US committed to partner in India’s energy transition journey: Jonathan Heimer

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

The US has committed to supporting India in achieving its energy transition goals. Jonathan Heimer, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the US Foreign Commercial Service (FCS), highlighted the United States’ dedication to supporting India’s energy transition goals at the 2nd Energy Summit organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) in New Delhi.

Heimer emphasized the significant opportunities for collaboration between the two nations in the energy sector. “In India, we see so many opportunities for collaboration in the energy segment. For that reason we have established a strong presence in India,” he said, speaking at the IACC inaugural session of the event themed ‘Climate Change and Decarbonization of Indian Economy – Vision 2030’ on August 6.

“US is a committed partner in India’s clean energy journey. From solar and wind power to energy storage and grid modernization, American businesses are actively contributing to India’s ambitious goals,” Heimer added.

Pointing at India’s energy transition, he added that the target of 500 GW installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 underscores the country’s goal to be a global leader in the clean energy space.

Carrie Antal, Deputy Director – Indo-Pacific Office, USAID said that given India’s success in economic growth, several countries are looking at India for ideas and are aiming to follow in its footsteps to achieve similar levels of growth trajectory. “Many eyes are on India now. Many are looking at India for ideas and support that can propel their own march towards prosperity,” she said.

Outlining the partnership of USAID and India, Antal said that in the past USAID and India collaborated to fuel India’s green revolution, improve public health and education, and make a foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. “Today the US partners with Indian private and public sectors to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals within India and also worldwide. We understand the innovations, investments, and ideas made in India can transform our whole world for the better,” she said.

She added that collaboration between the Indian private sector and development partners like USAID would help in joint activities that will achieve maximum development impact where it is needed from a social perspective while simultaneously advancing private sector priorities from a business perspective.

Addressing the IACC event, Upendra Tripathy, IAS (retired), Former Secretary, MNRE, GOI & Founding DG, International Solar Alliance said there is ample scope for bilateral engagements and knowledge sharing between the two nations. “We not talking of energy, coal, hydro, renewable alone. We have to reach out to all these sectors where mitigation and adaption play an equal role.”

Sunil Jain Summit, Chairman of the Energy Committee of IACC and Founder Partner of Sundev Renewables said, “Although governments and policymakers have become proactive in terms of net zero targets, it needs to be seen whether it is enough. Small modular reactors (SMR) would play a key role in the future energy transition and it is a sector where India and the US can collaborate.”

“Renewable energy addresses environmental concerns and drives economic growth by creating jobs and fostering innovation. The collaboration and the US in this sector have been instrumental in advancing technology transfer and investment, accelerating our transition to a low carbon economy,” Arun Karna, Regional President IACC- NIC and Managing Director and CEO AT & T Global Network Services India Pvt Ltd said.

Highlighting the need to take immediate and effective steps to curb climate change, Dr. Lalit Bhasin Immediate Past National President of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce said, there is a need to strike a balance between climate change mitigation and economic growth of emerging and developing countries. “We have to face the challenge of this climate change very effectively, but at the same time, we have to ensure economic development, particularly of the emerging world and countries like India. Therefore, a balance has to be struck,” Dr Bhasin said.