climate change.
Global Cooperation and Energy Security
Shri Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of collaboration and cooperation among G20 countries to facilitate sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive, and clean energy transitions. The Prime Minister stressed the need to support developing countries with low-cost finance and bridging technology gaps. He also advocated diversifying supply chains and investing in transnational grid interconnections to enhance energy security. India has actively promoted mutual cooperation with neighboring countries for the establishment of interconnected green grids, a move that will lead to millions of green jobs and bolster global climate goals.
The Green Grids Initiative
As part of India’s commitment to promoting green energy at the international level, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to all participating nations to join the Green Grids Initiative under the banner of the International Solar Alliance. Termed ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid,’ this visionary initiative seeks to create interconnected green grids across continents, facilitating the seamless transfer of renewable energy and fostering sustainable development.
Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment
The Prime Minister emphasized that preserving the environment and combating climate change are not merely global responsibilities but also personal commitments. He spoke passionately about India’s traditional wisdom, which lays the foundation for Mission LiFE – a movement that aims to make every individual a climate champion. By embracing sustainable practices and mindful lifestyles, each one of us can contribute to safeguarding our planet.
