The United States and India are deepening their commitment to a sustainable and resilient energy future through the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). Convened in Washington D.C. by U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, the SCEP Ministerial reviewed advancements across its technical pillars, including renewable energy, emerging fuels, sustainable growth, and more. This collaboration reflects both nations’ dedication to clean energy innovation, energy security, and addressing global climate challenges.
Progress in Clean Energy Innovation and Transition
During the meeting, the ministers acknowledged the strides made in accelerating the development and deployment of emerging clean energy technologies. This progress includes advancements in renewable energy integration, decarbonization of high-emission sectors, and energy efficiency measures. Central to these discussions was the recognition of energy trade’s critical role in supporting national priorities, alongside a commitment to ensuring the transition to clean energy is just, orderly, and sustainable.
Renewable Energy and the RETAP Framework
One of the landmark initiatives under the SCEP is the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP), launched in August 2023. RETAP aims to develop actionable roadmaps for advancing key technologies such as hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, offshore wind, and geothermal energy. Through research, development, pilot projects, and incubation-investment networks, RETAP fosters collaboration between public and private stakeholders. The ministers commended progress under RETAP, particularly in advancing green hydrogen and renewable energy technologies.
India’s efforts in green hydrogen also garnered significant attention. The collaboration includes the establishment of a National Centre for Hydrogen Safety in India, expert exchanges on hydrogen research, and implementation of hydrogen hubs. Additionally, the partnership is exploring the application of green hydrogen in buses, tractors, and heavy equipment, a step toward decarbonizing transportation and agriculture.
Strengthening Energy Storage and Grid Modernization
The transition to renewable energy requires modernized power infrastructure and robust energy storage solutions. The ministers welcomed the launch of a public-private Energy Storage Task Force, which will focus on policy frameworks, manufacturing, safety, and alternative storage technologies beyond lithium-ion. Initiatives such as a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Assam and pilots in Haryana demonstrate the practical implementation of these efforts.
Recognizing pumped storage as a long-term solution, both nations underscored its importance alongside other measures like smart metering deployment and cybersecurity upgrades in India’s power distribution sector. These initiatives aim to ensure the delivery of 24/7 reliable power to consumers.
Advancing Decarbonization and Sustainable Fuels
Decarbonization remains a key focus, particularly in sectors like transportation and railways. India’s ambitious target for Indian Railways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 was praised, along with its efforts to procure over 1.5 GW of renewable energy. Further collaboration includes developing energy efficiency policies and action plans for railway facilities.
On sustainable aviation, the ministers celebrated new initiatives to advance sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). An inaugural SAF workshop addressed R&D, tax incentives, market development, and fuel certification, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing the aviation sector. The partnership also extended to biofuels, with two joint reports developed under the Biofuels Task Force.
Electrification of Transportation
Electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is another promising area of collaboration. Workshops and expert exchanges on transport electrification, including electric buses and freight vehicles, have already begun. The ministers lauded India’s PM eBus Sewa scheme, which aims to deploy 10,000 e-buses, as a model for advancing clean urban transportation.
Carbon Capture and Methane Abatement
Efforts to mitigate emissions also include advancements in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). A workshop in Delhi identified areas for engagement on geological carbon storage and regulatory frameworks to support India’s CCUS Mission. Additionally, technical cooperation on methane abatement in the oil and gas sector through the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons was highlighted as a crucial area for emissions reduction.
Public-Private Collaboration and Market Development
Public-private partnerships are central to scaling clean energy technologies and reducing costs. The ministers commended India’s investment in a 3 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Texas, signaling a commitment to secure, diversified clean energy supply chains. Memoranda of understanding between commercial partners further emphasized cooperation in emissions measurement, methane abatement, and city gas distribution (CGD).
Building Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chains
Both nations recognized the importance of secure and resilient supply chains for clean energy technologies. By leveraging their partnership, the U.S. and India aim to build stable, diversified supply chains that not only support economic growth but also drive innovation in clean energy markets. This collaboration underscores the broader goal of ensuring accessible, reliable, and affordable clean energy for all.
Looking Ahead: A Just and Sustainable Transition
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the energy transition benefits all communities, prioritizing capacity building, dissemination of best practices, and inclusive implementation. By addressing challenges at both national and local levels, the partnership aims to create a sustainable framework for clean energy transitions that is equitable and socially inclusive.
Conclusion
The U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership is a shining example of international cooperation to tackle today’s unprecedented climate challenges. Through initiatives like RETAP, green hydrogen collaboration, and sustainable fuels, the partnership is paving the way for a resilient and sustainable energy future. With shared goals and a spirit of collaboration, the two nations are setting a benchmark for global efforts to achieve a just, clean energy transition.
What’s New
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- G7 Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Clean Energy Transitions with IEA at the Forefront
- Strengthening Ties for a Sustainable Future: U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership
- Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation: Leading the Charge to Net-Zero