ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/13/2001 10 September 2001
Australia and India collaborate to tackle climate change
India and Australia will be exploring opportunities to jointly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a workshop, which is being held in New Delhi from 11-12 September.
The workshop will be opened by the Indian Minister for Power, the Hon. Shri Suresh Prabhu, and the Australian High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Mr Robert Laurie AM.
"This workshop is an excellent opportunity to expand our bilateral relationship on climate change issues into the realm of business-to-business activities," said Mr. Laurie.
The workshop is being organised by the Australian Government's International Greenhouse Partnerships Office in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Tata Energy Research Institute.
The workshop, which will be attended by government and industry representatives from both countries, will examine a range of potential project opportunities to reduce the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Projects being considered at the workshop include the use of solar and biomass energy, options for improving the efficiency with which energy is used in industry, transport and buildings, and the establishment of forestry plantations.
Earlier this year, Australia and India reached agreement to establish a pilot project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project involves the use of Australian-developed solar power supply systems and is being implemented by the Australian company, Advanced Energy Systems, in collaboration with the World Renewal Spiritual Trust of India.
Under the Climate Change Convention's Kyoto Protocol, there is provision for countries such as India and Australia to undertake collaborative projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Development Mechanism.
The Clean Development Mechanism has the potential to deliver mutual benefits to the project participants from both countries. For India, it could assist in attracting foreign investment, the transfer of environmentally sound technology and assist the country to attain its sustainable development goals.
Australia has developed a wide range of innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several of these developments will be outlined in presentations delivered by Australian companies attending the workshop.
The workshop will also provide an opportunity to examine and discuss technical issues relating to the Clean Development Mechanism rules.
For further information, please contact Ms Julie-Ann Guivarra at the Australian High Commission on telephone 688 8223, ext. 196