Brics nations set for joint energy-saving research

 The draft action plan, adopted at the two-day meeting of the Working Group here on Tuesday, will be submitted for approval of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) ministers for energy later this year.

Additional Secretary (Power) B P Pandey, who represented India in the Working Group, told reporters here that “broad elements” agreed upon included building capacities, sharing best practices and policies, developing technology, promoting energy efficient and saving methods/tools by business entities as well as financing of such initiatives through Brics Development Bank.

“China has top-10 best practices, including in solar energy. Russia has launched a programme to build awareness (on energy saving) at the school level. Brazil has come out with regulations on use of energy efficient lighting and appliances. “South African government is supporting energy efficient lighting programme in the country. In India, we have taken up four programmes in this direction,” Pandey said.

He added: “Under the Paris Agreement, India is committed to reduce emissions by 30-35 per cent by the year 2030. Accordingly, we have launched a series of programmes aimed at improving energy efficiency. “The National Mission on Lighting, star-labelling of appliances, energy saving in the industrial sector through PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) and implementation of Energy Conservation Building Code...all are aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.” 

Pandey said the Centre has set a target of producing 160 GW of renewable energy by 2022. “By 2030, 40 per cent of our (electricity) installed capacity will be renewable energy. Solar power is becoming more competitive these days with price being less than Rs 5 per unit. China has gone in a big way in solar energy and we can emulate that.” 

A Power Ministry statement said: “The joint statement (of Brics) capturing deliberations reiterated the commitment of the Member countries to pursue cooperation in the field of energy saving and energy efficiency through joint research and technology projects; technology transfer; conferences, lectures and seminars; and exchange of experience and best practices.” 

The statement was issued after the conclusion of the first two-day meeting of Brics Working Group on ‘Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency’ here on Tuesday. It said that as a measure of the commitment to this cause, each Brics Member country decided to appoint a focal point for interaction and coordination with other Brics countries and to support the Working Group in deepening this cooperation.

The draft Action plan on development of Cooperation in Energy Saving & Energy Efficiency and the draft terms of reference of the Brics Working Group on Energy Saving and Improvement of Energy Efficiency were discussed. They will be submitted for the approval by the BRICS Ministers of Energy and Energy Efficiency.