NEW DELHI: Aiming to become the first Green State of the country, the north-eastern state Sikkim has pinned Greater Gangtok City as a potential pilot city for the development of a Smart City powered by renewable energy including Green Hydrogen. For this, the state has decided to take the help of South Korea requesting it to provide the necessary financial grant as well as in addition to technical know-how to realise the project.
Sikkim is also preparing to enter into a long-term relationship with the government of Korea through the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlement (KRIHS).
It was disclosed by Karma R. Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce & Industries, Sikkim during the Korea-India Infrastructure & Urban Development Forum: “Hydrogen Smart City” Network jointly organized by KRISH, Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), and Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) in New Delhi early this week.
Bonpo said that due to the vulnerable nature of the State to climate change, the State Government of Sikkim has made a conscious decision to develop the State as a “Green State” in the future.
“In an effort to realize the vision of the Green State, the State government is currently working on the Sikkim Industrial Development and Investment Vision, which will provide impetus to the development of green industries in the State and attract green investment to the State of Sikkim,” he said adding that due to the availability of key resources for generation of green energy and transition to a “Green State” the State Government has identified “Green Hydrogen” as key sector for attracting investment.
The State Government has initiated a discussion with Korea’s KRIHS with logistical and knowledge support of CIDC for exploring the potential of Green Hydrogen in the State.
Having developed three Hydrogen Smart Cities, and planning for 10 more in its country, Korea is in talks with four Indian states – Sikkim, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh to set up a total of 28 Hydrogen Smart Cities in these states. However, Sikkim seems to be taking the initiative much seriously comparatively.
Bonpo said that in order to achieve this aim, Sikkim has opted to enter into a long-term understanding with KRIHS and the government of Korea to explore the development of planned urbanization with clean energy and sustainable development pathways.
“Sikkim has therefore identified Greater Gangtok City as a potential pilot city for the development of a Smart City powered by renewable energy including green hydrogen use cases. This pilot will help the city develop into a world-class urban city with state of class urban planning and urban amenities. It will have a world-class tourist infrastructure and will be a growth centre for green industries. We envision the urban transport to be powered by green hydrogen in the near future,” he added.
In order to transition to a cleaner and green future, huge investment and funding support from various agencies are required. In this regard Sikkim has approached Korea for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding – the financial grant.
Bonpo said, “We are therefore looking towards the partnership with hope and support and the Korean knowledge on smart cities, urban development and green energy forms such as green hydrogen will be crucial to our development. We hope that this relationship with Korea and CIDC fructify towards a great partnership leading us to move together towards a greener future.”
The event witnessed the presence of Chang Jae-bok, Ambassador of South Korea, Dr. Kim Taehwan, Vice President – KRIHS, Dr. Cho Choongjae, Director, KIEP, Dr. P. S. Rana, Chairman – CIDC, Dr. P. R. Swarup, Director General – CIDC, S. M. Khan–Joint Director, NITI Aayog, Euy Don Park, President, United Korean Association in India and VP, Korean Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KOCHAM), Dr Kim Sung Soo, Director, Head of Construction Economy and Industry Research Division, KRIHS, Ms Surbhi Goyal from World bank, and others.
Later the Korean delegation led by KRIHS officials met the Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang who told the delegation that the state govt would conduct a thorough study on the feasibility and benefits of green hydrogen fuel and proceed accordingly.
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