U.S. To Assist South Asian Nations Advance Renewable Energy Technologies

NEW DELHI | April 18, 2006

The United States today reaffirmed its commitment to assist nations of South Asia in meeting their growing energy needs by adopting and advancing renewable energy technologies.

Speaking at the April 18-19, 2006, South Asia Conference on Renewable Energy here today, George Deikun, Mission Director, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) India, said the energy sector is key to the economic growth of South Asia and the deployment of clean technologies can help balance economic development with environmental protection.

He said USAID’s efforts to promote regional energy cooperation through its South Asia Regional Initiative/Energy (SARI/E) program and its work in the energy sector in India and other countries of this region underscore this principle.

Mr. Deikun said: “USAID is committed to working with the governments and the private sector of the countries of South Asia to advance renewable energy technologies. A diversified energy portfolio with a strong renewable energy component can better ensure a sustainable energy economy while helping to preserve a clean environment.”

“We are proud to be associated with the efforts of the SAARC countries to work together to share information, explore opportunities and structure activities that will advance renewable technologies,” Mr. Deikun said. He noted that U.S. has, over the years, created a network of institutions and individuals within South Asia to help disseminate training and best market and technology practices for energy efficiency, distribution reform and renewable energy development.

Senior level delegations from SAARC countries are attending the conference, which is jointly organized by the Ministry of Non-Conventional Sources (MNES) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce (Assocham). The objective of the conference is to promote cooperation between SAARC countries to create a policy environment that is conducive to promoting renewable energy technologies throughout the region. Building on the momentum of the conference, Assocham plans to form a South Asia Renewable Energy Forum involving the SAARC countries.

USAID’s history of working in the energy sector in India goes back to the 1960’s. As part of this cooperation it has worked to advance renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass and hydro and to demonstrate co-generation opportunities in sectors as diverse as sugar processing and cement manufacturing. Under the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue the two countries have formed a working group to promote research and development and eventual deployment of renewable energy technologies.

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