“The world knows that India is the best bet in the 21st Century,” PM Modi said at the expo, held at Mahatma Mandir, showcased contributions from public and private sectors, state governments, and start-ups.”During his earlier visit, the then US president Barack Obama asked whether we face the pressure to achieve targets. I had responded that ‘This is Modi. And the only pressure I feel is of the future generation that is not even born yet.’ I am working for the next generation.”
Praising the efforts of Gujarat govt, PM Modi said, “Gujarat is that state that started the first solar power policy in India. We created among the earliest climate change department. Gujarat was already installing solar power plants where there were just talks about the solar power elsewhere.”
“Mahatma Gandhi was leading minimum carbon footprint life. He had said that the resources are adequate to meet our need, but not our greed. His vision has stemmed from India’s great history. Net zero is not a fancy word for us, it is India’s need and commitment. It is commitment of every state,” he added.
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and Union minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi were also present with PM Modi at the event.
The main goal of the exhibition was to create networking opportunities through a B2B digital platform for business-to-business (B2B), business-to-government (B2G), and government-to-government (G2G) interactions. This year’s industry partner is the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The main theme of the event is Mission 500 GW, emphasizing India’s goal to expand its renewable energy capacity by 2030. Currently, India is the 4th largest country in installed renewable energy capacity.
International partners include Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Norway. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh are also among the participate.
The conference will feature 44 sessions, including a chief ministerial plenary, a CEO roundtable and discussions on renewable energy innovations. Special sessions will discuss the role of women in energy transitions and provide a platform for start-ups, including pitches by the ten winners of the Solar X Challenge.
The inaugural RE-INVEST event was held in February 2015 in New Delhi, followed by editions in October 2018 in Delhi NCR, and a virtual edition in November 2020.
PM interacts with rooftop solar unit scheme beneficiaries
PM Modi also interacted with beneficiaries of the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijlee Yojna’ scheme in Gandhinagar. The scheme, launched on February 29, aims to increase solar rooftop capacity and empower households to generate their own electricity. A subsidy covers 60% of the cost for systems up to 2kW capacity and 40% for systems between 2 to 3kW capacity. The PM spent 20 minutes at the residential complex.
Later, PM Modi will officially open the fourth Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024), featuring nearly 40 sessions, including a Chief Ministerial Plenary and a CEO Roundtable.
PM Modi chairs meeting at Shree Somnath Trust
In another event, PM Modi chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust in Gandhinagar. The trust manages the famous Somnath Temple. According to a PIB release, the meeting took stock of developmental works by the Trust. On social media, PM Modi said, “We took stock of ways to enhance the experience for pilgrims and further improve the various facilities.”