Governor invites 37 participating countries to partner with Maharashtra in green energy projects
Mumbai, 17 October 2024: “I applaud the All-India Association of Industries (AIAI) and the World Trade Center Mumbai for their efforts in putting together this outstanding trade show, which has shown to be an essential hub for global collaboration and partnerships. Currently, a significant amount of our exports is received by developed western countries in America and Europe. It is fitting that developing countries from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and other continents have gathered for this exhibition. Without a doubt, this effort would improve India’s proximity to underdeveloped countries and its economic connections. In particular, attention should be paid to promoting trade and investment with Africa, which is emerging as a significant engine of global growth. India can look into a number of uncharted opportunities for collaboration in this region’s mining, tourism, agriculture, and skill development.
The Honorable Governor went on to say, “There has never been a more appropriate theme for this year than Innovation for Sustainability with a Special Focus on Green and Renewable Energy.” In a time when wealthy economies are reluctant to make such a promise, India’s declaration to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070 is fantastic. In the direction of a future characterized by our dedication to sustainable development, the significance of green and renewable energy sources cannot be emphasized. It is not only a matter of the environment; it is also a vital component of India’s Energy Security Vision and its efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2070. Maharashtra is essential to this national purpose as the state with the biggest economy and one of the most industrialized nations in India.
The Hon’ble Governor said, “This is truly a historic year for Maharashtra’s green energy sector,” in reference to the state’s green energy projects. I was happy to learn that Satara’s “Manyachi Wadi” community, which receives all of its electricity from solar power, recently became the state’s first solar village. This accomplishment creates a template for the future. The Unconventional Energy Generation Policy of 2020 calls for an increase in Maharashtra’s solar power capacity from 5,080 MW to 12,930 MW by 2025.
“Green hydrogen is another exciting frontier,” H.E. Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan continued. With an annual goal of 500 kilotonnes of green hydrogen production, Maharashtra last year became the first state in India to adopt a Green Hydrogen Policy. The objectives of this policy are to advance industrial decarbonization, improve energy security, and establish Maharashtra as a pioneer in the export of green hydrogen. Under the Green Hydrogen Mission, I am sure Maharashtra will play a key role in helping India reach its national goal of producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
The Honorable Governor stated, “Maharashtra is once again setting the standard in the electric vehicle industry.” By building a strong network of infrastructure and charging stations, our state’s electric car policy prioritizes the production and uptake of electric vehicles. By 2025, the program wants 10% of all vehicle registrations to be electric vehicles (EVs). To support renewable power generation, partnerships with international partners from nations like Germany and Australia are being formed. Our reliance on fossil fuels is intended to be decreased by Maharashtra’s Renewable Energy Policy, which offers a range of incentives and subsidies, from solar panels to solar inverters for textile facilities. Maharashtra is consistent in its commitment to building an ecosystem that promotes sustainability, innovation, and renewable energy.
The Governor urged participating nations to take advantage of the many renewable energy options Maharashtra has and to join the state’s collaborative path toward a sustainable and green future. He expressed optimism that this Expo will serve as a spark for brand-new alliances and teamwork in the field of green and renewable energy.
As the Chancellor of Maharashtra’s universities, H.E. Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan extended an invitation to business to collaborate closely with state institutions on research, development, and skill enhancement.
As noted by H.E. Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, “I have traveled extensively in nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra’s districts since taking office as governor. The state’s potential for expansion and development astounds me. There is room to grow in our rural areas. Industrial growth and development are promising, even in areas like Gadchiroli that were formerly plagued by naxal attacks.
In his address, Mr. Ajay Shankar, Former Secretary, DIPP, Govt. of India, Distinguished Fellow, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) mentioned, India’s development plans currently center on sustainability and green energy. India has the potential to take the world by surprise by leading the way in cutting carbon emissions and addressing climate change. If we encourage the use of affordable green hydrogen in hard-to-reduce industries like steel, fertilizers, refining, and so on, India may successfully reduce its carbon emissions. India has already surpassed its 2010 National Solar Mission objective of 22,000 MW of solar power capacity by four times.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President- All India Association of Industries (AIAI) pointed out, “We are grateful to Hon’ble Governor for gracing this occasion. Hon’ble Governor is a legendary leader and we are fortunate to have him as the Governor. I am confident that under his visionary stewardship, Maharashtra will sustain its position as the industrial and financial capital of India.”
Dr. Kalantri added,” The objective of this Expo is to connect Indian MSMEs, startups and women entrepreneurs to the Ambassadors and consular corps of foreign countries to foster cross-border business collaborations. Indian industry needs to enhance trade and investment with Africa and CIS countries where there is enormous business potential. We need to improve connectivity, communication and settle our trade transactions in local currency to reduce cost of doing business with these countries.”
Dr. Kalantri added,” The objective of this Expo is to connect Indian MSMEs, startups and women entrepreneurs to the Ambassadors and consular corps of foreign countries to foster cross-border business collaborations. Indian industry needs to enhance trade and investment with Africa and CIS countries where there is enormous business potential. We need to improve connectivity, communication and settle our trade transactions in local currency to reduce cost of doing business with these countries.”
The parties discussed the possibility of organizing meetings with representatives of the Mumbai business community as part of the visit of representatives of Belarusian industrial enterprises to New Delhi scheduled for this year, and also holding joint industry video conferences aimed at developing cooperation between the business circles of both countries.
Dr. Kalantri informed, “Indian industry has USD 70 billion untapped export opportunity with the participating countries and I am confident that this two-day event will facilitate fruitful business networking for Indian companies to benefit from this untapped opportunity.”
Dr. Kalantri further remarked, “The overwhelming response received for this event signifies the commitment of the participating countries to strengthen trade and investment relationship with India, which has emerged as a reliable supply chain partner in the emerging global world order. India has signed free trade agreements with many of these countries such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, South Korea and Mauritius. Other participating countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand are part of the 10-member ASEAN countries, with which India has a trade agreement. I hope Indian industry will benefit from these trade agreements to increase their market access to these countries.”
The parties discussed the possibility of organizing meetings with representatives of the Mumbai business community as part of the visit of representatives of Belarusian industrial enterprises to New Delhi scheduled for this year, and also holding joint industry video conferences aimed at developing cooperation between the business circles of both countries.
