Germany seeks India’s partnership in renewable energy sector

Chennai:

As India is grappling with the protests over Koodankulam nuclear plant to ensure energy security, Germany is working out a plan to attain self-sufficiency in renewable energy and is seeking India’s cooperation.

Speaking to Express following one on one interaction here on Wednesday, Cord Meier-Klodt, Charge d’Affaires of German embassy said as Germany has set an ambitious target to give up nuclear power by 2022, there has been a lot of work going on renewable energy and we hope to harness 80 per cent of renewable energy by next decade.

His comments come in the wake of the state government expressing keenness on tapping solar energy and inviting investment in the energy sector. Meier-Klodt said that there could be plenty of cooperation between India and Germany in the field as Germany is planning to be leader in that particular area. Interestingly, a German solar delegation is also expected to visit the country soon.

To a query on Germany working with India on sharing of nuclear technology, he refused to comment.

On Euro crisis, the envoy said that this will be another difficult year for the country and with the joint effort of all those involved a solution will be found to overcome the crisis.

He however, refused comment on Tibet issue which had earlier cast aspersion over Germany-China ties.

He said Germany’s foreign policy is based on three pillars which includes political, economic and cultural identities and ‘Classic Incantations’, a five-city concert tour will boost cultural ties between the two countries. “Through this concert we are targeting upcoming young middle class,’ he added.

On the status of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between EU and India he said: “It is in a crucial stage. The contours of the FTA will be known next month during the EU Summit.”

He said the Intergovernmental Consultations that began last year between Germany and India is progressing well and there has been follow-up action in the fields of education, vocational training, environment and others.