India, Australia Agree to Boost Cooperation in Energy Efficiency and Clean Technologies

New Delhi, Oct 16 ::India and Australia on Thursday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy efficiency and enabling technologies, as part of their joint efforts to combat climate change.

The discussions took place during the fifth India-Australia Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by India's Minister of Power, Manohar Lal, and Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.

According to an official statement, the dialogue covered several key areas including the global transition to net-zero emissions, practical cooperation in energy efficiency, promotion of enabling technologies, and the role of green hydrogen. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to being reliable and trusted partners in energy trade, while also emphasizing the importance of diversified, secure, and resilient supply chains.

The ministers highlighted that the India-Australia energy partnership continues to play a vital role in advancing secure, robust, and sustainable energy systems across the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian delegation included officials from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Mines, and Ministry of Coal. They gave detailed presentations on progress and future cooperation pathways under their respective Joint Working Groups.

Meanwhile, India has made notable strides in clean energy development. With the growing share of renewable energy in the national grid and the promotion of clean and efficient energy technologies, the country has recorded a significant 7 per cent reduction in the carbon emission intensity of grid electricity ' from 0.78 kg/KWh in 2014'15 to 0.72 kg/KWh ' according to data tabled in Parliament in August.

Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik, recently stated that India has already achieved its target of having 50 per cent of its installed electricity generation capacity from renewable sources ' a goal originally set for 2030.

'In its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in August 2022, India committed to achieving about 50 per cent of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. As of July 31, 2025, the share has reached 50.25 per cent,' the minister said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

He reiterated that India remains firmly committed to tackling climate change, while also ensuring energy security, affordability, and accessibility ' all critical priorities to support economic growth and development during the transition to a net-zero economy by 2070.

/IANS