India and US Strengthen Energy Ties in High-Level Meeting

Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal and US delegation discussed energy collaboration, emphasizing a clean energy future, grid modernization, and enhanced manufacturing capacity. The talks highlighted the longstanding partnership and explored state-to-state partnerships on energy storage.

Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal, together with Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister Shripad Naik, met with a US delegation on Thursday to discuss energy collaboration between India and the United States. The Power Minister highlighted the mutual commitment to a clean energy future that promotes economic growth, according to the Ministry of Power.

Stressing the importance of the partnership, the union minister noted that the Ministry of Power is dedicated to enhancing this collaboration. He pointed out that engagements under the 'Power & Energy Efficiency Pillar,' a part of the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP), are crucial for achieving India's energy transition goals.

Leading the US delegation, H.E. John Podesta acknowledged India as a valuable partner, emphasizing cooperation in resilient supply chains and investment-led strategies. Podesta mentioned potential collaboration in clean energy, energy storage systems, and energy efficiency, and offered US support in boosting India's manufacturing capacity.

Discussions also centered on the possibility of technical exchanges to upgrade grid transmission for future load growth. Policy consultations and potential financial support were also on the agenda to advance modernization efforts.

Both sides explored ways to enhance manufacturing capacity and considered state-to-state partnerships for long-duration energy storage studies. Further collaboration on grid-scale battery storage solutions was also discussed, as per the statement.

The talks underscored the importance of stimulating manufacturing projects and policies to increase India's ability to produce, deploy, and export high-efficiency air conditioning systems and fans.

(With inputs from agencies.)