While India and the U.S. are at an impasse over the nuclear deal, they are expected to announce an agreement on reneweable energy when Prime Minister Modi and President Obama meet.
In an exclusive interaction with The Hindu , U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Biswal said India-U.S. ties were in for “transformational growth,” and identified solar energy and other clean energy initiatives as a key area. “Clean energy is a subject very close to President Obama’s heart and I know that India’s government has made this a priority too,” said Ms. Biswal.
The U.S. “welcomed” the government’s decision to allow an anti-dumping proposal on solar energy technology to lapse, which would let India import solar panels and technology more easily.
In early September, the Commerce Ministry agreed to revoke its earlier decision to levy a duty in the range of $0.11—0.81 per watt on solar cells imported from the U.S. and other countries. U.S. companies like First Solar, who have already entered the Indian market with solar modules, were among the companies demanding the change.
The proposed new agreement between New Delhi and Washington would also look at assisting wind power technology, where energy giant General Electric (GE) is the biggest player.
