New Delhi: BRICS nations today adopted a communique that committed to modernise energy systems to increase the role of renewables.
The Ministers of Energy and Heads of Delegations of the Federal Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa had virtually met at the Sixth Meeting of the BRICS Energy Ministers under the Presidency of the Republic of India today.
Acknowledging the crucial role of energy in promoting social and economic development, as well as environmental protection, the BRICS ministers, while recognizing that the energy transition of each country is unique according to national circumstances, underscored the prime importance of securing universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7.
“In this regard, we commit to modernise national energy systems, increase the role of clean energy including renewables and continue to pursue the efficient use of allfuels and advanced technologies to satisfy the energy needs of our populations and economies and promote universal access to energy and eradication of energy poverty,” they stated.
The energy ministers further acknowledged that in the difficult times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, electricity security and resilient energy systems were more indispensable than ever for providing uninterrupted supply of energy. Moeover, they said they “fully” recognized the relationship between energy and climate and the importance of lowering GHG emissions for mitigation as well as the need for adaptation of the energy sector to climate change as envisaged in the Paris Agreement.
“We agree for pragmatic, equitable and economically viable approach towards reaching energy and climate goals including Paris Agreement temperature goals through building cleaner sustainable low-GHG emission energy systems in accordance with national priorities. We note with concern the appearance, in the context of response to climate change discussions, of mechanisms or policies which could negatively affect particular energy industries and hamper modernization of energy sector. We acknowledge the need to remove barriers and facilitate trade and investments in global energy markets,” they stated
According high value to intra-BRICS cooperation in the field of energy, they said they will continue to work to reinforce and deepen collaborative actions in the area in line with the agreed Road map through strengthening BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP) and other means and mechanisms as appropriate. “We will strive to improve the conditions for investment in energy sector, while paying special attention to project preparation and financing,” they said.
– global bihari bureau
