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The recently concluded Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM-4) in New Delhi saw two days of deliberations, policy announcements, and showcasing of innovative products and ideas in the clean energy space. The two-day event, which was held on April 17th and 18th, drew regulators, policy wonks, think tanks and non profit organisations, and technology providers. Some of the key speakers in this event were Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy of the United States, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Government of India. Together, they discussed issues and next steps in the field of solar power, smart and mini-grid, energy storage, electric vehicles, energy efficiency and financing for clean energy initiatives. I had the privilege of participating in this event by not only representing Schneider Electric but also because these are issues are very close to my heart.
The Clean Energy Ministerial focuses on the following three main themes:
- Improve energy efficiency worldwide
- Enhance clean energy supply
- Expand clean energy access
All the above topics are of great interest to Schneider Electric, and we participated for the second year running. Marc Coroler, Senior Vice President, Strategic Customers and Solutions, Schneider Electric had participated in the discussions on behalf of the company during CEM-3, which was held during in London in April 2012. This year, witnessed an even more active participation from Schneider Electric! Anil Chaudhry, Country President and Managing Director, Schneider Electric India, participated in two business round tables on energy management and electric vehicles that attracted energy ministers and other regulators from the members countries and other private sector companies. Another highlight of CEM-4 was the Innovation Showcase Pavilion, which featured innovative ideas and solutions in the clean energy space from over 40 companies around the world. Schneider Electric’s booth in the innovation pavilion showcased our energy management solutions including Struxureware® and also our work in developing infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Two days of attending several discussions, meeting and interactions during this event have left me hopeful that even though the pace and enthusiasm for clean energy may have slowed down around the world but India will continue to make clean energy a priority in the years to come. Everywhere I went, people were curious to know what was the latest that Schneider Electric had to offer in the renewable energy space. And equally importantly, they wanted to learn more about BIP-BOP program and how they could collaborate with us in this initiative. In the coming posts, I will share the policy announcements made by the Government of India.
