Why in the News?
The 4th India-UK Energy Dialogue, chaired by the Union Minister of Power and the UK’s Energy Security Secretary, was recently held in New Delhi. The dignitaries launched Phase-2 of the ASPIRE programme to improve power supply, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
About the ASPIRE Programme
- The ASPIRE (Accelerating Smart Power and Renewable Energy in India) program was officially launched in November 2021 during the India-UK Energy for Growth Partnership.
- It focuses on renewable energy expansion, power distribution reforms, and energy efficiency improvements.
- The program is implemented in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Power (MoP), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Key Features of ASPIRE Phase-2:
- Round-the-Clock (RTC) Power Supply: Ensuring uninterrupted electricity with smart grid integration.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Scaling up solar, wind, and offshore wind projects with investment support.
- Industrial Energy Efficiency & Decarbonization: Reducing carbon emissions in key industries like steel, aluminum, and cement.
- Power Distribution & Market Reforms: Enhancing smart metering, grid resilience, and regulatory cooperation between CERC (India) and OFGEM (UK).
- Offshore Wind Development: Establishing a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce to boost supply chains & financing models.
- Electric Mobility & Green Data Centers: Expanding EV charging infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions.
