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WB Greenlights $1.5B for India’s Clean Energy Push

Ethiopia, World Bank sign first emission reduction purchase accord(twitter)

With this financing, efforts will be made to enhance the market capability for green hydrogen. The emphasis will also be given to scaling up renewable energy and stimulating finance for low-carbon energy investments, as per the statement…reports Asian Lite News

The World Bank on June 29, approved USD 1.5 billion in financing to accelerate India’s development of low-carbon energy.

“The financing will help India promote low-carbon energy by scaling up renewable energy, developing green hydrogen, and stimulating climate finance for low-carbon energy investments.,” the World Bank said in a blog post.

Apart from this second phase of financing stimulus, last year in June 2023, the World Bank approved the USD 1.5 billion First Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation, which supported the waiver of transmission charges for renewable energy in green hydrogen projects.

With this financing, efforts will be made to enhance the market capability for green hydrogen. The emphasis will also be given to scaling up renewable energy and stimulating finance for low-carbon energy investments, as per the statement.

The second Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation will support reforms to boost the production of green hydrogen and electrolyzers, critical technology needed for green hydrogen production. The operation also supports reforms to boost renewable energy penetration, for instance, by incentivizing battery energy storage solutions and amending the Indian Electricity Grid Code to improve renewable energy integration into the grid.

Recognising the need to separate India’s economic growth from emission growth, the World Finance Organisation pointed out that decoupling economic growth from emissions growth will require scaling up renewable energy, especially in hard-to-abate industrial sectors.

It added that India will require an expansion of green hydrogen production and consumption as well as a faster development of climate finance to boost the mobilisation of finance for low-carbon investments. The reforms supported by the operation are expected to result in the production of at least 450,000 metric tons of green hydrogen and 1,500 MW of electrolyzers per year from the financial year 2025-26 onwards.

In addition, it will also help to increase renewable energy capacity and support reductions in emissions by 50 million tons per year. The operation will also support steps to further develop a national carbon credit market. (ANI)

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Zelensky Boosts Solar Energy Amid Russian Attacks

Zelensky pledged to build more facilities for decentralised energy supply to ensure administration and critical infrastructure buildings had an alternative energy source during power outages…reports Asian Lite News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a major initiative to expand the country’s solar energy infrastructure as part of efforts to stabilize the energy grid, which has been heavily damaged by Russian attacks.

“The government has been tasked with immediately presenting a program to encourage the installation of solar generation and energy storage systems in Ukraine,” Zelensky said in his daily video address on Thursday.

According to the plan, citizens who install solar panels will be able to receive an interest-free loan.

The President said that measures were taken to protect energy facilities from ongoing attacks by Russia and specific deadlines were established for the completion of the protective structures.

Zelensky pledged to construct more facilities for decentralized energy supply, ensuring that administrative and critical infrastructure buildings have alternative energy sources during power outages.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two years.

Official figures show that about half of Ukraine’s energy production capacity has been lost due to systematic Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities with drones and missiles.

Strict energy rationing and daily power cuts have been implemented, with concerns about the situation worsening in the winter.

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AI, energy, Africa to be in focus of PM’s G7 visit

The prime minister is likely to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit…reports Asian Lite News

During the outreach session at the G7 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would focus be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Modi said issues crucial for the Global South will also be deliberated upon at the Outreach session. The G7 summit, to be held in the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13 to 15, is expected to be dominated by the raging war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.

“At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach summit on June 14,” Modi said. The prime minister said he was glad that his first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit.

“During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus will be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India’s Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit, and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South,” Modi said.

Modi will have a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni.

“Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidating the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolstering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions,” he said.

The prime minister is likely to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

“I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the Summit,” he said.

The G7 comprises the US, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan.

Italy is holding the current presidency of the G7 (Group of Seven) and is hosting the summit in that capacity. A key focus of the Italian presidency has been to defend the rules-based international system. According to Italy, Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine has undermined its principles and triggered growing instability, with multiple crises unfolding worldwide.

