The 10th edition of the India Energy Storage Week (IESW), organised by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside HE Philip Green OAM, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, and HE May-Elin Steiner, Ambassador of Norway. The ceremony marked the beginning of a week dedicated to advancing India's adoption of energy storage, e-mobility, green hydrogen, and other clean technologies, in line with the country’s Net Zero Goal.
The inaugural session saw the presence of prominent policymakers and industry leaders including Sudhendu J Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity & E-Mobility) at NITI Aayog, Vishal Kapoor, CEO of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Dr Reji Mathai, Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive V.P. (Corporate Affairs & Governance) at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Rubin Pather, Chief Operating Officer of Reliance Jio-BP, Swadesh Srivastava, Head of Emerging Mobility Business Unit at Hero MotoCorp, Stephen Fernands, President of Customized Energy Solutions, Dr Rahul Walawalkar, President & MD of CES India and President of IESA, and Debi Prasad Dash, Executive Director of IESA.
The event features emerging and futuristic solutions from leading companies such as Hero MotoCorp, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Jio-BP Mobility Ltd, and Mahindra Last Mile Mobility.
Sunil Barthwal highlighted the vast potential for investment in India's EV ecosystem. 'India is producing 21 million cars annually, and while EV manufacturing may seem small in percentage terms, the requirement for a comprehensive ecosystem is significant. This transition opens up immense opportunities for global investors to participate in manufacturing EVs, batteries, and charging infrastructure. The Indian government is committed to creating a conducive environment for these investments, with potential exceeding $500 million.'
Vikram Gulati of Toyota Kirloskar Motor mentioned the impending demand for transportation as India's economy grows. 'By 2037, India could be a $35 trillion economy with substantial demand for road transportation. The government has laid a robust foundation for an EV ecosystem, and it's crucial for industry stakeholders to contribute actively. At Toyota, we have invested in e-drive plants and are committed to sustainable practices, including achieving 100% renewable energy use for our plant.'
HE Philip Green OAM highlighted the importance of the green energy sector in the Australia-India bilateral relationship. 'The green energy supply sector is pivotal for our bilateral ties. Australia's expertise in rooftop solar energy can significantly contribute to India's energy goals. The strong presence of 41 Australian firms at IESW 2024 reflects our commitment to this partnership.'
Dr Rahul Walawalkar, President & MD of CES India and President of IESA, added 'Today's sessions covered the growth of EVs, the requisite charging infrastructure, and opportunities in EV powertrain and component manufacturing. The India EV Day featured significant events including MOU signings, product launches, technology sessions, and the prestigious IESA Industry Excellence Awards ceremony.'
The IESW 2024 aims to foster collaboration and innovation, paving the way for a sustainable and energy-efficient future for India. As the event progresses, it promises to showcase technologies and facilitate discussions that will drive the country's clean energy transition.
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