PM Modi Inaugurates India Energy Week 2024 in Goa, Unveils Development Projects Worth Rs 1330 Crore

Goa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India Energy Week 2024 in Goa (being held from 6 to 9 February), marking a significant milestone in India’s energy transition journey. This event, the largest and only comprehensive energy exhibition and conference in India, aims to catalyse the nation’s efforts towards sustainable energy development. The Prime Minister also convened a roundtable discussion with global oil & gas CEOs and experts, fostering dialogue and collaboration in the energy sector.

Addressing the audience, Prime Minister Modi expressed his pleasure at hosting the event in the vibrant state of Goa, renowned for its hospitality and natural beauty. He emphasised the state’s role as an ideal venue for discussions on sustainability and environmental consciousness. Highlighting Goa’s burgeoning development, the Prime Minister welcomed foreign delegates to experience the state’s unique charm.

The Prime Minister underscored India’s robust economic growth, with GDP rates surpassing 7.5 percent in the first half of the fiscal year, positioning India as the fastest-growing economy globally. He cited projections by economic experts forecasting India’s ascent as the third-largest economy in the world, emphasising the significant role of the energy sector in this trajectory.

India’s significant position in the global energy landscape was emphasised by Prime Minister Modi, noting its status as a major energy consumer and importer. He outlined India’s ambitious plans to meet growing energy demands, including substantial investments in infrastructure and the expansion of renewable energy sources.

Highlighting India’s commitment to sustainability, Prime Minister Modi discussed initiatives such as the Global BioFuel Alliance, which fosters collaboration among governments, organisations, and industries worldwide. He underscored India’s progress in biofuel adoption, particularly in ethanol blending, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security.

The Prime Minister reiterated India’s focus on renewable energy, with notable achievements in solar energy capacity expansion. He announced ambitious missions, including the installation of solar rooftop panels in one crore homes, aimed at promoting self-reliance and clean energy adoption.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s role in promoting green hydrogen and encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to realise its potential. He emphasised the event’s significance as a platform for global cooperation and knowledge exchange in sustainable energy development.

The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Governor of Goa, P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Oil and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli.

Also, in a significant move towards bolstering infrastructure and welfare initiatives in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1330 crore under the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 program. The ceremony witnessed the Prime Minister’s active participation as he also undertook a walkthrough of the exhibition showcasing the projects.

The highlights of the day’s endeavours include the inauguration of the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology, Goa, marking a significant moment for educational advancement in the region. Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports, aimed at fostering the development of watersports and water rescue activities.

Among the cornerstone initiatives is the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Passenger Ropeway, an ambitious project set to enhance tourism connectivity between Panaji and Reis Magos. Complementing this, the inauguration of a 100 MLD Water Treatment Plant in South Goa further underscores the commitment to sustainable development in the state.

In addressing employment needs, Prime Minister Modi distributed appointment orders to 1930 new government recruits across various departments during the Rozgar Mela, while also providing sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, ensuring inclusive growth and empowerment at the grassroots level.

Reflecting on Goa’s cultural richness and historical significance, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the state’s crucial role in fostering peace and communal harmony. He underscored the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Goa, emphasising the importance of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” in achieving equitable progress.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the concept of ‘saturation’ as the cornerstone of true secularism and social justice, reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the full transfer of benefits to all segments of society.

In concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi called for collective efforts towards Goa’s rapid development, urging citizens to actively participate in the state’s progress. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Governor of Goa, P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shripad Yesso Naik, among others.