The
first meeting of BRICS Working Group on “Energy Saving and Energy
Efficiency” in its meeting held in Vishakhapatnam (AP) on 4th
& 5th July acknowledged the role of the energy saving and energy
efficiency in ensuring sustainable economic development of the member countries,
reaffirmed the importance and necessity of advancing cooperation in the field
of energy saving, energy efficiency and developing energy efficient
technologies. Senior delegates from Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and
India attended the meeting as a follow up to the Memorandum of Mutual
Understanding in Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency signed between BRICS
Nations in the month of November 2015 in Moscow.
The
joint statement capturing the deliberations reiterated the commitment of the
Member countries to pursue cooperation in the field of energy saving and energy
efficiency through joint research and technology projects; technology transfer;
conferences, lectures and seminars; and exchange of experience and best practices.
During
two day deliberations, the Working Group exchanged best practices amongst the
Member countries in the field of energy efficiency, including the smart street
light project in Vishakhapatnam, and suggested that BRICS member countries may
explore the possibility of replicating the model. The Working Group also
supported and encouraged knowledge sharing on best available practices and
best available technologies amongst BRICS countries.
The draft Action plan on
development of Cooperation in Energy Saving & Energy Efficiency within
BRICS as well as the draft terms of reference of the BRICS Working Group on
Energy Saving and Improvement of Energy Efficiency was discussed
which will be submitted for the approval by the BRICS Ministers of Energy and
Energy Efficiency. The goals and objectives incorporated in the draft Action
Plan are:
a)
To Implement the areas of cooperation between
the BRICS countries as identified in the Memorandum of Understanding on energy
saving and energy efficiency.
b)
To Prepare recommendations for the development
of cooperation in the area of energy saving and improvement of energy
efficiency for the BRICS Ministers of Energy.
c)
To Elaborate the work plan on development of
cooperation in energy saving and energy efficiency within BRICS till 2020 and
beyond.
The
Working Group also suggested the broad elements of joint efforts in the field
of scientific and technological research, Capacity building, sharing
experiences, best practices and policies, Technology development, and promoting
the use of energy efficient and energy saving methods and tools by business
entities in BRICS countries, including initiatives that may be financed
through the BRICS Development Bank.
As
a measure of the commitment to this cause, each
BRICS Member country decided to appoint a focal point for interaction and
coordination with other BRICS countries and to support the Working Group in
deepening this cooperation.
.RM/PS