India and Turkey to enhance cooperation in renewable energy

India and Turkey have agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

This was decided at a meeting held between the Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz and Minister of New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah here today.

Abdullah is visiting Turkey along with a high-level delegation to explore greater opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between India and Turkey.

The Indian Minister of New and Renewable Energy briefed his counterpart on the energy situation in India and India'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 Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

The Turkish leader said that Ankara hopes to diversify its energy mix by introducing a large component of renewables.

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.

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 of New and Renewable Energy 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, Abdullah visited Anitkabir- the Masoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and paid his respects.