Energy cooperation is a central element of the U.S.-India strategic partnership. President Obama and Prime Minister Singh launched the U.S.-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) in November 2009 to accelerate the transition to high performing, low emissions, and energy secure economies. 

Since its inception, PACE has mobilized significant resources from both governments and the private sector to promote clean energy scale-up and low-carbon growth.

Structure of Cooperation

Working under auspices of the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue, PACE engages a diverse array of U.S. and Indian government agencies. On the U.S. Government side, supporting agencies include the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Export-Import Bank, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Geological Survey and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

PACE has two primary and interlinked components: clean energy research (PACE-R) and clean energy deployment (PACE-D).

PACE-Research

Under PACE-R, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and India’s Planning Commission established a Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC) in November 2010 designed to promote clean energy innovation by consortia of scientists and engineers from India and the United States.

In May 2011, DOE and the Government of India each made $25 million available (over five years, subject to appropriations) under a joint solicitation for R&D proposals by consortia in the initial priority areas of solar energy, buildings efficiency, and second generation biofuels.

The U.S. and Indian prime awardees were announced in April 2012 following an extensive merit-review process. Consortia members have pledged an additional $75 million in matching private funds, for a combined funding total of more than $125 million to launch R&D cooperation under JCERDC.

DOE’s Office of Policy and International Affairs and the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum are serving as the Secretariat for JCERDC.

PACE-Deployment (PACE-D)

PACE-D is designed to tackle multiple clean energy deployment opportunities, including: energy efficiency and distribution reform; scaling renewable energy, cleaner fossil technology and management; clean energy planning; and engaging the private sector and mobilizing investment.

Significant Progress, Significant Opportunities

Building on a strong legacy of bilateral collaboration, PACE has already achieved some important successes, including the launch of the potentially transformational joint research effort under JCERDC. Yet significant opportunities still remain, and both countries will continue to work hard in the months and years ahead to continue the shared pursuit of a clean energy future.