The G7 will give equal importance to Israel’s war in Gaza, with its consequences for the global agenda, it says. The bloc expanded into the G8 between 1997 and 2013, with the inclusion of Russia.

However, Russia’s participation was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. In line with the grouping’s tradition, representatives of a number of countries and international organisations are invited to the summit by the host nation that holds the chair.

Besides India, Italy has invited leaders from 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the summit. Though the European Union is not a member of the G7, it attends the annual summit.

“PM @narendramodi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. Agenda includes participation in the Outreach session of the G7 Summit & substantive interactions with the global leaders on the sidelines. An action-packed day awaits!” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote in a post on X.

Giving an overview of PM Modi’s day-long visit to Italy, Jaiswal posted another video, as he sketched out the details of the Prime Minister’s engagements with the world leaders on June 14.

“Namaste! The Prime Minister of India has arrived at Brindisi Airport in Italy to participate in the G7 Summit. Tomorrow is a packed day for him. We have several bilateral meetings with the world leaders lined up,” Jaiswal said in the video.

“He will also be addressing the outreach session of the G7 Summit,” he added.

The G7 summit is taking place at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13-15. PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

Earlier, Modi, in his departure statement, said that he is glad that his first state visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G7 Summit. He recalled his previous visit to Italy and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visits to India which have contributed significantly to enhancing bilateral ties.

“I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit. I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions,” Modi had said.

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Natural Ways to Boost Energy Levels

Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can provide the energy your body needs to function optimally. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats in your meals and snacks…reports Asian Lite News

Feeling sluggish or low on energy is a common experience for many people, especially in today’s fast-paced world. While caffeine is often used to combat fatigue, there are plenty of natural alternatives to boost energy levels without relying on stimulants. In this article, Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and Nutritionist Founder Of Nutracy Lifestyle highlights five caffeine-free ways to enhance your energy and vitality, allowing you to feel more alert and productive throughout the day. 

Get Moving with Exercise: Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to increase energy levels naturally. Exercise helps improve circulation, deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells, and release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, yoga, or dancing, to make staying active a fun and sustainable part of your routine. 

Prioritize Quality Sleep: Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for replenishing energy levels and supporting overall health. Set a regular sleep routine of 7-9 hours each night. To help your body know when to shut down, create a calming and peaceful nighttime routine by turning down the lights, doing deep breathing exercises or meditation, and avoiding screens right before bed.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue and low energy, so it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and adjust your fluid intake based on factors like activity level, climate, and individual needs. In addition to water, hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables can contribute to your overall fluid intake. Keep a reusable water bottle with you as a reminder to drink regularly, and flavor your water with fresh herbs, fruit slices, or a splash of citrus for added variety. 

Fuel Your Body with Nutrient-Rich Foods: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can provide the energy your body needs to function optimally. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats in your meals and snacks. Avoid relying on sugary snacks and processed foods, which can cause energy crashes and lead to feelings of fatigue. Instead, opt for snacks that combine complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, such as Greek yogurt with berries, whole grain toast with avocado, or nuts and seeds.

Practice Stress Management Techniques: Chronic stress can drain your energy reserves and leave you feeling depleted. Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine to help combat fatigue and promote relaxation. Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga to reduce stress levels and increase feelings of calm and well-being. Additionally, make time for activities you enjoy, connect with supportive friends and family members, and prioritize self-care to recharge both mentally and physically. 

Boosting your energy levels naturally doesn’t require relying on caffeine or other stimulants. By incorporating regular exercise, prioritizing quality sleep, staying hydrated, fueling your body with nutrient-rich foods, and practicing stress management techniques, you can enhance your energy and vitality without experiencing the crashes and side effects associated with caffeine consumption. Experiment with these caffeine-free strategies to find what works best for you, and enjoy sustained energy and well-being throughout your day.

