15 June 2017: Home to nearly 18% of the global population, India uses only 6% of the world’s primary energy resources. The country’s primary energy consumption, however, has risen significantly over the past three decades. This trend is expected to continue, driven by strong economic growth and population expansion. Ensuring adequate energy supply to satisfy these demands is a key challenge facing the country. Addressing this, the group on Affordable Access to Energy begun its work on identifying areas of innovation which have the potential for scale in this sector, the enablers required to scale up these innovations, and the next steps for taking this collaboration between the government, private sector and UN forward.
The group highlighted the Government of India’s commitment towards complete energy access to all citizens, and have drawn the group’s mission towards supporting the goal to deliver 24×7 energy to all citizens by 2022.
The dialogue focused on the need for disruptive innovation and productive energy spaces for both off-grid solutions and enhancing the efficiency of appliances, enabled by a suitable policy environment.
Reiterating the goal of the UNIBF, it was emphasised that CSR will not be the only driver to move the needle, but the focus would need to shift to building solutions towards sustainable, for-profit programmes. Some examples of ongoing good practices in the sector included Shell’s Husk Power Systems, Siemens’ projects in Ecuador, Italy and Germany, GE’s Hybrid containerised solution, OMC Power’s solar energy based power plants and mini-grids, Simpa Networks’ solar products and appliances and Frontier Market’s gender inclusive platform to optimize energy access.
The Energy group is looking at a wide range of solutions which will constitute a package that can supplement the Government of India’s initiatives in affordable and renewable energy.
The meeting was attended by CEEW, CLEAN, UN Foundation, Frontier Markets, GE, IREDA, India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), Mahindra Group, OMC Power, Philips Lighting, SELCO Foundation, Shell India, Shell Foundation, Simpa Networks, SIDBI, Siemens Ltd., TATA Power, The Climate Group, WBCSD, YES Bank, and United Nations agencies in India.
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