India, Norway experts discuss next steps in renewable energy cooperation

New Delhi [India], Feb.14 (ANI): Experts from India and Norway recently took part in a workshop organised jointly by Innovation Norway, The Norwegian Embassy, The Research Council of Norway, Institute of Technology Delhi and the Department of Science of Technology which focussed on cooperation between India and Norway in the energy sector. The participants were representatives from leading companies and educational and research institutions. Primarily the workshop functioned as a match-making and networking conference. The various parties have had a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, technology and solutions that can be utilised for future co-operations. A delegation from Norway and other participants signed a Memorandum of Collaboration between NCE Smart energy Market Halden and Power Grid, B2B Roundtable with Power Grid and leading Indian utilities. The Indian government has set ambitious goals in the field of renewable energy, especially within solar. The plan is to reach 100 GW capacity by 2020. With this in mind, the timing and relevance of this week should not be underestimated. During the matchmaking workshop for R and I industrial projects for the joint call, close to 80 participants from Norway and India have had a comprehensive and prosperous programme on the topic of renewable energy. The representatives discussed a wide range of topics including energy storage, grid integration, wind power, solar power, smart infrastructure based on artificial intelligence, hydro energy and off-grid solutions -- all highly relevant topics in the Indian energy sector. "Our technologies does not exclude each other. I am impressed by the work that has been done India. I think that our products compliments the existing ones and creates a basis for creating even better solutions. The goal must be to use existing resources in a best possible manner and minimize the need for investments going forward," said Jørgen Kildahl, representing Smart Energy Systems. Amongst the delegation were representatives from companies such as Statkraft, Eltek, WindSim and Daman. Individual meetings with potential partners were also scheduled. The delegations were put in different groups according to their field of expertise and met with leading Indian companies such as Amplus Solar, Airtel and Tata Consulting. In one of the plenum sessions, Ole Jakob Sørdalen from Eltek elaborated on the different use of energy storage and the solutions Eltek provide. This is technology that is highly relevant for an Indian market that has high capacity (and even higher goals) for Solar Power. A joint call between the Research Council of Norway and Department of Science and Technology of India was launched. The call is for USD 1 million, targeting innovation projects in companies collaborating with research institutions in the field of renewable energy. It is safe to say that both countries are positive to future collaboration, something emphasized by all participants. The workshop manifested as both a platform for knowledge and technology exchange and as a mapping of future commercial possibilities. The week has been full of immediate and potential long term outcomes. A Memorandum of Co-operation between Power Grid Corporation of India LTD (Powergrid) and Norwegian Centre of Expertise (NCE) Smart Energy Markets covering cooperation for 15 countries was signed. Power Grid is the government owned central transmission utility of India. Nordpool sees potential delivery of consultancy services and systems and the solutions the Norwegian companies have presented has caught good attention and found commercial partners are found. Østfold University College met MDI Gurgaon during the Roundtable for incubation collaboration and followed up with a spontaneous visit to the school known as one of Indians best business schools. Carl-Morten Gjeldsnes and Øystein Johnsen, Research Director are excited to tell that they will establish an exchange collaboration and maybe also research collaboration in a longer term. Hvaler municipality is a test bed for the new solutions being developed by the industry. They are proud to showcase how they work with the services to reach end users. They have discussed with Indian stakeholders how their experiences can be liked to street lightening, waste management etc. On the last day of the week, a workshop on Smart Grid Technologies was hosted by India-Smart grid forum and welcomed NCE Smart Energy Markets in Halden to meet and present their solutions and products to National and State representatives from utility and electricity bodies from Haryana, Kolkata, Delhi and Rajasthan. Joint secretary of the Ministry of Power, Mr. A. K. Verma addressed the audience and in discussion with several business participants from Norway, he invited them to further meetings and collaboration. (ANI)