The second Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting (ETWG) under India’s G20 Presidency concluded successfully in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The two-day meeting witnessed participation of over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, 10 special invitee countries and 14 international organisations.
Building on the discussions from the first ETWG held in Bengaluru in February 2023, the member countries engaged in constructive discussions and deliberations focusing on key priority areas outlined under India’s Presidency. The proposed formation of Global Biofuels Alliance received wide-ranging support from member countries.
The other key point of discussion was low-cost financing for energy transition, where member countries discussed the important role of international financial structure including raising the ambitions of multilateral financial institutions and the importance of coordinating actions with the Sustainable Finance Working Group initiated under India’s G20 Presidency.
Member countries also reaffirmed their commitment to energy transition through addressing technology gaps, and there was broad consensus amongst members to align with other global organisations such as Clean Energy Ministerial, Mission Innovation and RD20 to achieve tangible outcomes. Protecting intellectual property rights in the context of technology transfer was also emphasised. It was also agreed to continue with a focus on deployment of clean mature technologies such as solar PV and offshore wind.
The event also featured an exhibition where India’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine truck was displayed. The second ETWG meeting ended on a note of collaboration and a commitment by member countries to advance the cause of global cooperation in the clean energy transition. The discussions during this meeting will be taken forward in the third ETWG meeting scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 15 to 17, 2023.
