SYDNEY, 16 July, 2024: Both Australia and India face many bilateral challenges in their endeavour for a clean energy partnership, as they grapple and cruise towards their goal of net-zero transition. The sheer-scale of the Indian market as well as the differences in Australia and India’s respective net zero targets is well known.
Eighty-five percent to Australian exports to India are that of Coal. And, the issue of setting nuclear power plants in Australia by the coalition, if voted to power, is said could halt the moves towards renewables. Major production of electricity in India is achieved through coal thermal power plants which are around 75% of the total power generation says India’s Ministry of Coal.
So, investing in each others economies in the clean energy sector are desired but has many barriers including that of foreign investment. It was this and other related issues that formed part of the dialogue today.
“The Australia-India collaboration in renewables remains bedevilled by a lack of understanding of the policies, capabilities and trade and investment opportunities on both sides,” said Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh.
“Many Indian firms see this as a roadblock to investment into Australia, while Australian companies struggle to navigate the Indian business landscape. This dialogue aims to turn that around.”
Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said, “I can think of none more important than our renewable energy partnership with India. I regard it as being in the top rank of our bilateral relations when it comes to renewable energy and renewable energy-related manufacturing. Hence, it’s received a lot of attention from me and the government over the last two years, and I think that’s quite right, and that can only be enhanced by this dialogue. I’m a long-term supporter of the Australia-India dialogue.”
George Nicola, Chairman Sunrise CSP “I learnt that it’s not one technology that will solve a problem. We’re a piece of the problem and you need a lot of companies to work together and co-compete. I feel extremely optimistic, I think there are two areas, it’s meeting people throughout the technology side and there’s also the will from the politicians to make it happen.”
JP Chalasani, CEO Suzlon Energy “Both countries are at the right stage now to intensify the collaboration, because India is growing in a big way.”
“Conversations are absolutely critical, every conversation starts with exchanging knowledge, so any opportunity to bring people together like the Australia India Renewables Dialogue is a great start to a possible relationship. To have representation from both the Australian and Indian governments at the Australia India Renewables Dialogue is a clear signal that they are both invested in this area,” said Dr Patrick Hartley, CSIRO, Hydrogen Industry Mission.
The Australia India Renewables Dialogue, which the Australia India Institute held alongside the Australian Clean Energy Summit in Sydney today.
Delegates discussed the value that cutting-edge Australian clean energy technology can bring to the Indian economy. Further, opportunities for education, training and skills development in the renewables space were stressed upon.
At the same time, challenges in operating in both countries, particularly on navigating the policy landscape and land acquisition, were noted. In addition both the countries commitment to the Paris Agreement, the Make in India and A Future Made in Australia policy initiatives, signal both the governments’ commitment to easing barriers to foreign investment.
The Australian co-chairs of the Australia-India solar and green hydrogen taskforces shared the progress and deliverables of their respective areas. The value and strength of policy dialogues like the AIRD in bringing together leaders in government, business and academia was noted.
