PM Modi calls for evolving a consortium of 50 countries having abundant solar energy 

Feb 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for innovation and research to develop renewable energy like solar and wind power to provide affordable electricity to every household. Inaugurating the first Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet and Expo, Re-invest 2015 in New Delhi today, Mr Modi pitched for collaboration between the 50 nations with abundant solar power to develop technological solutions. He said, solar energy can be used to power irrigation pumps and increase crop productivity through micro irrigation. Mr Modi said, government wants to increase speed and at the same time, reach new heights of development in sectors including energy. Observing that India has now graduated from Megawatts to Gigawatts in terms of renewable energy production, the Prime Minister said that even today, there are lakhs of families in the country that are deprived of energy connectivity. He said, the fruits of development will not reach the common man until energy connectivity reaches every household. Mr Modi also called for developing domestic manufacturing of renewable energy equipment to create jobs as part of Make in India initiative. The Prime Minister said, conserving energy is the need of the hour as energy can be saviour of generations. He said, people's lifestyle have changed to such an extent that future generations' share of resources is being utilized. Mr Modi said, it is India who can show ways of protecting humankind from global warming to the world. Meanwhile, as part of the Investor Meet, 213, companies committed for setting up 266 gigawatt of renewable energy over the next five years. It includes state run NTPC who have committed 10,000 megawatt of renewable energy. The meet aims at evolving innovative financial models for funding and to ensure the partnership of states and the Centre in harnessing renewable energy. It will also be a platform to attract large scale investments for solar and wind power generation in India in short, medium and long-term. Our Correspondent reports, Reinvest 2015 will include several sessions headed by senior representatives from the renewable energy industry, equipment manufacturers, global financial institutions, Public Sector Enterprises, regulatory authorities, Central and state governments, research institutions and academia. Over 2500 delegates including exhibitors from 45 countries are attending the three day event.