G-8 Summit: Gujarat CM's innovative suggestions to PM

New Delhi, Jul 12: Ahead of the July 15-17 G-8 summit in Russia with global energy security as its focus area, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has suggested to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to create an organisation of ''SUN-SON'' (Surya Putra) to tap the enormous potential of solar energy in the country.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Modi suggested that he should propose to G-8 countries to set up a special fund for promotion of research and development of low cost generation of solar power and tackle global energy security.

''If no concrete steps are taken at the G-8 Summit in Russia, then India should take initiative to set up an organization of countries, which receive maximum sunshine and start a 'SUN-SON' movement to tap solar energy for fulfilling their energy requirements,'' he said.

Mr Modi further suggested to Dr Singh to set up a special Task Force and create a special fund to undertake R&D activity for generation of low cost solar energy.

The Chief Minister also requested Dr. Singh to assume the mantle of leadership on behalf of the energy-hungry India, and the world at large, at the summit.

Mr. Modi pointed out that India, Gulf, African and other developing countries are blessed with maximum sunshine, which can be harnessed for their energy needs.

''The potential has remained mostly untapped because of the high capital cost of technology for tapping solar energy,'' he said, adding that the energy needs of Third World countries would be met only when low cost systems for generation of solar energy are developed.

He said this would require international efforts to promote research and development in the area.

Mr Modi said if his suggestion is seriously considered, an OPEC-like organisation can be created to tap solar energy, which will be immensely useful to India and developing countries.

''Research activity for developing low cost solar energy cannot be taken up entirely by any country. Hence if an organisation of 'Surya Purta' is set up and a special fund is created, this will go a long way in evolving low cost technology by research institutions to tackle the energy problem in third world countries.'' He said it will also be a sustainable energy source and reduce pollution and other related hazards associated with production of conventional energy.

UNI