Emphasizing the Importance of Energy in Sustainable Development
In a video message to the G20 Energy Ministers’ Meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed participants to India and highlighted the vital role of energy in shaping the future, sustainability, and growth of nations.
He underscored how energy impacts development at all levels, from individuals to entire nations.
Diverse Pathways for Energy Transition
Acknowledging the diverse realities of different countries, PM Modi emphasized that their pathways for energy transition may vary.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that their ultimate goals remain the same – achieving sustainable and inclusive growth while ensuring energy security.
India’s Leadership in Climate Action
PM Modi highlighted India’s commitment to green growth and energy transition. Despite being the world’s most populous nation and the fastest-growing large economy, India is taking strong measures to fulfill its climate commitments.
The country has already achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target ahead of schedule and has set even higher ambitions, aiming for 50 percent non-fossil installed capacity by 2030. India is also a global leader in solar and wind power.
A Focus on Clean Energy Initiatives
The Prime Minister pointed out various clean energy initiatives undertaken by India. These include connecting over 190 million families with LPG in the last nine years and providing electricity to every village.
The government is also working to expand piped cooking gas to cover more than 90 percent of the population. PM Modi emphasized the importance of inclusive, resilient, equitable, and sustainable energy for all.
Driving Change Through Small Steps
PM Modi highlighted how small initiatives can lead to significant results. For instance, the distribution of LED lights in 2015 became the world’s largest LED distribution program, saving billions of units of energy each year.
India is also focusing on solarizing agricultural pumps and promoting the domestic electric vehicle market. The rollout of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol and Mission Green Hydrogen are other steps taken to decarbonize India.
A Call for Global Collaboration
Addressing the G20 Energy Ministers, PM Modi stressed the importance of collaboration for advancing a sustainable, just, affordable, and clean energy transition.
He emphasized the need to support developing countries with low-cost finance and bridge technology gaps.
The Prime Minister also called for strengthening collaboration on ‘fuels for the future’, citing the ‘High-level Principles on Hydrogen’ as a positive step.
The Green Grids Initiative
PM Modi invited all participants to join India’s Green Grids Initiative under the International Solar Alliance – ”One Sun, One World, One Grid”.
This initiative aims to establish inter-connected green grids, which can transform energy security, meet climate goals, attract green investment, and generate millions of green jobs.
Mission LiFE – A Lifestyle for Environment
PM Modi emphasized India’s cultural and traditional wisdom of caring for the environment. He introduced Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), encouraging everyone to become a climate champion by preserving the earth and protecting the interests of the global family.
Working Towards a Green ”One Future”
In conclusion, PM Modi urged all nations to prioritize the preservation of the earth and work towards a green ”One Future”. He wished success to all participants in their deliberations.
Sources: THX News & Government of India.
