The UK and India have announced the creation of an offshore wind taskforce aimed at driving progress in India's offshore wind supply chains and financing models. This collaboration, revealed during the fourth UK-India Energy Dialogue, comes as both nations seek to accelerate their efforts in clean energy and decarbonisation.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who participated in the dialogue alongside India's Minister of Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, confirmed the creation of the taskforce, highlighting the importance of the partnership in the renewable energy sector. Both countries also shared an ambition for offshore wind development, supported by the UK government's UKPACT initiative, which is focused on grid transformation and supporting India's renewable energy rollout.
“Both our countries are determined to address the climate emergency to protect our way of life, while reaping the rewards of the industrial and economic opportunity of our time,” Miliband said in a statement.
In addition, the UK and India agreed to extend the bilateral Accelerating Smart Power and Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme. The programme aims to improve power supply reliability, accelerate industrial decarbonisation, and expand renewable energy in India.
The two nations' collaboration on climate change also builds on the 2024 Technology Security Initiative, which encourages the use of AI to enhance resilience and protects critical minerals needed for renewable technologies, such as wind turbines and batteries.
This announcement comes ahead of the anticipated Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiations between the UK and India later this month, which are expected to foster economic growth and facilitate the trade of renewable technologies.
Miliband also met with UK companies utilizing their expertise to aid India's transition to clean power, including offshore wind, solar, battery storage, and hydrogen. Among these are Venterra Group, a London-based offshore wind services company, and Sherwood Power, which has developed energy storage technology converting renewable energy into compressed air and heat.
India's rapid economic growth and its status as one of the world's largest emitters make collaboration on clean energy particularly crucial, the UK government said. As the world's fourth-largest global importer by 2035, India's role in global clean energy efforts is increasingly vital.
“We are standing up for the British people by fighting for investment into our country, and setting the example for all countries to play their part in protecting our planet for future generations,” Miliband added.
