PM Modi holds talks with Norwegian counterpart to discuss various green initiatives

New Delhi: To give a new flip to the various green initiative between India and Norway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conservation with his Norwegian counterpart H.E. Jonas Gahr Støre on Friday.

According to a press statement, Both the leaders have discussed bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, including initiatives to mobilise climate finance for renewable energy projects in developing countries.

PM Modi also emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable, timely and adequate climate finance for the developing world, and appreciated H.E. Store’s commitment to this cause.

The two leaders reviewed various ongoing bilateral cooperation initiatives, including under the Task Force on Blue economy.

“They also expressed satisfaction at the increasing India-Norway collaboration in areas like green hydrogen, shipping,

Science & Technology and education” said the statement.

India-Norway cooperation on climate, energy and environment has a long history and has been strengthening in the last few years.

On August 15, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally announced the launch of a National Hydrogen Mission to accelerate plans to generate carbon-free fuel from renewables as he set a target of 2047 for India to achieve self-reliance in energy.

During his speech from the Ramparts of Redfort Modi asserted that the target is to make India a global hub for production as well as export of green hydrogen and it will give India a quantum jump in achieving the climate targets.

The National Hydrogen Mission was first announced in the Union Budget for 2021-22 in February last year.

Currently, all hydrogen consumed in India comes from fossil fuels. By 2050, three-fourths of all hydrogen is projected to be green — produced by renewable electricity and electrolysis.