Pune, India/ Washington, DC:

Earth Day Network and India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), India’s leading alliance on energy storage & e-mobility organised a web conference that brought together global leaders. Today, golbally the 50th anniversary of Earth Day is being celebrated. This year’s theme ‘Climate Change’ could not be a more appropriate topic in these pressing times. 

With rapid urbanisation, the transport and electricity sectors are going to play an undeniable role in the day-to-day aspects of life. Tackling climate change will be difficult without first reducing harmful emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels to generate power.

This e-Conference provided a forum for the global leaders of the concerned industries and environment organisations, to share their views on climate change and our responsibilities in countering that change. The program was inaugurated by screening Dharti Ma – A Tribute to Earth, a special song prepared to mark the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day Network India Ambassador and one of the singers Bombay Jayashri spoke on the occasion. Congratulating on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, and the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, GoI, said, “Earth is our Mother and we’re her children this thinking has been the part of Indian culture. Earth day is the remarkable day of India. Earth is a liveable planet and for the climate change action we should think differently”.

He emphasised on the need for taking suo moto action and urged people to think of actions we can take at a personal level towards a greener future. It could be as simple as taking cycle to work, spending an evening without power under the moon or other personal ways. The minister added that we should take the time of think of ways we can promote fewer polluting startups in the industry.

Dinesh Jagdale, Joint. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India said, “MNRE is promoting and leading a conducive policy for India’s renewable energy target of 175 GW. We have made a considerable progress in technology, projects, and project execution. Penetration of green energy in India is by Renewables. Our door is open for all kinds of technologies and we have to move from Power to Energy”.

He emphasised on the renewable energy initiatives for the renewable energy developers, Bio-energy aspect, new business models and upcoming bids. Jagdale also encouraged stakeholder to give comments on the draft Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Lastly, he concluded with the huge opportunities in the export sector and how India can become one.

Karuna Singh, Regional Director for South Asia, Earth Day Network stated, “I am very happy to be part of this prestigious webinar taking place on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day Network strongly believes that through a holistic approach that bring in all stakeholders we can address climate change. This webinar brought together Central Ministers, Corporates, NGOs, and other experts. We are also happy to announce our partnership with India Energy Storage Alliance. This, we believe, will be the beginning of a long-term collaboration. We are sure such concerted efforts would help make our common home – Earth a better place to live in.”

Dr Rahul Walawalkar, President, India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) opinions, “We are honoured to partner with Earth Day network to celebrate the 50th Earth Day with a theme of movement towards Clean Transport and Clean Energy. In past decade we have made tremendous progress in adoption of clean energy and renewable energy has reached a stage where it can compete with fossil fuel sources without any subsidies. Hybrid projects combining wind and solar with energy storage have successfully started to replace dirty peaker plants. Next decade is poised for similar transition for transportation sector, where electric vehicles are anticipated to lead the transition away from internal combustion engine (ICE) based vehicles running on oil. We hope that this Earth Day will bring all the likeminded stakeholders together and help India to leapfrog in adoption of clean energy and transportation solutions.”

This e-Conference saw presence of eminent industry leaders, think tanks, and policy makers including HE Upendra Tripathy, Director General, International Solar Alliance; Saurabh Kumar, MD, Energy Efficiency Services Ltd; Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Director, Automotive Research Association of India; OP Agarwal, CEO, World Resources Institute India; Sohinder Singh Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles; Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water; Pranav Mehta, Chairman, National Solar Energy Federation of India; and Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, The Energy and Resourc