New Delhi: India’s clean energy growth is like cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and rolled into one: a stellar record, but the story is just getting started — and “if India keeps doubling down on renewables and clean tech, the next chapters promise to be truly extraordinary”, remarked UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, on Tuesday.
Saying India has vast economic, commercial and developmental opportunities in doubling down on its shift to clean energy and building on its ‘solar super-power status’, Stiell told the media here, “India’s competitive advantages in the global clean-tech race.”
He was categorically clear in saying that there are “ongoing global impacts of the fossil fuel cost chaos, particularly for fossil fuel importing countries, flowing from ongoing conflict in the Middle East”.
The UN Climate Change chief, who is from the cricket-loving Caribbean, said, “I’ve had very productive talks with ministers and business leaders over the past two days, with more coming up. A constant theme runs through the discussions: Climate action is game-changing for India, its economy and its people.”
He said India has long been a strong partner in climate multilateralism. “And it’s entirely in your interests to continue engaging. Almost 80 years since India won its Independence, this nation has the chance to achieve full energy independence, and lock in a next generation of economic might.”
A day earlier, the UN climate chief called on Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav. In a social media post, Yadav said the discussions during the meeting focused on adaptation, technology transfer, climate finance, global stocktake, and just transition.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has not only submitted its enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) but also achieved them successfully way earlier than its stipulated timeline.
He said India is also taking strides in other allied sectors to combat the climate change crisis. Stiell told the media that over the years, climate multilateralism has unleashed the global energy revolution, which last year saw renewables overtake coal as the world’s top electricity source.
“Today, the COP (Conference of the Parties) process is boosting its focus on implementation, to turn commitments into projects on the ground, and more real-world benefits for billions more people.”
“We have recently operationalised the UN carbon market — which can provide significant new funds for developing economies. And we are elevating the Global Climate Action Agenda within our process. This vital part of the Paris Agreement machinery brings together governments, business, investors, and civil society to turn climate targets into real-world results.”
He said the Turkish UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) Presidency has announced Action Agenda targets for this year. “That includes raising the share of final energy demand met by electricity to 35 per cent by 2035. This focus on electrification at COP31 is a clear opportunity for India: To build on the immense advances you have made — particularly on electricity access and clean cooking. And to boost progress towards electrifying transport, including initiatives like Delhi’s new EV policy.”
He said international climate finance is vital for developing countries. “All commitments must be honoured, and honoured in full. Developed countries must triple adaptation finance and deliver $300 billion a year by 2035, as part of a clear pathway to $1.3 trillion a year. And together, through international cooperation, we must continue to accelerate the global shift to clean, resilient economies.”
“Clean technologies protect households and businesses from fossil fuel cost chaos, and boost economic stability and national sovereignty. “Every step towards electrification means greater autonomy — helping to free India from volatile international energy markets, spiralling costs, and the whims of foreign powers waging unpredictable wars.”
According to Stiell, every solar panel installed moves India closer to energy independence and even greater economic strength. Quoting an International Renewable Energy Agency report, he said India is now a solar superpower — that has turbocharged the economy, pushed up living standards and — along with other renewables — saved $18 billion in fossil fuel purchases last year alone.
“India’s solar manufacturing capacity has increased 75-fold since 2014. New data from IRENA shows India is currently the most competitive solar market in the world on generation cost, producing cheaper power than any other major economy.”
“India is a leader in a global trend. As every nation declared unanimously at COP30, the global energy transition is now irreversible. Last year, over $2 trillion was invested in clean energy. Globally, clean energy, infrastructure and services are the next industrial revolution.”
He said conflict has exacted a terrible human toll. “And tragically it’s not over yet. The brutal costs of fossil fuel imports have hit all nations hard, including India, which imports 90 per cent of its crude oil.”
For all nations, the UN climate boss said, oil and gas import vulnerability means supplies are disrupted and prices rise when crises hit. “That means fuel and fertiliser supplies are constricted. And higher bills for businesses everywhere, and billions of households across the globe. Global heating compounds these pressures. And it’s inflicting large-scale suffering across every region of the world, including Asia, where devastating heat is claiming lives and livelihoods,” he added.
(IANS)
