Powering Cities in the Global South: Recommendations for Sustainable Energy Handed Over to Government Officials in Kerala for Action

The conference titled 'Powering Cities in the Global South: How Energy Access for All Benefits the Economy and the Environment' was held in Kochi, India on October 31st and November 1st, 2022. The primary objective of the conference was to promote the integration of energy planning in smart city development for the betterment of citizens and the environment. The event focused on discussing the challenges and opportunities of green energy production and smart energy systems in southern Asia and Kerala.

The conference was hosted by the Nansen Environmental Research Centre - India (NERCI), Kochi, as part of the "URban Sustainability in Action Multidisciplinary Approach through Jointly Organized Research schools" (URSA MAJOR) project. The project was coordinated by the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC) and funded by the Research Council of Norway through a grant (#322317).

During the workshop, several recommendations were made for implementing smart city development in southern Asia and Kerala. These included creating an integrated framework and guideline for adopting sustainable energy practices in cities with large populations, mandating clean energy technologies in emerging applications, exploring offshore wind power harness, examining distributed renewable energy for livelihood applications, and introducing financial interventions to accelerate renewable energy uptake.

The recommendations and findings of the conference were submitted to P Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law, and Coir in the Government of Kerala, and Mayor Adv. M. Anilkumar of Cochin Corporation. The implementation of these recommendations can help effectively utilize renewable energy resources in Kerala and promote sustainable development in the region.

It is hoped that these recommendations will be considered and acted upon by the government officials, leading to fruitful action for the integration of energy planning in smart city development. The implementation of these recommendations could prove to be a significant step towards a greener and sustainable future for Kerala and the entire southern region of Asia.