India can use Australian expertise in rooftop solar: Goyal

The union minister of state for new and renewable energy, Piyush Goyal, has emphasized the need for technology transfer for efficient expansion of renewable power in India. Speaking at a round table on renewable energy challenges for grid integration at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia, Goyal said India can use Australian expertise in rooftop solar as almost a third of Australian homes in some states are using rooftop solar. Additionally, Australian expertise in scheduling and forecasting solar generation to enable grid integration would be welcomed by Indian companies. Goyal also advocated for utilizing Australian technologies for efficient renewable power and grid integration in India and technology transfer through strong educational and research collaboration between Australian (e.g. UNSW) and Indian organizations (like National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). He stressed the need for Australian technology to be affordable. It is crucial for the prices of renewable energy to be comparable to coal based thermal power to be viable in India. He said that India is interested in benefitting farmers through usage of solar technologies to optimize gas usage for fertilizer production and recycling processes for rice husk technologies. The Minister also highlighted that in view of land availability challenges in India; renewable technologies which reduces land requirement would be welcome. He further said that cost challenges can be met through ‘Make in India’. This will help in achieving the ideal combination of Indian manpower and Australian innovation.