Sweden and India Launch A Multi-Million Dollar Programme on Smart Grids

Sweden and India have launched a joint funding programme under which the best of Swedish and Indian innovators can forge partnerships and develop Smart Grid solutions that will benefit both sides to help integrate the increasing amounts of renewable energy.

The India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research & Development Programme is co-funded by Indian Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Swedish Energy Agency.

The programme aims to bring together companies, research organisations, academics and other collaborators from both countries for the joint development of innovative products or processes.

The project should aim to develop technologies that can be commercialized after two years through cooperation between India and Sweden.

The Swedish Energy Agency has committed US$2.6 million over four years for research and innovation collaboration in the area of smart grids with India. DST will also fund a matching investment of Rs 18 crore for the support of Indian partners.

“With India raising its ambition for renewable energy manifold, research, development and innovation, the area of Smart Grids assume high priority as the essential enabler. High research development and innovation investments, especially in partnership and collaborations, can accelerate Smart Grid technologies development in the near future. Sharing the common vision on sustainability, Sweden and India are adding one more collaborative Programme to their already vibrant partnership portfolio,” said DST Secretary Prof Ashutosh Sharma.

Speaking about the new programme from Stockholm, Swedish Energy Agency Director General Dr Robert Andren said, “Regardless of the differences between our countries, we share the objectives of a sustainable society and future. A sustainable energy supply is a prerequisite for all societies, and therefore we need modern power infrastructures that allow highly increased amounts of renewable energy. Another common challenge we share is the transformation into a fossil-free transport sector. These are just two examples of areas where India and Sweden can benefit from concrete co-creation and sharing experiences from each other.”

“India is a highly valued partner to Sweden and the fastest rising research and innovation power in the world. The Sweden and India joint Programme will assure that the best of Swedish and Indian innovators can forge partnerships and develop solutions that will benefit both sides,” said Sweden’s ambassador to India Klas Molin.

Source: PVMagzine

Image Courtesy: World Bank Group