Two-day conference brings together key players and decision makers to focus on introducing a policy package for the growth of the solar energy sector in India

World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE), a not-for-profit body located in Pune, inaugurated its first bi-annual two-day event ‘Solar India 2007’ today at the NIMHANS Convention Center, Bangalore. Dr. Hermann Scheer, world renowned policy innovator & General Chairman of the World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) and V Subramanian, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt. of India were present for the inauguration. ‘Solar India 2007’ is the first-ever platform for charting the way forward for solar energy development in India. It covers all aspects of solar energy, including emerging technologies, challenges and opportunities, new applications for solar energy and most importantly, policy initiatives and formation of a working committee for implementation of a new policy package for solar energy development in the country.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the event, Dr. Hermann Scheer said, “In the last 40 years, our energy consumption has increased twice as compared to the consumption that occurred in the entire history of civilisation. The amount of energy we receive from the sun in 15 minutes equals the annual fossil and nuclear fuel consumption globally. Scientists all over the world are developing more efficient technology to harness solar energy. However, only a strong policy for this sector can enable us to leverage this technology in the right direction.

Energy crisis is the most important challenge for developing countries. It is imperative that we convert the macro economic benefits to micro economic incentives through a favorable policy.”