Norway, India collaboration will open new opportunities in solar energy: Anniken Huitfeldt

New Delhi: Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, announced that Norway will join the Internation Solar Alliance (ISA) and said the collaboration will help in strengthening the “solar energy solutions” with India.

“We need to increase the pace of the green transition worldwide, and the use of solar cells will be important in this context. This is why Norway is joining the International Solar Alliance, the Minister informed during her official visit to India on Tuesday.

“This will open up new opportunities for Norwegian companies, research, and cooperation between India and Norway in this area,’ said Huitfeldt.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is working to increase the deployment of solar energy technologies around the world.

‘Norway plays an active role in the efforts to combat global warming and increase access to clean energy. We give high priority to climate and energy issues, and the International Solar Alliance will provide an important arena for strengthening political cooperation and strengthening collaboration on solar energy solutions with India in the time ahead,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.

‘Norway and India have a long tradition of cooperation in a variety of fields, including a number of joint projects on climate change and the environment. Participation in the ISA will further strengthen these efforts,’ Huitfeldt added.

“Norway can offer expertise in areas such as electrification, smart grids and renewable energy financing” said the statement.

Norwegian participation in the clean energy sphere in India is expanding, particularly in the private sector.

Membership of the ISA will increase the visibility of India as a market for Norwegian companies. In addition, Norfund (the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries) recently gave the green light for new investments in wind and solar energy in India. Ms Huitfeldt visited a facility for developing rooftop solar energy systems in which Norfund is one of the investors.

The International Solar Alliance is now a multilateral organisation working for increased deployment of solar energy technologies around the world.

The ISA works to increase and harmonise demand for solar energy solutions and helps member countries to secure financing for viable projects. The ISA also seeks to reduce the risks and costs associated with solar energy development