In a bid to boost cooperation on clean energy, India and France have inaugurated a workshop on Clean and Sustainable Energy Technologies (INFINITE) at CSIR – National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi. The workshop, jointly organized by CSIR – Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), is being supported by the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA).
France, as both nations work together to achieve their shared climate goals. The event marks a significant milestone in strengthening their collaboration on clean energy solutions and combating climate change. The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the latest innovations in energy storage, carbon capture, and the future of eco-friendly transportation, including hydrogen-powered vehicles and electric mobility.
The Objective of Energy Technologies
The objective of the INFINITE workshop is to unite specialists, scholars, decision-makers, and business heads from two nations to share information, concepts, and top-notch methods concerning the creation and utilization of clean and sustainable energy technologies. The occasion will showcase several talks and conversations on different subjects associated with solar power, electric cars, hydrogen power, carbon capture, utilization, and storage, electrochemical energy storage, and eco-friendly fuels.
In addition to fostering research and innovation, the workshop aimed to enhance knowledge sharing and promote partnerships between governments, research organizations, and industry stakeholders. The mutual exchange of scientific expertise and cutting-edge technologies between India and France will likely accelerate the development of sustainable energy systems, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable.
Both countries are committed to meeting their energy demands through cleaner sources. India’s focus on solar power, with its vast untapped potential, complements France’s long-standing commitment to nuclear energy and its transition to wind power and other renewable sources. The strategic collaboration will also support the deployment of clean technologies on a global scale, contributing to the acceleration of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.
During his address at the workshop, Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology under the Government of India, emphasized India’s aspirations for sustainable and clean energy. He declared that the Indian government has established a goal of achieving a 100 GW solar energy installation by 2022 and that the Thar Desert could potentially produce up to 2,100 GW of solar energy.
Dr. Chandrasekhar reiterated the significance of Carbon Capture and Storage, stating that India’s geological storage capacity for CO2 stands between 400-600 Gt, inclusive of exhausted oil and gas reservoirs, non-minable coal seams, saline aquifers, basalts, and other storage options. To foster growth in the renewable energy market, the Indian government has established policies, programs, and a liberal environment to attract foreign investments.
Pr. Antoine Petit, the CEO of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), expressed his gratitude for the robust partnership between France and India and emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve sustainable energy transition via bilateral programs. India’s objective of reducing its carbon footprint and addressing climate change involves the attainment of ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to generate 175 GW by 2022 and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement.
On the other hand, France has demonstrated leadership in clean energy, concentrating on nuclear energy, wind power, and other renewable sources. With a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, France has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
The Clean and Sustainable Energy Technologies workshop is a positive step towards increasing cooperation between India and France on clean energy. The event will assemble specialists, scholars, decision-makers, and business leaders facilitating the exchange of information and ideas and furthering the development and deployment of clean and sustainable energy technologies.
As the world faces an urgent need to shift towards cleaner energy, India and France’s partnership sets an important example of international cooperation for a sustainable energy future. The progress made through initiatives like INFINITE showcases the potential of combining expertise, resources, and innovation to address global challenges in the energy sector. This collaboration will further strengthen the bond between the two countries and position them as key players in the global clean energy transition.
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