French-aided solar park likely

May 24, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:49 am IST - PUDUCHERRY:

French Ambassador Francois Richier speaking at a conference in Puducherry.— Photo: T. Singaravelou

French Ambassador Francois Richier speaking at a conference in Puducherry.— Photo: T. Singaravelou

With considerable French investment in India in the area of solar energy, Puducherry could also figure among places where French companies set up solar parks, said French Ambassador to India, François Richier at a conference on climate change held on Friday.

Organised by the Alliance Francaise in Puducherry, the conference, ‘Tackling Climate change for greener growth: global endeavour, local solutions’, was aimed at outlining the main objectives of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP21 which will be held in Paris in December. It saw the participation of experts from the French Agency for Development (Agence Française de Développement or AFD), French Institute of Pondicherry and NGO PondyCAN.

Addressing the challenge of climate must not be seen as a ‘fight between pro-development and pro-environment’, said Mr. Richier. He elaborated on the scope for innovation and green technologies which aided growth.

Renewable sources

Puducherry and Tamil Nadu have potential for renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy with its climatic conditions, said Mr. Richier.

With regard to Puducherry, there are issues of sustainability of water resources and climate change affecting tourism, he added.

Aude Flogny, Regional Director for South Asia, AFD, said the agency’s portfolio of projects worth 1 billion euros combines development objectives while addressing climate change. She underlined the need for sustainable development through a film on the agency’s work in India. Maxime Rejou, researcher at the French Institute of Pondicherry spoke about new technologies in forest carbon monitoring, while Probir Banerjee from PondyCAN spoke about the need for interconnectedness and cooperation between government, civil society and agencies in preparing a roadmap to address environmental issues.

He gave the example of the success of the pilot project involving 25 villages in and around Puducherry in coastal protection. Industrialist Meenakshi Kumar gave the perspective from the point of view of Small and Medium Enterprises.

He called for the creation of a facilitation agency which can educate SMEs on responsibilities in waste management and reducing carbon emission.

He also called for funding and transfer of technology know-how in energy efficiency and green energy.

‘Puducherry has potential for renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy’

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