India-UK Agree To Launch Phase-2 Of ASPIRE Programme For Energy Efficiency

New Delhi, Feb 11 (KNN) The Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue convened in New Delhi on Monday, marking a significant step forward in bilateral energy cooperation between the two nations.

The high-level meeting was co-chaired by India's Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, and the UK's Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband.

During the dialogue, both nations conducted a comprehensive review of their progress in power and renewable energy sectors, while reinforcing their shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future.

The ministers emphasised the critical balance between energy transition and economic growth, highlighting the necessity of maintaining affordable and clean energy access for all citizens.

The dialogue yielded several concrete outcomes, including the launch of Phase-2 of the bilateral Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme.

This initiative aims to provide technical support for ensuring round-the-clock power supply and accelerating industrial energy efficiency, working in conjunction with India's Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

A significant development emerged with the establishment of a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce, designed to advance offshore wind ecosystem development and strengthen supply chains in both nations.

Miliband expressed particular interest in India's Solar Rooftop Programme, recognising the country's ambitious strides in renewable energy implementation.

The ministers announced the continuation of the Power Sector Reforms programme under the UK Partnering for Accelerating Climate Change (UKPACT).

They also proposed a new taskforce between the UK's Office of Gas and Electricity Markets and India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission to facilitate renewable energy integration and grid transformation.

The dialogue concluded with two significant launches: the 'Best Practices Compendium of Industrial Energy Efficiency/Decarbonisation' and a comprehensive study on 'Pathways for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation in the Indian Aluminium Sector.'

Both nations agreed to reconvene for the fifth UK-India Energy Dialogue in 2026, underlining their commitment to advancing mutual energy transition goals while ensuring energy security and sustainable development.

(KNN Bureau)