India has come a long way in its renewable energy commitment, so much so that the Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the Gandhi Solar Park at the UN headquarters recently. The Park is made to mark the “Gandhinian” principles and celebrating his 150th birth anniversary. The inauguration by PM Modi also signifies India’s leadership in renewable energy globally.

The Solar Park comprises 193 solar panels, each representing a member of the multilateral body, at the UN headquarters. It is a 50 kWh rooftop solar park and was built at a cost of $1 million. The annual output from this park is estimated at more than 86,000 kWh which is equivalent to removing 61 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, more than 30,000 kg of coal burned and carbon sequestered from 1,008 tree seedlings grown for a decade.

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The fact that the Indian Prime Minister did this honorable job connotes the importance of India in the global climate change platform. The Gandhi Solar Park at the UN headquarters also symbolizes the changing perception of India globally. There has been a paradigm shift in India’s position in the UN climate talks over the past five years and the country is rapidly moving ahead of other countries when it comes to its renewable energy commitments. India has pledged for a 33-35% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after China and the US. India has set the target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022.

“Never has there been a symbolic Indian effort at the UN of a tangible nature, which impacts every country. The UN always talks about renewable energy, it always talks about climate action, climate change. By this small effort, we show our willingness to go beyond the talk,” said India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin.

Source: Hindustan Times