Commonwealth nations to review energy transition progress

and the falling cost ofrenewable energy technologies.

Image Credit: IANS

Energy access is essential for sustainable development, with nearly 774 million people across the world still without access to electricity. More than half of them live in Commonwealth countries. Globally, nations are working to pivot towards low-carbon energy systems, in response to climate change, energy security needs

Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, Patricia Scotland KC, highlighted the importance of the upcoming discussions, stating: "Commonwealth countries are working together to fast-track an inclusive, just, and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems through the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Agenda. A number of milestones and new initiatives will be announced at the event. These will be implemented under the CSET Agenda -- a platform for all member countries to work together to accelerate the global transition to clean energy through collective action, knowledge sharing and technical support.

The Sustainable Energy Forum is also seen as an opportunity to discuss the road to the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, to be held in Dubai in November.

In particular, the event will have a strong intergenerational approach, recognising that young people are essential stakeholders in creating the solutions for the energy transition.

The Forum will meet over three days: The day one focuses on global developments in the transition to cleaner energy; the day two will be a closed-door plenary for member country delegates, including dedicated sessions focusing on youth action; and the day three will consider both public and private financing solutions.

The countdown for the July 14 afternoon launch of India’s third shot at the moonChandrayaan-3- will begin at 1.05 p.m. on Thursday, said a senior official of the Indian space agency.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will be carried by India's heavy lift rocket the 642 ton LVM3.The rocket has an impeccable record of six consecutive successful.

The Indian space agency said, the moon mission is divided into three phases – the earth centric phase (Pre-Launch, Launch and Ascent and Earth-bound

Manoeuvre), the Lunar Transfer Phase (Transfer Trajectory) and the Moon Centric Phase (Lunar Orbit Insertion Phase, Moon-bound Manoeuvre Phase, Propulsion Module and Lunar Module Separation, De-boost Phase, Pre-landing Phase, Landing Phase, Normal Phase for Lander and Rover, Moon Centric Normal Orbit Phase (100 km circular orbit) for Propulsion Module).

The Friday moon mission is a follow up of the failed Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019 when the lander named Vikram crashed on to the moon surface.

Solar boats in Ayodhya, Varanasi soon

The Uttar Pradesh government has plans to make tourist spots in the state pollution-free and promote water transport and tourism by operating solarpowered boats in its rivers, lakes, and ponds.

To operate the boats, the state’s tourism development corporation has signed an MoU with the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA).

Uttar Pradesh Minister for Urban Development A. K. Sharma said, “The government is promoting use of such sources of power that reduce carbon emission. Solar power is one such source. The country is also moving ahead in the use of hydrogen, green hydrogen and wind energy and such alternatives will reduce dependence on thermal and hydro power.” The UP government envisions to develop Ayodhya and Varanasi as solar cities, and this will help in creating pollution free atmosphere for tourists. The solar boats are expected to further boost tourism to the state along with encouraging the fishermen community to make their boats solar powered.

“To start as a pilot project, three solar powered boats will be operated--one in Varanasi and two in Ayodhya. The solar boats will have 30 seats and will have maximum speed of 15 km per hour. Each boat will cost Rs 1.05 crore and subsequently 17 more such boats will be introduced. In times to come, all the Nagar Nigams will have such boats,” Sharma added.