Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has delivered the 2025 Australia India Institute Annual Oration at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, highlighting the deepening collaboration between the two nations in clean energy, climate action, and technology.
Minister Bowen’s address comes at a defining moment in the global shift towards renewable energy, following the launch of the elevated India–Australia Renewable Energy Partnership by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Narendra Modi in November 2024.
“The India–Australia Renewable Energy Partnership provides more opportunities to unlock new supply chains to support our transitions and create new prosperity for our peoples,” Minister Bowen said.
“Both Australia and India understand the need to work together on tackling the climate challenge and are ready to seize the energy transformation opportunity before us.”
He described the partnership as being in the “top rank” of Australia’s international energy agreements, noting both countries’ shared ambitions to achieve net zero emissions and drive global climate action.
Bowen’s speech underscored the complementary strengths of Australia and India — Australia’s expertise in clean energy innovation, education and research, and India’s prowess in technology and digital industries. He highlighted joint initiatives in solar and green hydrogen, including the establishment of the Australia–India Rooftop Solar Training Academy at Pandit Deendayal Energy University in Gujarat, aimed at training India’s next generation of solar technicians.
On hydrogen, Bowen said both countries were developing critical capabilities to decarbonise heavy industries such as steel and aluminium, with Australia investing billions of dollars to build a green hydrogen export industry that could support India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
He also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to host COP31 in partnership with Pacific Island nations, expressing hope to collaborate closely with India should it succeed in its bid to host COP33.
Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh said Bowen’s oration reflected the growing significance of the bilateral climate partnership.
“Minister Bowen’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between our nations highlights the vast opportunities for Australia and India to collaborate on our shared journey towards net zero.”
Now in its ninth year, the Annual Oration brings together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and business leaders to advance strategic dialogue and people-to-people ties. Previous speakers have included Education Minister Jason Clare, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, and Indian MP Dr Shashi Tharoor.
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