At the annual session of the Confederation of Indian Industry, held on 25 May in New Delhi (India), Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the ‘European Green Deal’, gave a speech calling for greater international cooperation between the European Union and India, reminding the audience that the climate crisis “transcends political differences” and economic differences and therefore requires immediate collective action.
The Vice-President has identified numerous opportunities in the transition to renewable energies. He stressed the importance of setting a common target for their production on a global scale.
Mr Timmermans highlighted examples of the rapid growth of solar energy in Europe and China, as well as the potential of new wind energy technologies. “If you see what the latest generation of wind turbines can provide: 15 megawatts per offshore wind turbine!”, he enthused. He also stressed the need for “international supply chains” to support this transition, emphasising the key role of India and the EU in this area.
Frans Timmermans has proposed using the India-EU Trade and Technology Council to focus on developing battery and green hydrogen systems, as well as promoting resilient forms of industrial production (see EUROPE 13183/22). He said that this industrial revolution also offered opportunities “for a fairer society”, by creating “sustainable, well-paying jobs” in sectors such as clean energy.
The Executive Vice-President invited both parties to create discussion forums, exchange ideas and promote joint scientific and industrial developments.
Mr Timmermans’ visit to India, which began on 25 May with discussions with representatives of the government, stakeholders and civil society ahead of COP28, continued until Friday 26 May.
Read the speech: https://aeur.eu/f/73w (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)