G7 Summit: PM Modi invites technology companies for clean energy, seeks support of G7 countries

Tribune News Service

Ajay Banerjee

New Delhi, June 27

Inviting technology companies for clean energy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India seeks the support of the Group of Seven (G7) countries on the matter.

He was speaking at a session on ‘climate, energy and health’ at the G7 Summit in Germany on Monday.

“We hope that the rich countries of G7 will support India’s efforts. A huge market for clean energy technologies is emerging in India. G7 countries can invest in research, innovation, and manufacturing,” Modi said.

The scale that India can provide for every new technology can make that technology affordable for the whole world, Modi suggested.

Later the G7 countries in a statement affirmed their intent to move forward in negotiations with India,  among other countries on Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) which support energy policy reforms, which look increase energy efficiency.

The G7 agreed to work to accelerate a clean and just transition towards climate neutrality, while ensuring energy security.

“Leaders agreed to collaborate with a particular focus on energy policy reforms and explore options for accelerating the transition from dependency on fossil fuels,” the statement said. This would include phasing down coal fired power plants while increasing the share of renewable energies in the energy mix.

Earlier, the Prime Minister said there was a misconception that poor countries and poor people cause more damage to the environment. India is the fastest-growing big economy in the world, but its commitment to the environment has not been diluted.

While 17 per cent of the world’s population resides in India, the contribution to global carbon emissions was only 5 per cent.

Modi said India’s dedication to climate commitments is evident as a target of having 40 per cent energy from non-fossil by 2030 has already been achieved. The target of 10 per cent ethanol-blending in petrol has been achieved. India has the world’s first fully solar power operated airport. India’s huge railway system will become net zero in this decade.

Modi’s love for acronyms was evident as what he called as ‘Tripple P’ or the   ‘Pro-Planet People’. Increasing the number of ‘Triple P’ in each of the countries is the greatest contribution to the coming generations.

During the pandemic, India found many creative ways to use digital technology in the health sector. G7 countries can help India to take these innovations to other developing countries.

There is a valuable asset of traditional medicine in many countries of the world, including India, which can be used for holistic health. That the WHO decided to set up its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India is welcome, Modi said.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.