U.K., India sign energy and climate agreement

The U.K. Department of Energy Building
The U.K. Department of Energy Building | Courtesy of Gov.UK
An agreement has been reached between the U.K. and India during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country, they announced on Thursday.

Both countries have agreed to a package of approximately $3.5 billion that consists of joint research programs, technology sharing initiatives and commercial agreements that aim to facilitate energy security, access and economic growth.

Through this agreement, both governments will be supporting research and eventual deployment of clean forms of energy including nuclear generation and renewables.

“The U.K. and India’s partnership on energy is going from strength to strength,” U.K. Energy Climate Change Secretary Amber Rudd said. “We share world-class expertise in research and innovation. The U.K.’s experience in green finance and technology in particular makes us well-placed to work together to promote secure, affordable and sustainable supplies of energy and address climate change. The upcoming talks in Paris will be a crucial moment in the fight against climate change, and I am pleased to be able to work closely with India to ensure that the deal we secure helps to keep the below two degree limit on global warming within reach.”

According to the announcement, the completion of the negotiations of the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and a memorandum of understanding that would enhance nuclear collaboration between the U.K. and India has been welcomed by both heads of state.