PM Modi Calls For ‘Bold’ Initiatives For A Sustainable Planet
01 December, Paris
Stressing that the world’s hope for a sustainable planet rests on a bold global initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the world community to turn to Sun in order to power the future.
“President Hollande responded to my long cherished dream of an international alliance of solar-rich countries, with keen interest and ordered immediate support. I am deeply grateful for his support at every step and his decision to co-chair the launch,” said Prime Minister Modi at the launch of the International Solar Alliance COP 21.
Talking about the significance of Sun in the Indian tradition, the Prime Minister said that according to the Rig Veda, Sun God is the soul of all beings, moving and non-moving and people in India begin their day with a prayer to the Sun.
“Today, when the energy sources and excesses of our industrial age have put our planet in peril, the world must turn to Sun to power our future. As the developing world lift billions of people into prosperity, our hope for a sustainable planet rests on a bold global initiative,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi said that the onus would be on the advanced countries to leave enough carbon space for developing countries to grow as that is natural climate justice.
The Prime Minister also said that convergence between economy, ecology and energy should define the future of the world.
Speaking about the importance of the Solar alliance between India and France, Prime Minister Modi said that both nations want to bring solar energy into the lives and homes by making it cheaper, more reliable and easier to connect to grid.
“We will collaborate on research and innovation. We will share knowledge and exchange best practices. We will cooperate on training and building institutions. We will discuss regulatory issues and promote common standards. We will attract investments in the solar sector, encourage joint ventures and develop innovative financing mechanisms. We will partner with other international initiatives on renewable energy. This is an alliance that brings together developed and developing countries, governments and industries, laboratories and institutions, in a common enterprise,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke about India’s targets in terms of solar power and said that India, at present, has a capacity of 4GW and have set a target of adding 100 GW of solar power by 2022. “By the end of next year, we would have added another 12 GW.”
“India will be pleased to host this initiative at the premises of our National Institute of Solar Energy. We will provide land and contribute approximately 30 million U.S. dollars to build the Secretariat infrastructure. We will support operations for five years, and together we will raise long terms funds to achieve our prescribed goals,” the Prime Minister said.