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India to invest $67 bn in energy sector

At last year’s IEW, Modi had said India is committed to green energy but it would need investments in the traditional oil and gas sector…reports Asian Lite News

India will invest $67 billion in the gas sector over the next 5-6 years as part of an “unprecedented amount” of funds being put in to develop energy infrastructure, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Speaking at the second edition of the India Energy Week (IEW) in Betul in South Goa, Modi said India is attracting global investors in the energy sector. “We want to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix to 15 per cent from the current 6 per cent. Therefore, we are investing $67 billion in the next 5-6 years,” he said.

“India is investing an unprecedented amount of funds into India. Therefore, those involved in the global energy sector today want to invest in India in energry,” Modi said.

At last year’s IEW, Modi had said India is committed to green energy but it would need investments in the traditional oil and gas sector.

The Interim Budget on February 1 proposed a capital expenditure of Rs 11 trillion and a large part of that money will dovetail with investments in the energy sector. “India is now the fastest growing economy globally. The International Monetary Fund has predicted that it will continue to grow like this going forward. India will soon become the third largest economy in the world,” said Modi, adding the country will soon become a key producer and exporter of hydrogen.

“India is already one of the largest refiners in the world. Today, our refining capacity is more than 255 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). By 2030, we want to expand that to 450 MMTPA,” Modi said. India annually consumes 19 million barrels of oil and the number is set to reach 38 million barrels by 2045.

“Ten years back, ethanol blending in petrol was 1.5 percent. In 2023, this was more than 12 percent. As a result, 42 million metric tonne of carbon emissions have been averted,” Modi said. E20 fuel (20 per cent ethanol blending in gasoline) was launched at IEW 2023 and is now available at 9000 outlets countrywide. E20 will lead to an estimated Rs 50,000 crore of savings for the government as crude oil imports reduce.

India seeks stronger energy ties with US

In the midst of geopolitical turbulence sparked by the Ukraine war, India has underscored the importance of its energy partnership with the United States, citing its strategic purchases of Russian oil as a stabilizing force in global crude markets.

According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt revealed that discussions between US officials and India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted India’s perspective on the matter during a recent online interaction with the media.

Pyatt emphasized that India’s significant procurement of Russian oil served the dual purpose of curbing global crude prices and ensuring affordable fuel for its citizens.

“On Russian oil, this was a big part of my conversation with Minister Puri. We both agreed – and I said the same thing at much greater length on my visit to India last year. India has played a key role in our effort to stabilize global energy markets in the face of the extraordinary destabilization caused by Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and the weaponization of his oil and gas resources,” Pyatt stated, echoing sentiments shared during his previous visit to India.

Petronet, Qatar Energy sign long-term LNG contract

A long-term contract for LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement was signed on Tuesday between India’s state-run oil and gas company ‘Petronet LNG’ and Qatar’s ‘Qatar Energy’.

The agreement was signed between Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO of Qatar Energy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi.

The agreement will facilitate the purchase of around 7.5 Million Metric Tonnes per Annum (MMTPA) of LNG between the two companies.

Union Minister Puri said the contract will provide momentum to India’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency as it aims to increase the share of gas in energy mix from 6 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030.

“I was very happy to join HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Deputy Chairman and President & CEO @qatarenergy for the signing of a long-term contract for LNG Sale & Purchase Agreement (LNG SPA) for purchase of around 7.5 MMTPA LNG between @PetronetLNGLtd & QatarEnergy today,” Puri posted from his official X handle.

He added, “This contract will provide momentum to India’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency under the farsighted leadership of PM@narendramodiJi as India is transitioning into a gas-based economy by increasing the share of gas in energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030.”

After signing the agreement, the Union Minister said India is looking around the world for collaborations and partnerships in the energy sector.

“Across sectors, we are exploring energy equations, exploration and production. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened 1 million sq km of no-go area that will take our sedimentary basin under exploration from 8-9 per cent to 15 per cent. We are looking around the world for collaborations and partnerships,” Puri told reporters.

