U.S. and India Cooperate on Energy Efficiency Technology

May 02, 2006

NEW DELHI – The U.S. and India today reiterated their commitment to work together to enhance energy security. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Energy have organized a two-day conference on Energy Efficiency Technology Cooperation (EETCC), in New Delhi in partnership with the Indian Ministry of Power and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Speaking at the conference U.S. Charge d’Affaires of Mission Robert Blake said, “A strategic India-US partnership in building the capacity to plan and implement energy efficiency will help advance India's energy security and mitigate the environmental impact of rapid energy growth.”

The conference will examine the barriers to energy efficiency in India, illustrate ways to overcome those barriers and identify ways to open energy efficiency markets – especially in the country’s buildings and industrial sector. Attendees will review energy efficiency in India and the U.S. and identify policies and practices that help government and the private sector to increase energy efficiency, improve exchanges of technology, establish industrial codes and standards and develop innovative financing for energy efficiency implementation. The gathering is also focused on improving business linkages and trade between Indian and U.S. companies working on energy efficiency.

“USAID’s history of working in the energy sector here in India goes back to the 1960s. As a part of this cooperation, we have worked to advance energy efficiency policies, technologies and markets,” said USAID Mission Director George Deikun. “Today’s conference builds on the wide range of energy projects the U.S. and India have embarked on together.”

EETCC is being held under the aegis of the Power and Energy Efficiency Working Group, which is part of the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President George Bush on May 31, 2005. The working group promotes exchange of information, technology choices and regulatory policies. It also seeks to develop cooperative programs and promote technologies that enhance electricity end use efficiency. The Energy Dialogue promotes increased trade and investment in the energy sector by working with the public and private sectors to identify areas of cooperation and collaboration.

Related link : Read full text of Robert O. Blake's speech
                     Read full text of George Deikun's speech