The first meeting of the BRICS Working Group on “Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency” will be held in Visakhapatnam during 4^th-5^th July, 2016. Participation from all BRICS countries, viz., Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa has been confirmed. 

During the two day deliberations, the BRICS countries will make presentations on measures taken by them in the field of energy saving and energy efficiency. India will also showcase its efforts in energy saving, energy efficiency, in particular the LED street lighting programme and PAT (Performance Achievement & Trade) programme for Industrial energy efficiency.

Realising that BRICS brings together five major emerging economies and keeping the energy growth scenario of BRICS nations in view, the Working Group on Energy Saving & Energy Efficiency will deliberate on a Work Plan on development of cooperation in energy saving &energy efficiency within BRICS. During the meeting, a Joint Statement will be agreed upon which will be a guiding tool for the BRICS Working Group on “Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency”.

Background:

India has assumed the BRICS chair for 2016 and will accordingly shape and steer the BRICS agenda wherein several sectoral meetings/activities will be hosted across various cities in the country, which apart from being innovative will also serve the purpose of branding India globally. Consequently, Ministry of Power will host the meeting of the Working Group on “Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency”and will also showcase Energy Saving initiatives in the country.

 The meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Energy was held in Moscow on 20^th November 2015, wherein the BRICS energy Ministers signed a Memorandum of Mutual Understanding in Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency, agreed to pursue their energy cooperation through joint research and technology projects; technology transfer; conferences, lectures and seminars; and exchange of experience and best practices. The Ministers also decided to create a Working Group on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency to coordinate their cooperation.

RM/