Qatar MoS Al-Kaabi said India has a lot of potential for green energy especially under PM Modi’s plan of enhancing infrastructure.

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Malaysia Launches $430 Million Seed Fund for National Energy Transition

He also highlighted energy efficiency as one of the energy transition levers that offer effective long-term solutions to manage energy consumption, thus reducing carbon emissions…reports Asian Lite News

Malaysia will allocate 2 billion ringgit ($430 million ) as a seed fund National Energy Transition Facility to enable catalytic blended finance, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Tuesday.

In his remarks at the second phase of the National Energy Transition Roadmap, Anwar said the facility would enable catalytic blended finance to ensure a seamless flow of financial resources towards energy transition projects that are marginally bankable or yielding below-market returns, reports Xinhua news agency.

Considering Malaysia’s current state of immature decarbonization technologies, the country’s progress would significantly hinge on alternative energy sources and robust regional and international collaboration, he explained.

“As the paramount challenge in energy transition is financing, it is estimated that an investment of at least 1.2 trillion ringgit between 2023 and 2050 is needed to enable responsible energy transition,” Anwar said.

He added that 60 billion-90 billion ringgits are needed to be allocated for crucial projects, including the expansion of public transportation, strengthening grid infrastructure, and reskilling of human capital, in this decade alone.

He also highlighted energy efficiency as one of the energy transition levers that offer effective long-term solutions to manage energy consumption, thus reducing carbon emissions.

The Prime Minister added that the government will launch a major retrofit program to enhance energy efficiency in government buildings. 

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UAE Minister thanks Modi for hosting G20 Energy Ministers’ meet

The Turkish Deputy Minister further said: “It’s a good experience to be here in India. I think it’s very important for all the countries to be represented here in G20.”…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for hosting the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers’ meeting in Goa calling the meeting “a very important one”.

“A very important meeting and first I would like to thank the government of India and his excellency for hosting all of us. UAE is coming as a guest to the G20 and we have a very important role as well this year as we are hosting COP28 and discussing very important aspects of sustainability, transition in energy,” the UAE Minister of Energy said. Mazrouei said it is important to ensure that energy transition is done at a pace that is also serving the interest of the common people.

“We have to address one important element which is affordability and we need to make sure that the transition is done at a pace that is also serving the interest of the common people, of not raising the energy prices on them. And we need to fight the emissions coming from fossil fuels, we need not target any type of fuel in my opinion. And fighting emissions and ensuring that we get to net zero on an emission does not mean that we need to eliminate any form of fuel,” he said.

Speaking on PM Modi’s televised address during the meeting, he said: “It shows the commitment of India and the Indian people toward sustainability. India is embarking on a very rapid transition and ensuring that India not only handles the energy challenge of the future but is able to export hydrogen. I think that’s something that is very encouraging and we wish India and the Indian government and the Indian people all the success in the years to come.”

The G20 Energy ministers met under India’s G20 Presidency, with the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ in Goa on July 22, 2023, with the aim to share, collaborate and build on the sense of responsibility and solidarity amongst the G20 members in accelerating the clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions, following various pathways, as a means of enabling secure, sustainable, equitable, shared and inclusive growth.

Turkey’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Ahmet Berat Çonkar called the G20 Energy Minister’s Meeting in Goa an important one, said “I think one of the most important issues in our agendas is energy. The sustainability of energy, renewable energy and the efficiency of using energy. So, we should focus more on this area and we should also focus on the fairness and justice part of the distribution of energy with affordable prices for our citizens. We need a lot of investments in our countries to reach our targets in renewable energy and the carbonization targets as well.”

The Turkish Deputy Minister further said: “It’s a good experience to be here in India. I think it’s very important for all the countries to be represented here in G20.”

The G20 Energy Transitions Ministers’ meeting brought together over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, special invitee countries, and several international organisations, as per a release by the Ministry of Power.

