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EmTech Spl: It's time to embrace alternative energy

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CIOL Bureau
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NEW DELHI, INDIA:  Panelists at the EmTech 2009 urged the Government of India to intervene and support the adoption of alternative sources of energy among masses in the country.

The panelists, Pramod Chaudhari, chairman, Praj Industries, Kunwer Sachdev, founder and CEO, Su-Kam Power Systems,  speaking on the topic, ‘Touching a billion lives: Alternative Energy’, felt the subsidies that government accrued to the petroleum sector in the country should be extended to bio fuels, solar and other alternative forms of energy.

“With global oil prices crashing to $40 dollars from $150 dollar a year ago, alternate energy fuels have suddenly become very expensive. Unless there is support for alternative energy sources, they will not pick up and as such will lag way behind in long run,” said Sachdev.

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Sachdev added that bio fuels will not only reduce CO2 emission in the atmosphere but also help get better return on investments.

Sachdev also questioned the government wisdom of not allowing alcohol to be used for energy creation.

He added that Indian Government should follow the example of countries like Brazil Philippines and Thailand which have approved the use of alcohol for energy use and were reaping its benefits.

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Chaudhari added that downturn provided an opportunity for companies like his to sell solar powered solutions to USA and Europe. He also added that though the cost of producing one kilo watt energy was Rs 200,  there was lot of scope of improving the cost benefit ratio.

“The distribution system of energy is very poor in the country. We need to make Grid monitoring efficient and more intelligent,” he added.

Jason Pontin Editor in Chief and Publisher MIT's 'Technology Review' moderated the session.

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