The U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) Ministerial meeting was recently convened in U.S. to review collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing energy security and promoting clean energy technologies.
Key Highlights of the SCEP Ministerial:
Progress and Developments:
- Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP): Launched in 2023 to develop actionable roadmaps for hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, offshore wind, and geothermal energy.
- National Centre for Hydrogen Safety: Established in India to enhance research and safety protocols related to hydrogen use.
- Energy Storage Task Force: Formed to address policy frameworks, safety, manufacturing, and supply chains related to energy storage solutions.
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Technical feasibility studies and pilot projects initiated in Assam and Haryana to evaluate and implement energy storage technologies.
- Pumped Storage Recognition: Acknowledged as a viable long-term energy storage solution.
Renewable Energy and Aviation
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Engagement on SAF includes workshops focused on R&D, market development, and certification processes.
- Smart Grid Developments: Progress in the US-India Collaborative for Smart Distribution System with Storage (UI-ASSIST) program–
- Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and India’s Department of Science and Technology.
- Bridges gaps between smart grid, storage, and renewable energy research.
- Smart Metering and Grid Modernization: Support for smart metering initiatives and enhancements in inverter-based resources to ensure reliable power supply.
Decarbonization Efforts
- Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): Engagements focused on developing geologic carbon storage technologies and regulatory frameworks.
- Methane Abatement: Progress noted in the oil and gas sector for methane reduction through technical cooperation.
- Transportation Electrification: Collaboration on electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including the deployment of electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa scheme.
- Investment and Commercial Partnerships: Increased investment in clean energy markets, including a notable investment in solar manufacturing in Texas.
- Importance of Clean Energy Transition:
- Enhances energy security and supports the shift to renewable energy sources, reducing air pollutants and improving air quality.
- Aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically-
- SDG 7: Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
About the U.S.-India SCEP:
- Established in: 2021
- Focus Areas:
- Advancing energy security
- Scaling up clean energy technologies
- Promoting electrification and decarbonization.
- Aligned with the U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership.
- The partnership focuses on 5 core pillars:
- Power and Energy Efficiency
- Responsible Oil and Gas
- Renewable Energy
- Emerging Fuels and Technologies
- Sustainable Growth
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)?
The SCEP is a collaboration aimed at enhancing energy security and advancing clean energy technologies between the U.S. and India.
What is the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP)?
RETAP, launched in 2023, develops roadmaps for technologies like hydrogen, long-duration storage, offshore wind, and geothermal energy.
What are the key focus areas of the SCEP?
The SCEP focuses on power efficiency, responsible oil and gas, renewable energy, emerging fuels, and sustainable growth.
What role does the National Centre for Hydrogen Safety play in India?
It focuses on research and safety protocols for the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
What is the significance of smart grid development in the U.S.-India collaboration?
The UI-ASSIST program bridges gaps between smart grids, energy storage, and renewable energy for efficient energy distribution.