Jürgen Trittin: Using the opportunities of renewable energies for development

Federal Environment Minister meets Indian Minister

Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin with the Indian Minister Shri M. Kannappan (Photo: BMU).

Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin has emphasised the importance of renewable energies for economic development in the countries of the North and the South. In talks in Berlin with the Indian minister for this sector, Shri M. Kannappan, Trittin welcomed India's efforts to develop renewable energies. Minister Kannappan confirmed that India would actively support the preparations for the International Conference for Renewable Energies scheduled for June 2004 in Bonn.

"By having a separate Ministry to focus on renewable energies," said Trittin, "India is giving a clear political signal in support of a global change in energy policy. Germany and India have set themselves ambitious objectives for the development of renewable energies. This creates jobs at home, makes economic development less dependent on expensive energy imports and contributes to climate protection."

The German Government aims to double the share of renewable energies to 12.5% by 2010. On an EU level, the share of electricity generated from renewable energy sources will stand at 22% by 2010. India has a target of a 10% share in the year 2012.

Trittin also welcomed India's commitment to the preparations for the 2004 International Conference for Renewable Energies. India is involved in the International Steering Committee, which will focus in particular on the political aspects and content of the Conference preparations. The Bonn Conference will aim at developing strategies and means of financing for an increased use of renewable energies throughout the world and for a sustainable energy supply.