India and EU - Co-Creation of Projects in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Clean Energy and Climate Change

Sep 21, 2018

Need to look at business solutions to cater to climate change: Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union

 

NEW DELHI, September 21, 2018; FICCI in partnership with European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC) and Business Beyond Borders (BBB) organized the event- "India and EU - Co-Creation of Projects in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Clean Energy and Climate Change" here today. This was the last event organized as a part of the series of the programmes-"EU-India Clean Energy Days & International Matchmaking" (from 17th to 21st September 2018), organised by BBB and EBTC and supported by European Commission.

 

The event brought stakeholders in the space of clean energy and climate change together to share best practices, discuss on the challenges and deliberate on the potential opportunities that could be created for clean energy and climate action under the EU-India Policy dialogues. This event presented a great opportunity to be aware of the latest developments on the EU-India relations in the key area of clean technologies and learning about the successful B2B engagements that happened during the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate days.

 

Mr Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union emphasised on the need for new approaches to understand the requirements, interests and challenges faced by different stakeholders. He also pointed out that there is a need to look at business solutions to cater to climate change, renewable energy, water management, resource efficiency in order to enhance the long-standing relation on both sides. He further highlighted European Union's interest in working with Indian businesses to accelerate clean energy pathways, and also on the importance of increased engagement of stakeholders at all levels.  He also stressed on exploring the business opportunities between Indian and European companies for Indian market and also for third markets. Under the EU India clean energy and climate partnership, while there is policy dialogue between governments, there is a need to bring on board all stakeholders including business. Financial partnerships would also play a key role in advancing business collaborations between India and EU - EU will be launching soon a EU India Innovation Platform for start-ups and incubators and there is also a science, technology and innovation partnership to advance innovations.

 

Dr Prodipto Ghosh, Former Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India in his theme address highlighted that before India embarks upon discussing clean energy and climate change projects, it is imperative to first address issues related to people and social development. Delivery of energy use for development in Indian context is a challenge which needs to be addresses urgently. He emphasised on scaling up of technological advancements across the clean energy sectors. He further outlined the interconnect between India's NDCs and SDGs and what business opportunities this throws up. He also highlighted the technology needs for India for reducing emissions in areas of thermal power plants, transport sector, technologies for waste management, Bioenergy, clean Cook stoves, e-mobility.