"India among world's leading countries in solar, wind energy": Union Minister Khattar at BRICS meet
Gurugram, June 25
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday highlighted India's growing role in the global energy transition, stating that the country is rapidly scaling up renewable energy, smart grid systems and energy storage capacity to build a future-ready power sector.
Speaking at the 11th meeting of the BRICS Energy Ministers in Gurugram, Khattar said the launch of a new centre under BRICS energy cooperation marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration among member nations in the sector.
"The launch of this centre marks an important step in the BRICS Energy cooperation. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthen collaborations, promote innovation and build reliable and future-ready energy systems," he said.
Pointing to mounting challenges faced by power systems globally, he said the nature of grids was shifting with renewable energy moving to the centre of the transition.
"Power systems across the world have faced growing challenges... Today with renewable energy becoming a central part of the energy transition, this approach is changing... The grid of the future will manage real-time demand, integrate large amounts of renewable energy, support energy storage and empower consumers through digital technologies," Khattar added.
Khattar said India was now among the world's leading countries in solar and wind energy deployment.
"Today, India is among the world's leading countries in solar, and wind energy deployment. Recognizing this imperative, India is implementing one of the world's largest smart metering programs to accelerate power sector digitalization and improve grid efficiency," he added.
On storage, the Minister laid out an "ambitious roadmap" with a target of nearly 100 gigawatt of pumped storage capacity against an identified potential of 260 GW.
"In energy storage, India is pursuing an ambitious roadmap with a target of nearly 100 gigawatt of pumped storage capacity against an identified potential for 260 gigawatt. India is also targeting around 80 gigawatt of battery storage systems,' Kahttar added.
India's energy agenda under its BRICS presidency is centred on three priorities - energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation.
The BRICS grouping currently comprises 11 countries and accounts for nearly half of the world's population and around 40 per cent of global GDP.
The ministry said the meeting is expected to strengthen cooperation on energy security, innovation and sustainable development while promoting practical collaboration towards secure, affordable and future-ready energy systems.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good news! 🌞 India's renewable energy push is impressive. But I'm worried about land acquisition for solar parks - it's affecting farmers in some states. Hope the government balances development with farmers' rights.
As someone working in the energy sector, India's progress is real. The 100 GW pumped storage target is ambitious but achievable. However, we must address grid stability issues - renewable energy is intermittent and our aging transmission infrastructure needs massive upgrades.
Proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 But let's not forget - we still have millions without reliable electricity. BRICS cooperation is good but we need to ensure that the common man benefits from these initiatives. Energy equity should be priority along with technology.
Interesting to see India positioning itself as a renewable energy leader. The smart metering program is crucial for reducing power theft and improving billing efficiency. But implementation needs strong political will - many states still resist due to local politics.
As an environmental researcher, I appreciate the push for renewables. But we need more transparency in project execution. Many solar parks in Rajasthan and Gujarat face delays due to land disputes and bureaucratic hurdles. Hope BRICS collaboration brings best practices from other countries.
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