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India & Eu to Strengthen Co-Operation in
Renewable Energy Research
New Delhi, March 13, 2008
India and the European Union have agreed to strengthen
co-operation in the area of new and renewable energy on the
basis of common interest and mutual benefit under the EU-India
Science and Technology Co-operation Agreement. Both sides
attach high priority to sustainable development of energy
systems to jointly meet the challenges of energy security and
climate change. At a Workshop held at New Delhi, the two sides
identified strategic areas and topics for research and
technology development co-operation in solar photovoltaics,
solar thermal power generation, wind energy, biomass and
waste-to-energy. Apart from these areas, the Indian side also
expressed interest for cooperation in hydrogen, fuel cells and
biofuels.
Science and Technology co-operation in the renewable energy
sector would include joint studies and research; technology
and product development; setting up of pilot demonstration
units; capacity building covering testing, standards, best
practices, exchange of information and experts, training etc.
Mechanisms and instruments for co-operation could include
participation of India in the EU Framework Programme,
Technology Platforms for Renewable Energy, European Industrial
Initiatives and Specific International Co-operation Actions.
The Framework Programmes are the main instrument of the
European Commission for funding research. Energy, including
renewable energy, is an important focus area. Under the
Seventh Framework Programme which runs from 2007 to 2013, it
has been decided to issue an India-EU Call for Research and
Technology Development proposals in renewable energy in the
areas identified at the Workshop. Co-operation between
research institutions in various EU countries and Indian
research institutions would be on the basis of co-investment
of resources, including funding to the tune of Rs.30 crores
each by the European Commission and the Government of India.
The Workshop was organized by the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy in association with the Directorate General
Research of the European Commission and the Department of
Science and Technology. It was attended by scientists and
experts and delegates from leading institutions who are active
in renewable energy research and technology development, apart
from officials from both the sides.
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