Utah-Rajasthan Energy Partnership Dialogue

Memo: Rajasthan – Utah Energy Partnership Dialogue

The U.S.-India State and Urban Initiative, led by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), is pleased to announce a partnership between the Utah Governor's Office of Energy Development and the Energy Department of the state of Rajasthan. On August 26, the two states held a dialogue focused on emergent energy challenges and opportunities. State officials created a framework to bolster energy policy best practices sharing and support the development of the energy sector in both states.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Rajasthan’s principal secretary of energy. As the lead representative of the Rajasthan government, Mr. Gangwar stated that “while it is uncommon for states to forge these kinds of alliances, we are taking the leap in the spirit of collaboration and an understanding that as we navigate our energy transition, we can learn from and inform potential partners around the world.” 
 
The discussion focused on challenges and opportunities for collaboration between the two states, including renewable energy integration, power plant flexibility, transmission and distribution sector issues, energy storage, and electric mobility. Representatives of key private sector energy industries from Rajasthan were also present in the dialogue. 
 
Dr. Laura Nelson, energy advisor to the governor of Utah and the executive director of the Utah Governor's Office of Energy Development led the Utah delegation. In her concluding remarks to local press she explained, that “over the last four years, Utah has experienced a 150 percent growth in renewable energy in advancing affordable, reliable and clean power options for its thriving economy and high quality of life.  Given our states' shared interests in strengthening the grid while integrating new energy resources, our similar arid landscapes, and our unparalleled rich and diverse energy resources, there is much we can learn from, and partner on, creating a bright energy future for all." 
 
The dialogue concluded with the signing of the Utah-Rajasthan Energy Cooperation Agreement to: 1) advance state-level policy exchange around areas of utility and private sector markets to strengthen grid resilience through the integration of diverse renewable sources and technologies; 2) drive collaborative pathways for leading research institutions and organizations in Utah and Rajasthan to share emerging knowledge of innovative energy solutions; and 3) to develop direct ties between Utah and Rajasthan government agencies and private sector energy companies for creating new grid and off-grid energy availability and resilience through renewable energy, storage options, clean energy solutions, and transportation electrification.

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Rajasthan-Utah Energy Partnership Dialogue
 

Schedule of Programme of Policy Dialogue and MOU signing

9:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Monday, August 26^th
Location: Vidyut Bhawan, Jaipur, Rajasthan

9:45AM	Arrival of Delegation (Meet and Greet)
10:00AM	Framing Remarks Dr. Kartikeya Singh, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)
10:10AM	Welcome Address Shri. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Principal Secretary for Energy, Government of Rajasthan
10:15AM	Address Dr. Laura Nelson, Executive Director, Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development
10:20AM	Introduction of Policy Dialogue Members from Dr. Kartikeya Singh, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, CSIS
10:30AM	Policy Dialogue Managing Energy Partnerships of the Future: Policy challenges and opportunities Moderators Shri. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Principal Secretary for Energy, Government of Rajasthan Dr. Laura Nelson, Executive Director, Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development Presentations and discussion: •    State of Energy Sector of Rajasthan (Shri Naresh Gangwar) Focus on challenges and opportunities for collaboration including renewable energy integration, power plant flexibility, scheduling and forecasting, transmission sector issues, energy storage, electric mobility, and waste to energy.   •    State of Energy Sector in Utah (Dr. Laura Nelson and Commissioner Thad LeVar) Focus on innovative policies and institution design to deal with energy sector issues in Utah including electric mobility, renewable energy integration, power plant flexibility, etc.   Key Participants (USA) Dr. Laura Nelson, Executive Director, Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development Mr. Thad Levar, Commission Chair, Public Service Commission Mr. Pete Broadbent, Economic Officer, North India Office, Embassy of the United States of America, New Delhi Ms. Afeena Ashfaque, Program Coordinator, Wadhwani Chair, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) Key Rajasthan State Officials Shri. Ajitabh Sharma, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajasthan, Government of India Shri. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Principal Secretary for Energy, Government of Rajasthan Shri. Pallakonda Ramesh, Chairman and Managing Director, RVUNL Shri. Anil K. Gupta, Managing Director, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd. Technical Officers from various energy departments (TBD)
12:30PM	MOU SIGNING CEREMONY between Government of Utah and Rajasthan State
1:00-2:00PM	Closing

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