India
India is hiking their investment into renewable energy from its current $72 million to a handsome $145 million over the next five years. They are currently participating in what is called the Mission Innovation. A movement that holds countries accountable in terms of accelerating global clean energy. To see which countries have pledged their support for eliminating greenhouse gases, see the photo attached to the left of the article.
“Mission Innovation is the noblest mission which will help humanity. This has also touched the heart and soul of our Prime Minister. With super-efficient air conditioners, we can reduce the energy demand from 60 Giga Watts of energy to 40GW, a saving of 30 per cent. This translates to cost savings in consumer energy bills of $2.8 billion and GHG reductions of 20 million tons of C02 equivalent,” said Union Minister for Science and Technology Hars Vardhan.
The European Commission has even gotten involved in the project. European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said: “The European Commission is honored to be a part of Mission Innovation. scaling up clean energy innovation is key to the success of the European Energy Union and to the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It also represents a major global economic and industrial opportunity. Mission Innovation, therefore, coheres perfectly with our upcoming research, innovation and competitiveness strategy.”
Australia
In Australia, the Greens party has launched a clean energy policy that will see solar technology being fairly priced so consumers can access it. Their policy would ensure $192 million would be funded for installing photovoltaic cells in schools as a “right to solar” so that schools can be powered by renewable energy. The solar policy is being considered brave by some critics, in a situation where Australia is trying to lead the charge for solar expansion.
The Greens are also trying to prevent any fees or charges that the government would try to impose due to the usage of solar technology. Their policy guards homes and businesses from fees “likely to be imposed by electricity networks clawing back their diminishing revenues as our electricity system decentralises and consumers become empowered.”
The party is currently trying to move Australia into a country powered by 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Source: Mission Innovation / The Guardian