R K Singh, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy and Power, today assured full cooperation to the Maldives, the Island nation in its efforts to promote RE projects. While speaking at Country session of Maldives during 3rd Global Re-Invest, Shri Singh said India has also prioritised to have its Islands fully on green energy Islands. Power minister further said that we have given target to our Islands(Andaman & Nicobar Isalands, Lakshadweep) to become totally green, that means their energy needs should be met from Renewable Energy.
He also reiterated India as one of very few countries to have met its commitment of keeping climate change within 2%. He also said that India has installed about 136000mw of RE capacity with capacity addition of another 57000mw under implementation.
Singh also informed that India has a robust energy efficiency programme under which more than 11 million LED street lights have been installed, adding, “you will have to work very hard find a bulb which is not LED.” He also said reducing CO2 emission with addition of more green energy resources high on priorities. He also said that Maldives being a beautiful country need to maintain and enhance its beauty as an attractive tourist destination. He, therefore said, it is absolutely essential that renewable energy is given centrality in Maldives.
Speaking about large RE capacity addition through open bids and open competition Indian RE sector, Shri Singh said we have not had to invest, adding that the investments have come from across the world. We have a set up, he added, mechanism to resolve issues, removing hurdles in project execution through a group in RE MinIstry , payment security, separate/neutral body to decide if there are contract disputes. All that has helped, he said. The Minister further said that for us environment is an article of faith. “Therefore we are taking steps to reduce our carbon Footprints,” he added.
Singh said that our target is now to achieve 450GW or 4,50,000mw RE capacity by 2030. He emphasised that renewable energy is a must not only for Island States, but also for the world. This realisation has dawned on everybody that we need to reduce our carbon footprints to preserve the planet. He echoed the sentiments that Island States/territories are more vulnerable to global warming.
