Through this launch, the U.S. and India have reaffirmed their countries’ strong commitment to working collaboratively in bilateral and multilateral fora to help ensure mutual energy security, combat global climate change, and support the development of low-carbon economies that will create opportunities and fuel job growth in both countries.

In her address, Ambassador Powell said, “PACE-D will capitalize upon India’s vibrant technological base to strengthen energy security and address climate change, not just in India and the United States but also in other countries.   Together with the Government of India, we hope to capitalize on these partnerships and opportunities and take these experiences to other parts of the world.  Many other countries can benefit from India’s experience in moving towards a low carbon economy.”

PACE-D was an outcome of the bilateral Energy Dialogue and was created by President Obama and Prime Minister Singh in November 2009.  It is a five-year, $20 million program to improve energy efficiency, increase the supply of renewable energy, and adopt and accelerate deployment of cleaner fossil fuel technologies.

Jointly developed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indian Ministries of Power and New and Renewable Energy, and implemented by Nexant, Inc., a well-established provider of intelligent grid software and clean energy solutions, PACE-D will help India transition to a high performing, low emissions, and energy secure economy.  PACE-D will strengthen institutions, increase the availability of innovative financing mechanisms, and enhance local capacity to propagate clean energy solutions.

Working together with the Ministry of Power and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, PACE-D will bring to the marketplace clean, reliable, and affordable technologies that increase energy efficiency.  PACE-D will also work with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and engage various state and local governments to increase access to renewable energy and promote off-grid applications.