A green road map for the 12th plan is almost ready, with a Planning Commission expert group on low carbon economy for inclusive growth focusing on energy efficiency for consumers, better public transport system and incentives the government should give to adopt cleaner technologies. The report says the high investment for low carbon economy can be recouped in five years, as the country will save in energy cost.
India can be hub of future clean technologies, as there is a huge market in two energy intensive sectors electricity and transport. About 45% Indians don't have a regular power connection and annual growth of automobile sector is about 15 %, second to China.
According to NGO Climate Group's estimate, India's energy efficiency market will treble to R3,51,500 crore in the next 10 years driven by demand in industry, buildings, energy storage and transport. This will need an investment of R45,650 crore in energy-efficiency improvements. By then India's energy demand is likely to double from 90,000 MW as in 2010.
"We have looked at technology options available, which are easy for industry and people to adopt and the government to promote," said Kirit Parekh, head of plan panel group. Read the full report here.
Source: Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times, New Delhi.
