PM Modi at G20 energy ministers' meeting: 'Energy affects development at every level'

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 energy ministers meeting in Goa today via video message. Welcoming the Indian dignitaries, the Prime Minister said that any discussion on the future, sustainability, growth and development is incomplete without mentioning energy as it affects the development of individuals and nations at every level.

The Prime Minister emphasized that although the reality and paths of energy transformation in different countries are different, they firmly believe that the goals of all countries are the same. He highlighted India's efforts on green growth and energy transition, noting that India, the world's most populous country and fastest-growing major economy, remains strong on its climate commitments. The prime minister said India had achieved its non-fossil energy installation target nine years ahead of schedule and had set itself even higher targets. He mentioned that the country plans to increase the proportion of non-fossil energy installed capacity to 50% by 2030. "India is also one of the world's leading suppliers of solar and wind energy," the Prime Minister said, expressing his delight at the opportunity for taskforce representatives to learn about the scale and scope of India's commitment to clean energy by visiting the Pavagada Solar Power Plant and the Modra Solar Village.

Highlighting the country's achievements over the past nine years, the Prime Minister said India has provided LNG to more than 190 million households, while also achieving the historic milestone of electrifying every village. He also detailed pipeline projects to provide people with gas for cooking, which have the potential to serve more than 90% of the population within a few years. "Our aspiration is for an inclusive, resilient, equitable and sustainable energy supply for all," he added.A small campaign in 2015 in India to introduce a scheme to use LED lights turned out to be the largest LED distribution scheme in the world, saving us over 45 billion units of energy annually, the prime minister said. He also detailed the launch of the world's largest solarization program for agricultural pumps and predicted that the domestic electric vehicle market in India will reach 10 million annual sales by 2030. He also emphasized that 20% ethanol blended gasoline will be launched this year and is expected to cover the whole country by 2025. On India's decarbonization, the Prime Minister said that the country is studying the green hydrogen mission model as an alternative and intends to transform India into a global hub for the production, use and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

The Prime Minister noted that the world looks to the G20 to drive a sustainable, equitable, affordable, inclusive and clean energy transition, and stressed the importance of engaging the global South and ensuring low-cost financing for developing countries. He emphasized finding ways to bridge technology gaps, promote energy security and diversify supply chains. The prime minister also suggested greater cooperation on "Future Fuels", noting that the "High Level Principles for Hydrogen Energy" was a step in the right direction. He also added that cross-border grid connections can enhance energy security and India encourages such mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries."Achieving the vision of an interconnected green network can be transformative. It will enable us all to meet our climate goals, spur green investment and create millions of green jobs," the Prime Minister said. He invited all participating countries to join the International Solar Alliance's Green Grid initiative - "One Sun, One World, One Grid".

The Prime Minister emphasized that concern for the environment can be natural or cultural, but it is the traditional wisdom of India that has given "LiFE Mission" - Environmental Lifestyle, a movement that will make each of us climate advocates. The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing that whatever we do in the transition, our thoughts and actions must always help preserve our one planet, protect the interests of our one family and move towards a green one future.