India will host the next International Renewable Energy Conference (DIREC, 2010) during October 27-29, 2010 at New Delhi. Speaking to Global Solar Technology magazine on the sidelines of the 3rd Renewable Energy India 2009 Expo at New Delhi, Deepak Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said that the Conference in Delhi is a part of initiative taken at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg acknowledging the significance of renewable energies for sustainable development – especially for combating poverty and for environmental and climate protection.
 
The Delhi Conference is the fourth in the series, following events at Washington in 2008, Beijing in 2005 and Bonn in 2004 and is expected to be the premier all-Renewables gathering in India ever, with an attendance of over 9,000 delegates, over 250 industry leading speakers, experts, academicians, Government leaders, financial institutions and around 500 exhibitors from all over the world, which will make it the largest event of its kind.
 
He said that the Conference aims to showcase India as an investment destination for renewable energy; to provide a platform for technology displays, new applications and innovations; to display global research & development with respect to climate change and green environment; to demonstrate the sectoral strength of the global renewable energy industry; and to facilitate: (i) buyers and sellers matching (ii) one to one meetings for setting up of joint ventures in the Renewable Energy Sector and (iii) to provide an opportunity to Indian Renewables Manufacturers to benchmark their products against the best in the world and enhance their competitiveness. The Conference will ultimately lead to renewed commitment, with concrete proposals in support of activities at the country level.
 
The DIREC 2010 will build on the success of the previous conferences with the support of National and International Sponsors. REN21 — the Renewable Energy Network — will be a key partner in the DIREC, 2010. Cabinet-level government functionaries from a number of countries will join civil society partners and private sector leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges of a global, rapid deployment of renewable energy. The conference will bring together ministers, highlevel decision makers and policy level thinkers from a number of participating countries. DIREC, 2010 offers industry leaders the ability to share their insights, strategies, technologies, new products and staff capabilities with their audiences.
 
The main Theme of the DIREC, 2010 is: “Upscaling and Mainstreaming Renewables for Energy Security and Climate Change”. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will host the event, assisted by other concerned agencies and looks forward to cooperating with REN-21 and relevant national and international stakeholders, Gupta said.
 
Global Solar Technology magazine got the honour of being the first media partner signed on by the organisers of DIREC 2010.