Director General Energy Commission of Nigeria Joseph Sunday Olayande said the meeting “has given us an exposure to the dynamics of energy policy making in the international arena, so we are able to share the knowledge and experiences of other delegates and the ministers.”

During the meeting, G20 Ministers responsible for Energy underlined the importance of ensuring that the growing global energy demand is matched by sustainable and affordable energy supplies.

The ministers aimed to advance technological collaboration and cooperation among G20 members, other international partners and multilateral institutions to strengthen energy systems with a view to ensuring energy security and stabilising energy markets, read the outcome document of the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers’ meeting in Goa on Saturday.

During the meeting, the ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining undisrupted flows of energy from various sources, suppliers and routes exploring paths to enhanced energy security and markets stability, including through inclusive investments to meet the growing energy demand, in line with our sustainable development and climate goals, while promoting open, competitive, non-discriminatory, and free international energy markets. (ANI)

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G20 to meet over clean energy, climate action

The grouping is also a unique mix of rich and emerging economies — from the US and the EU to India and China which have varied priorities based on their economic status and historical contribution to emissions…reports Asian Lite News

The G20 is set to hold key ministerial meetings this month on clean energy, the environment and climate sustainability , and energy transition that will set the tone for the grouping’s approach to these issues. The G20’s views and resolutions ahead of the UN Climate Meeting (COP28) to be held in Dubai this November are important because member countries are responsible for 80% of global emissions and GDP.

The grouping is also a unique mix of rich and emerging economies — from the US and the EU to India and China which have varied priorities based on their economic status and historical contribution to emissions. The clean energy ministerial is scheduled to be held in Goa on July 21 and 22; the energy transitions minister’s meeting were on July 19 and 20 in Goa; and the environment and climate sustainability ministers’ meeting is on July 28 in Chennai.

The main issues will be G20’s resolve on increasing renewable energy goals, their approach to phasing down fossil fuels, and whether they recognise the importance of the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees C. The 2015 Paris Agreement has a goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees C and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels.

According to people familiar with the matter from some member countries, a communique is expected from the G20 energy ministers on July 22 which will provide a common view of these countries. It is also likely to provide specific targets on renewable energy particularly solar and wind, members attending the meeting said.

“Despite recent record-breaking global investments in renewable energy, a growing disparity between the Global North and Global South persists, with developing and emerging markets consistently receiving significantly lower levels of investment,” said Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency, Francesco La Camera.

“India has a comprehensive knowledge of the renewable energy sector and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by developing countries when accessing low-cost climate finance. As G20 President, the country can leverage this experience to address these imbalances and ensure an energy transition that leaves no nation behind,” he said.

The High Ambition Coalition—a group of developed nations and island nations that ally in climate negotiations — issued an open letter on Wednesday calling on G20 ministers to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees C over pre-industrial levels and resolve to phase out fossil fuels. HAC which has members such as Vanuatu, France, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, and Marshall Islands said: “As the G20 ministers meet in India over the next few weeks, the clear and pressing danger posed by the climate crisis must be at the forefront of discussions…the G20 ministers must demonstrate their leadership in placing the earth on track for a future within the 1.5 degree C temperature limit, which is resilient to the climate shocks already affecting the world’s most vulnerable communities. We cannot afford an overshoot of 1.5 degree C. Accelerating our efforts to achieve a just transition and keep the temperature limit in reach is critical.”

The coalition also called for a resolution on peaking greenhouse gas emission by 2025. “Remaining within 1.5 degrees C will require us to peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 at the latest and reduce them by 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Revised 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions that align with the 1.5 degrees C limit, and new 2035 NDCs that keep nations on that pathway, are crucial. We will not stay within 1.5 degrees C without reducing fossil fuel production. Further fossil fuel expansion risks rendering the eventual transition more expensive and disruptive to economies and societies. Phasing out fossil fuels will not be easy, but humankind cannot afford to delay. We must bring the fossil fuel era to an end together, and agree a plan to do this at COP28.”

