Opinion

Free fly ash at whose cost?

09 May 2006 |
Mr S K Chand
| The Economic Times

Under the existing environmental regulatory framework (1999), all coal-fired power stations are required to give away free fly ash to users for at least ten years, and irrespective of their 'location or size', they must get all the fly ash gainfully utilised within nine years for existing plants and 14 years for future plants.

How should the oil pricing regime change?

09 May 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Economic Times

Import parity prices for petro goods are totally rational and appropriate. The country is becoming increasingly dependent on oil imports, and with mounting prices in the international market, it would be justified for consumers to pay prices in this country that reflect the scarcity of oil in the international market.

"We need to find means to create a market for green products"

30 Apr 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Financial Express

It may not be a sudden impact, but climate change is nevertheless amongst the major of challenges facing humankind in this century. R K Pachauri, Director-General of TERI and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC highlights the challenges facing us. Exceprts from an interview with Suman Tarafdar.

CSR in new dimensions: It has become imperative for cos to understand the social milieu in which they function

28 Apr 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Economic Times

The recent speech of the Prime Minister at the CII meeting, leading to a debate on reservations in the private sector, has perhaps raised relevant issues on the whole concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Indian business has had a tradition of providing financial support for activities that go beyond the narrow interest of the shareholders. In the past, however, corporate philanthropy and actions defining creation of places of religious worship or schools and other institutions. This concept has undergone substantial transformation not only because the corporate sector is now involved in activities, which were earlier part of the Government's responsibility, but also because with the spread of information, public opinion has become an important part of the image of a corporate organization, outgrowing performance purely in a business sense. There is also a much larger reason for redefining CSR, grounded in the reality that business cannot succeed in a society which fails. It had, therefore, become imperative for companies to understand the social milieu in which they function. Public acceptance of the operations of any business, particularly in an alien society, often determines the success or otherwise of corporations. Such acceptance comes from the company in question being seen in empathy with the aspirations and values of the society in which it functions.

Reliance's city gas foray

20 Apr 2006 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| The Financial Express

RIL's (Reliance Industries) investment proposal into city gas distribution makes eminent sense and needs to be welcomed. Not only would this improve the reliability of supplies to all consumers within the beneficiary cities, it would also reduce dependence on LPG imports. India imported about 2.33 million tonnes of LPG in 2004-05. It is expected that our imports of oil would increase from a little less than 100 mt to close to 350 mt by the year 2030 and its oil import dependency would rise from 75% today to 95% - giving rise to a growing sense of vulnerability. A large part of this demand growth would be attributable to the demand for transportation fuels and for the residential fuels of LPG and kerosene. As has been brought out by the census of 2001, 90% of rural India still meets its cooking needs through biomass fuels and over 30% of urban cooking requirements, too. The government has stated its intent to ensure access to clean cooking energy to all households by 2012. While city gas would not provide a direct alternative to biomass-using households, it would definitely free up LPG consumption for a wider population base.

Demystifying coal security

14 Apr 2006 |
Mr S K Chand
,
Dr Syamal Kumar Sarkar
| The Economic Times

Recently, two articles in these columns (November 16 and December 6, 2005) discussed about the security of energy supplies in India. We reiterate certain facts brought out in both the articles and put forth an analysis so that the issue of finitude of domestic coal reserves and related issues of energy security can be seen in right the perspective.

Renewable energy

18 Mar 2006 |
Mr Mahesh C Vipradas
| The Financial Express

Energy demand is increasing in India. The conservative estimate of the Planning Commission, in the draft integrated energy policy, estimated power generation capacity requirement reaching 627,088 mw in the year 2031, from the present capacity of 130,000 mw. Further, the needs are diverse and not limited to electricity. It is also known that in case of petroleum products, the dependence will increase. Further, projections show India will have to import coal to meet the growing demand. All these indicate India should make all efforts to tap renewable energy.

What's missing in this year's budget?

14 Mar 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Economic Times

It would perhaps be correct to say that if the government's annual budget does not invite severe criticism or lavish praise then it is probably a well-balanced exercise.

Future energised

06 Mar 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Indian Express

There are very strong reasons to believe that the historic India-US deal will define India as an emerging power. But perhaps the biggest reason for satisfaction lies in the implications that this agreement has for India's future energy supply.

Reforms will help harness full potential of deal

04 Mar 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| Daily News & Analysis

The historic agreement reached between the US and India on cooperation in nuclear energy marks a significant departure both in terms of India's status as a nuclear power as well as in the country's energy security. However, the agreement by itself, which would certainly have to cross several hurdles before getting approved by the US Congress, is only a beginning.