Monday, November 26, 2007

There is unanimity on two things: gas and coal

ThereThere is unanimity on two things: gas and coal is unanimity on two things: gas and coal. However ancient it might seem, India is discovering huge reserves of both gas (especially in the last year) and coal; and they can act as substitutes for crude oil. But the lack of a coherent policy framework has hindered the development of these two sectors.

Many such policy initiatives have been forthcoming over the years. Yet, they appear fragmented as India’s energy planning is done by too many cooks. At the Centre, there are separate ministries for petroleum and natural gas, coal, non-conventional energy, power, hydroelectric projects and heavy industries. All of them deal with the problem of energy. What experts suggest is an omnibus body like the Department of Energy in US that looks at the overall energy scenario – oil being just one component of it. In India of course, as many analysts point out, the creation of such a huge body would perhaps lead to more red tape and political jockeying.

As parts of London were burning, many analysts wondered about the determination with which Bush and Blair have been trying to secure the alliance’s future energy security - even at the cost of thousands of deaths. They also recall how the primary quest for Japan fighting against the allies during the Second World War was its thirst for energy and natural resources in Asia. China is already showing clear signs that it can go to any length to secure oil and gas supplies for the future. It is aggressively investing in African countries like Ethiopia and Sudan in search of oil security. Can India acquire that kind of determination and resolve?

The answer will determine whether India is an active participant in the new Great Game, or a hapless bystander.

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Source :
IIPM Editorial, 2007

An
IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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