A spat between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in gas supplies being stopped to the EU exposing the EU's fragility vis-a-vis its energy dependencies. Although Russia's intentions may be good, the fact that the supply is channeled through some troubled nations reveals the problems of supplies via pipelines that pass through different countries.
Similar may be the case with the proposed (now for a long time), Iran gas pipeline to India. And here, it is expected to pass through some of the most difficult regions of the world - Pakistan and Afghanistan! Hurdles that such a mechanism may entail are limited only by one's imagination.
This is where I believe, that India should hasten the process of energy independence. A strong domestic market is the safest way to economic success, especially in a world increasingly subject to the negative effects of globalization. America has sneezed too many times for the world to recover anytime soon. And the turmoil in the middle east just adds more insult to the injury.
India should chart out a clear plan of increasing the share of renewable sources from its current single digit percentage levels. To some extent, we are going well. At 7% (6000 odd MW), we are are the 4th largest country in terms of installed wind capacity. And the third fastest growing behind Germany and the US. Powering more villages through wind and solar is more useful than trying to supply them with hydel, coal or other conventional sources. The 60,000 MW of Nuclear energy that India plans by 2030 should be clearly set aside to cater to the urban population. And the dependence on imported oil and gas, should reduce at a drastic pace. Towards this end, a paradigm shift is called for in the energy sector, as against what the consulting gurus propose.
Expenditures in renewable energy generation has the potential to improve the unemployment scenario too. 'Engineering', and I mean other than software, will again turn out to be interesting subjects in colleges. Balance will return to a society where a software engineer has lost his charm. Mechanical, Electrical and Civil engineers will not be forced to find jobs in TCS, Infy etc.
India has always followed the industrialized world. Leading is a trait that we rarely exhibited, if at all. This is a chance for us to show that rapid growth is possible, whilst maintaining a clean and green environment. Let's do it.
Similar may be the case with the proposed (now for a long time), Iran gas pipeline to India. And here, it is expected to pass through some of the most difficult regions of the world - Pakistan and Afghanistan! Hurdles that such a mechanism may entail are limited only by one's imagination.
This is where I believe, that India should hasten the process of energy independence. A strong domestic market is the safest way to economic success, especially in a world increasingly subject to the negative effects of globalization. America has sneezed too many times for the world to recover anytime soon. And the turmoil in the middle east just adds more insult to the injury.
India should chart out a clear plan of increasing the share of renewable sources from its current single digit percentage levels. To some extent, we are going well. At 7% (6000 odd MW), we are are the 4th largest country in terms of installed wind capacity. And the third fastest growing behind Germany and the US. Powering more villages through wind and solar is more useful than trying to supply them with hydel, coal or other conventional sources. The 60,000 MW of Nuclear energy that India plans by 2030 should be clearly set aside to cater to the urban population. And the dependence on imported oil and gas, should reduce at a drastic pace. Towards this end, a paradigm shift is called for in the energy sector, as against what the consulting gurus propose.
Expenditures in renewable energy generation has the potential to improve the unemployment scenario too. 'Engineering', and I mean other than software, will again turn out to be interesting subjects in colleges. Balance will return to a society where a software engineer has lost his charm. Mechanical, Electrical and Civil engineers will not be forced to find jobs in TCS, Infy etc.
India has always followed the industrialized world. Leading is a trait that we rarely exhibited, if at all. This is a chance for us to show that rapid growth is possible, whilst maintaining a clean and green environment. Let's do it.
No comments:
Post a Comment