Granholm, Puri Discuss Clean Energy Solutions In Washington

WASHINGTON DC (ANI) – Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm co-chaired the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership Ministerial in Washington, DC, on September 16. The meeting focused on advancing clean energy innovation, enhancing energy security, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

Both sides reviewed the progress made under the SCEP’s key technical areas, including power and energy efficiency, responsible oil and gas, renewable energy, emerging fuels and technologies, and sustainable growth. They emphasized the need for a fair, orderly, and sustainable energy transition, prioritizing access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy. The importance of energy trade was also acknowledged, highlighting its role in supporting national priorities for both countries.

A key achievement celebrated was the formal launch of the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform in August 2023. This platform aims to develop roadmaps for hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, offshore wind, and geothermal technologies through research, pilot projects, and investment-industry networks. The ministers also discussed progress in using green hydrogen in buses, tractors, and heavy equipment.

Puri and Granholm stressed the importance of integrating large-scale renewable energy into power grids while ensuring flexible and reliable grid operations with energy storage. They highlighted the need to modernize India’s power distribution sector to provide 24/7 reliable power to consumers. This includes supporting India’s smart metering rollout, power market reforms, system inertia estimation, and enhancing cybersecurity.

The ministers also commended Indian Railways’ efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. They welcomed new collaborations on electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, with workshops and expert exchanges focusing on electric buses and freight transport. The implementation of India’s PM eBus Sewa scheme, which aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses across the country, was also praised.

Additionally, they highlighted progress in carbon capture, utilization, and storage, reaffirming their commitment to addressing global energy challenges together.