Meeting of BRICS working group on Energy Saving & Energy Efficiency concludes

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The first meeting of BRICS Working Group on “Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency” in its meeting held in Vishakhapatnam (AP) on 4th & 5th July acknowledged the role of the energy saving and energy efficiency in ensuring sustainable economic development of the member countries, reaffirmed the importance and necessity of advancing cooperation in the field of energy saving, energy efficiency and developing energy efficient technologies. Senior delegates from Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and India attended the meeting as a follow up to the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding in Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency signed between BRICS Nations in the month of November 2015 in Moscow.

The joint statement capturing the deliberations reiterated the commitment of the Member countries to pursue cooperation in the field of energy saving and energy efficiency through joint research and technology projects; technology transfer; conferences, lectures and seminars; and exchange of experience and best practices.

During two day deliberations, the Working Group exchanged best practices amongst the Member countries in the field of energy efficiency, including the smart street light project in Vishakhapatnam, and suggested that BRICS member countries may explore the possibility of replicating the model. The Working Group also supported and encouraged   knowledge sharing on best available practices and best available technologies amongst BRICS countries.

The draft Action plan on development of Cooperation in Energy Saving & Energy Efficiency within BRICS as well as the draft terms of reference of the BRICS Working Group on Energy Saving and Improvement of Energy Efficiency was discussed which will be submitted for the approval by the BRICS Ministers of Energy and Energy Efficiency. The goals and objectives incorporated in the draft Action Plan are:

  1. a) To Implement the areas of cooperation between the BRICS countries as identified in the Memorandum of Understanding on energy saving and energy efficiency.
  2. b) To Prepare recommendations for the development of cooperation in the area of energy saving and improvement of energy efficiency for the BRICS Ministers of Energy.
  3. c) To Elaborate the work plan on development of cooperation in energy saving and energy efficiency within BRICS till 2020 and beyond.

The Working Group also suggested the broad elements of joint efforts in the field of scientific and technological research, Capacity building, sharing experiences, best practices and policies, Technology development, and promoting the use of energy efficient and energy saving methods and tools by business entities in BRICS countries, including initiatives  that may be financed through the BRICS Development Bank.

As a measure of the commitment to this cause, each BRICS Member country decided to appoint a focal point for interaction and coordination with other BRICS countries and to support the Working Group in deepening this cooperation.