The EU and India have adopted a Joint Declaration on a clean energy and climate partnership. The Declaration was endorsed by leaders at the EU-India summit in Brussels on 30 March.
The Declaration outlines the EU and India’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation on clean energy, energy efficiency and climate action. Under the partnership, both the EU and India will share views on policy and regulatory approaches, will promote business solutions and support joint innovation activities.
Miguel Arias Cañete, European Commissioner for climate action and energy, said: "As a major world player, India is a crucial partner for the EU on energy and climate matters. I look forward to deepening our already fruitful relationship with this new partnership. Together, the EU and India can boost energy security and fight climate change through a clean and sustainable energy system."
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is set to contribute more than any other country to the projected rise in global energy demand. Steep rises in power production and consumption are expected to accompany India's economic growth.
The EU and India’s cooperation will include work on energy efficiency in buildings, development of renewable energy sources including solar and offshore wind, smart grids, energy research and innovation.
The EU and India will also explore opportunities for collaboration to further the objectives of the International Solar Alliance. The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and France at the COP21 climate summit in Paris last year.
Furthermore, the EU and India will work together to advance the implementation of the intended national climate plans (INDCs) put forward in the lead-up to the Paris climate summit, the transparency and accountability framework for climate action, and ways to lessen and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change.
The Declaration also sets out the intention to cooperate in the context of the Montreal Protocol, the international agreement addressing substances that deplete the ozone layer.
The EU and India have held an energy dialogue since 2005. The EU-India Energy Panel meets once a year. Today's declaration builds on the 2012 Joint Declaration for enhanced cooperation on energy between the EU and India and takes it further.
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Details
- Publication date
- 31 March 2016
- Author
- Directorate-General for Climate Action