Cabinet Approves MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation with France

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister - Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the French Republic in the field of renewable energy cooperation.  The MoU was signed in January 2021 and was looked upon for its approval.

Signed between both the countries, the MoU will help in the development of technological know-how in the field of Renewable Energy, and thereby aid the process of attaining the ambitious target of 450 GW of installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2030.

The technical cooperation will cover the exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel; the exchange of scientific and technological information and data; the organization of workshops and seminars; the transfer of equipment, know-how, and technology; the development of joint research and technological projects.

The objective of the MoU is to establish the basis for the promotion of bilateral cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality, and reciprocity.  It covers technologies relating to solar, wind, hydrogen, and biomass energy.

In January 2021, Prakash Javadekar, Union Environment Minister and French Minister for Ecological Transition Barbara Pompili launched the Indo-French Year of the Environment, under which the two countries will engage in discussions on critical areas of collaboration relating to the environment and allied areas.

As of 2020, the installed renewable energy capacity stood at 90.39 GW, of which solar comprised 36.91 GW, and wind 38.43 GW. Biomass and small hydropower constituted 10.14 GW and 4.74 GW, respectively, as mentioned by a report of India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).