ARE & CLEAN sign MoU to fast forward distributed renewables in India
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Clean Energy Access Network (CLEAN) and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE). The MoU sets out the shared goals of the two organisations to address the existing obstacles hindering the optimal use of the various distributed renewable energies for electrification and the potential for energy efficiency in India. Both organisations agreed to promote social and economic development by increasing the share of distributed renewable energies in the energy mix in India.
The associations will work together on a number of activities, including joint advocacy for renewable energy policies in India to foster a conducive market environment for distributed renewable energy (DRE) actors, accompany and contribute to the government’s efforts to achieve renewable energy targets as well as targeted business development and market intelligence support for DRE companies.
In this regard, the associations aim to develop the capacity of renewable energy stakeholders in India to create local jobs and enhance the capacity of the sector to attract adequate financing for renewable energy projects and businesses. This will, for example, be achieved by spearheading “DRE Investment Academies” or similar trainings for Indian and international DRE developers and other stakeholders, with the aim of raising additional fundraising and technical support.
Finally, the MoU states that the partners will offer support through business development services for renewable energy actors working in India, to address electrification, energy security and climate change challenges, as well as conduct applied research to foster the market for renewable energy technologies.
David Lecoque, CEO of ARE said: “It is a fantastic step to sign this MoU with CLEAN to work together for the benefit of rural communities across India. With CLEAN, we aim to double down on renewable electrification to further enhance access to renewable and reliable electricity for all while powering sustainable economic growth.”
Rekha Krishnan, CEO of CLEAN said: “Partnering with ARE, a global DRE organisation, is an important step for CLEAN, the partnership will help CLEAN to expand horizons for the Indian DRE sector by bringing in a global perspective on various fronts – policy-regulatory aspects and technological research, business development and access to finance.
