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The recent ASEAN Summit at Cebu Philippines, has witnessed discussions on Clean Energy Initiatives. Worried by the rising crude oil prices and by the prospect of needing more affordable energy to fuel rising its economic growth, India welcomed the Clean Energy Initiative from Japan, which reportedly promised $ 2 billion in funding for various energy saving projects in the member nations. New Delhi highlighted its efforts to develop renewable sources of energy and bio diesel as a supplement and substitute to petroleum along with a renewed focus on nuclear energy. However, for this to happen, financial institutions- both international and regional, energy efficient technologies and hydroelectric projects are essential. Sustained efforts were needed to develop new, alternative and renewable sources of energy at an affordable cost to ensure that the current economic growth remains compatible the growing energy needs. Speaking at the inauguration of Petrotech-2007, the 7th International Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition Conference at Vigyan Bhavan, Indias External Affairs minister Mr. Mukherjee said the primary objective was to put in place a sustained policy to strengthen the energy sector. However, such policy must also include Petroleum and Natural gas. New Delhi has already intensified indigenous exploration and tapping new areas such as coal gasification. The governments policy pertaining to energy and hydrocarbons must try to secure an Integrated Energy Policy linked with sustainable development. The development of wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydrogen, and nuclear energy sources are at various stages of development. There is a need to reinvigorate them, if India has to achieve the target of double digit growth rate in the coming five years. Recently government has announced to implement a 5 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol Policy by procuring an estimated 550 million litres of Ethanol. Yet it is a meager effort, compared with the high level of air pollutions in its metropolitan cities. While the current reduction in crude oil prices is a welcome relief, New Delhi had to put in place a multi pronged strategy which includes faster exploration and acquisition of oil fields in India and abroad, to secure energy at affordable rates. India has made substantial progress in restructuring the Petroleum Sector, with a policy shift towards competitive market economy, still, there has not been committed effort towards ensuring private sector and international participation in its energy strategy. The promotion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas is crucial for a healthy energy future. The government must extend its support to LPG by further subsidizing it. Apart from controlling deforestation, the use of LPG would ease pressure on Kerosene oil. Common mans involvement is important from the environmental perspective. They must get petroleum products, especially fuels for domestic consumption like, LPG at affordable prices. Smoke producing Chullahs took a heavy toll on the health of the people and environment. It produces many forms of infections, such as lung and Chest infections. Women in particular are quiet vulnerable to this. There is no doubt, that, most cost effective and environmental friendly domestic fuel is Natural gas. LPG distribution policy to a greater extent can help in checking these problems. New Delhi should promote piped Natural Gas even in small township areas. The government must go just beyond announcing Gas Pipeline Policy. India must further open more isomerisation and paraxylene units. The inauguration of isomerisation unit, built at Mangalore is a good starter. Yet there is a lot, that needs to be done in this direction, especially towards producing lead free petrol. Along with setting up new economic zones, petrochemical facilities, olefin complexes, LNG terminals and LNG based power plants, New Delhi should, also as a priority, expand export oriented green field refineries. |