India to collaborate with the Swiss in renewable energy sector

India and Switzerland have agreed to explore avenues to increase cooperation in the field of renewable energy

with the European country appearing keen to invest in the sector.

In an hour long meeting between Swiss Head of Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and

Communication Doris Leuthard and New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah here, the two sides agreed

to assist each other in meeting their renewable energy requirements.

"India and Switzerland have to make efforts to increase renewable energy use. We both are convinced that this

will be the future. We have to do that because it is good for climate and it is good to have jobs here," the

Swiss Minister told reporters after the meeting.

She said that India has better potential for a renewable energy resource. "There is a potential (as) India is a

sunny country. You have better starting potential than Switzerland," she said.

Asked about the issues she discussed with her Indian counterpart, Leuthard said, "We exchanged our views on how

we could cooperate and Swiss companies could invest here to give renewable energy a push."

Observing that India offers a good climate for investment, she said, "I think the climate of investment here is

good. I think the needs are here. I am very hopeful that by good cooperation with the Ministry, we can increase

the Swiss investment (here)."

Appreciating the advance made by it in renewable energy, Abdullah said Switzerland can help India in fields of

hydro-electricity and energy generation from waste material.

"In many areas of renewables they are much ahead. In hydro, we need them in a big way, because a number of our

old projects had their time and new machines have to be put in. They have technology in that area. We feel that

can be of great help to us," he said.

India has also sought Swiss assistance in managing the waste material for energy generation.

"We are requesting for their help to help us understand how we can generate from this colossal waste we have

from homes, factories and other places, which we can use to generate energy which the country needs," Abdullah

said.

On taking further the engagement in this areas, the Union Minister said, "We hope to send a team of officers

soon to Switzerland who will explore (the areas) where we can cooperate. I have requested their business people

to come in much bigger way so that we can develop together."

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