Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, June 27: India and Turkey have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy. This was decided at a meeting held between Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy at Ankara today.
Dr. Abdullah is visiting Turkey along with a high level delegation to explore greater opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between Indian and Turkey. Dr. Abdullah briefed his counterpart on the energy situation in India and the country’s plans to add over 30 GW of renewable energy to its energy mix in the next 5 years. He also dwelt on the success of the wind programme as well as the significant cost reductions in solar energy through the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).
The Turkish leader said that Ankara hopes to diversify its energy mix by introducing a large component of renewables. It has considerable potential in wind, hydro, solar and geothermal energy. It imports over 90% of its oil, gas and fossil fuel requirement.
Mr Yildiz recognized India’s considerable achievements and strengths in renewable energy and noted that India had made large strides in this field. He expressed the Turkish Government’s desire to set up large generating as well as manufacturing capacities in renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar.
Dr. Abdullah offered India’s support and expertise to Turkey in setting up projects in wind, solar and hydropower. He also offered training slots in India to Turkish scientists, engineers and technicians through the ITEC programme. The Indian Minister expressed his country’s desire for a serious and meaningful cooperation with Turkey, especially in renewable energy and offered all possible assistance.
The Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSCON) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) later organized business seminars where business delegations from both countries deliberated in detail on the opportunities and prospects of renewable energy in Turkey. Both sides identified specific areas of scientific cooperation and possibilities of participation in renewable energy projects and investment opportunities.
Earlier in the day, the Minister visited Anitkabir- the Masoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and paid his respects.
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