Page 13 - The Indian EYE 121021

OpINION DECEMBER 10, 2021 | The Indian Eye 13

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (L) along with Sujan R. Chinoy (R), Director General, uS President Joe Biden opens a virtual summit
Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses at the inauguration of 100 KW with the Chinese President Xi Jinping from White House in Washington.
Grid connected rooftop solar power plant, in New Delhi on Monday (ANI) (ANI/ White House)

and the One Sun One World One be directed towards drafting laws for
Grid–Green Grids Initiative (OS- technological standardization. This in
OWOG-GGI) with the UK in 2021. turn, will effectively secure market ac-
If passed, the proposed legis- cess and protect against arbitrary im-
lation will deepen US involvement position of technical standards. Last-
in India’s renewable energy sector. ly, with more advancements in green
Similarly, towards the East Asian technology, India can extend civilian
and Southeast Asia, countries eager partnerships to explore military usage
to cut down reliance on China and of renewable energy. In that context,
diversify energy import options have India using the QUAD platform can
partnered with India. For example, promote joint harnessing of solar and
Japan’s International Cooperation ocean energy to fuel naval operations
Agency (JICA) lent around 4,400 in the high seas. In addition, further
crores to Indian banks and financial joint military exercises using solar and
institutions over a period of 10 years wind energy to support combat oper-
to create renewable energy capaci- ations can be held with South Asian
ty. Taiwan, on the other hand, is in and Southeast Asian countries.
talks with India over building a chip In conclusion, it can be said that
manufacturing plant that would sup- due to intensifying calls for energy
ply electric vehicles to India, and In- transition towards renewables, the
dia–ASEAN countries are actively green energy sector is likely to become
discussing ways to complement each an arena of more intense competition.
other’s renewable energy policies and China’s dominance in the renewable
mutually address the energy needs. energy industry is a grave reality.
These recent developments offer Accordingly, New Delhi will have to
considerable opportunities for India evaluate its strengths and chalk out a
to expand its renewable energy sec- A memorial has been built at the unit level near the KM-120 post on the strategic road careful strategy to manage the increas-
tor. It already ranks as the fifth largest Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie, Ladakh, for the 20 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in action ing renewable energy competition.
producer of renewable energy. Con-
sequently, the financial support from against the Chinese Army in Galwan Valley (ANI) Mayuri Banerjee is Research Analyst,
the US, UK, EU and Japan will en- East Asia Centre at Manohar Parrikar
able India to enhance its power gen- Another potential area of coop- a major positive outcome for India as Institute for Defense Studies and Analy-
eration capacity by developing critical eration is rare-earth mineral explo- technology transfer relating to rare ses, New Delhi
areas like clean energy technology in- ration. Reportedly, New Delhi and earth mineral refining will allow India Views expressed are of the author and
novation, improving countrywide grid other QUAD members are contem- to utilize its own resources and reduce do not necessarily reflect the views of
connectivity, transmission and ener- plating building a rare-earth procure- dependence on China efficiently. Si- the Manohar Parrikar IDSA or of the
gy storage capacity. Moreover, with ment supply chain to counter China’s multaneously, India’s leadership sta- Government of India.
multilateral initiatives like ISA and dominance in supply of these crucial tus in renewable energy production
OSWOG-GGI, it will be easier for minerals. It is noteworthy that India can be utilized by New Delhi to join This is the abridged version of the article
New Delhi to cut through the emerg- currently holds 6 per cent of known efforts to create a more level playing which appeared first in the Comment
ing China-centered regional energy rare-earth mineral reserves but ac- field for green technology companies. section of the website (www.idsa.in) of
integration and build a global energy counts for only 1 per cent of rare-earth As the global renewable energy Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense
congregation including trade partners mineral production. Therefore, such industry is slowly taking shape, India’s Studies and Analyses, New Delhi on
from Asia, Africa and Europe. collaboration, if materialized, will be leadership and diplomatic clout can December 1, 2021

www.TheIndianEYE.com