New Delhi, Nov 13 Visiting US Energy Secretary Steven and Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde agreed here on Friday that joint development of new technologies in the field of energy would be of mutual interest.

Secretary Chu met Shinde here, also identified clean coal technologies, smart grids and energy efficiency as fields for mutual cooperation and development.

Both Shinde and Chu agreed that joint development of new technologies in the field of energy would be of mutual interest. he meeting also discussed ways to accelerate the adoption of clean and efficient coal energy technology in India, in view of the large-scale growth in infrastructure in the country over the next few decades.

The two sides also discussed the possibilities that could be exploited through the availability of cheap storage solutions such as batteries and pump hydro.

These could enable decentralized stand-alone grids, based on local resources. Technologies for energy from municipal waste were also identified as an area for mutual benefit.

During the meeting it was agreed that both the sides would work towards the creation of a joint mechanism to promote research and the development of clean and efficient technologies. (ANI)