'India will remain dependent on coal for power'

New Delhi, Aug 26: India and the US have embarked upon a multi-faceted exchange programme covering civil nuclear energy, oil and natural gas, renewable energy, clean coal technology and coal mining, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said today.

The country will continue to be dependent on coal for power generation for the foreseeable future because of its large reserves unlike those of petroleum, he said at a workshop on the Asia-Pacific Partnership (APP) on Clean Development and Climate here.

Ministry of Environment and Forests Secretary Prodipto Ghosh said APP is a process to engage the six countries with the political commitment of their governments. This extended to deployment of technology, investments, collaboration in R&D and reform of policies and the regulatory framework.

He said APP is a practical attempt to bring the corporate sector on board. It can facilitate partnerships in taking renewable energy to remote villages to enhance livelihood opportunities, run awareness programmes and demonstration projects, facilitate business linkages and help accessing global funds.

Council on Environmental Quality (The White House) Chairman James L Connaughton who was also present at the workshop said India should reduce its tariffs on imports of environmental goods and services from 15 per cent to facilitate the flow of technology.

The US imposes 3-8 per cent tariffs on such imports that are non-negotiable, while the Indian government tariffs are negotiable.

New technology is critical for improving efficiencies and reducing green-house gas (GHG) emissions.

The US has posted a GDP growth of 4.2 per cent in 2003-04 but the growth of GHG emissions rose just 1.7 percent, he added.

UNI