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European Parliament adopts new rules to boost energy savings

MEPs insisted that the scheme should in particular cover the public sector, which will have to reduce its final energy consumption by 1.9 per cent each year…reports Asian Lite News

MEPs approved plans, already agreed with the European Council, that set new energy-saving targets for 2030, as part of the European Green Deal.

The law will set energy-saving targets for both primary and final energy consumption in the EU. Parliament adopted the legislation by 471 votes to 147, with 17 abstentions. It will now also have to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers before it can enter into force. Member states will have to collectively ensure a reduction in energy consumption of at least 11.7 per cent at the EU level by 2030 (compared to the projections of the 2020 Reference Scenario). A robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism will accompany this objective to make sure member states deliver on their national contributions to this binding EU target.

By 2030, member states need to save on average 1.5 per cent per year. The annual energy savings will begin at 1.3 per cent in the period until the end of 2025, and will progressively reach 1.9 per cent in the last period up to the end of 2030.

The saving targets should be met through local, regional and national measures, in different sectors, e.g. public administration, buildings, businesses, data centres, etc. MEPs insisted that the scheme should in particular cover the public sector, which will have to reduce its final energy consumption by 1.9 per cent each year.

Member states should also ensure that at least 3 per cent of public buildings are renovated each year into nearly-zero energy buildings or zero-emission buildings. The directive also establishes new requirements for efficient district heating systems. (ANI/WAM)

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G20 members to deliberate on sustainable energy transition

The RIIG conferences on materials for sustainable energy and circular bioeconomy have already concluded in Ranchi and Dibrugarh, respectively…reports Asian Lite News

Delegates from G20 members, invited guest countries, international organisations and invited expert participants from the scientific community will deliberate on the ways forward towards building a sustainable eco-innovative energy transition system at the G20 conference on April 19-20 in this Himachal Pradesh hill station, the abode of the Dalai Lama.

Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, and the G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) chair will preside over the meeting.

The summit is being coordinated by the Science and Engineering Research Board, a statutory body under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Nearly 27 foreign delegates and 35 Indian experts, delegates and invitees are expected to participate in the conference. The main theme of RIIG during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 is “Research and Innovation for Equitable Society”. The four priority areas of RIIG under India’s G20 Presidency are: Materials for sustainable energy; circular bioeconomy; eco-innovations for energy transition; and scientific challenges and opportunities towards achieving a sustainable blue economy.

The RIIG conferences on materials for sustainable energy and circular bioeconomy have already concluded in Ranchi and Dibrugarh, respectively.

The RIIG conference in Dharamsala will bring together key actors, comprising national authorities and experts from the G20 members, responsible for planning, setting up new, and managing existing programs.

The areas of focus during the conference include challenges and opportunities in research and innovation cooperation among member countries on topics like smart energy transformation, storage and management; mission-driven research in sustainable energy transitions; policy frameworks for research and innovation in carbon-neutral energy sources and green hydrogen and cooperation between G20 members on specific thematic areas.

Responding to hosting the G20 summit, state Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu said the summit has given the government a better opportunity of branding Kangra as one of the best tourist destinations.

The Chief Minister has directed the district administration to ensure that all arrangements are in place to welcome the delegates so that they could enjoy and remember the hospitality of the people of Himachal Pradesh.

This will also give an opportunity to the delegates to have a peep into the rich old traditions, cultural heritage, cuisine, art and handicrafts of Himachal and Kangra in particular, besides giving impetus to the tourism in the state as a whole.

The Chief Minister will honour guests on the occasion. Various cultural programmes will also be organised to showcase the rich folk culture of the state.

An exhibition based on science and technology, handicrafts will also be set up at the conference venue. The traditional Siddu and other delicious Himachali cuisines will be served to the delegates.

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