Kalam raises energy concerns, calls for alternative fuel sources

Erode, Tamil Nadu, Dec 18 (UNI) Expressing the country's fuel concerns, President A P J Abdul Kalam today said ''our target is to achieve energy security by 2020 leading to energy independence by 2030''.

''India is in the developing pace and it its energy needs are high. As a long term policy India has to go for energy independence,'' Dr Kalam said.

Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the National Children's Science Congress organised by Tamil Nadu Science Forum here, he lauded the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Science Forum in creating scientific temper among the student's community and the public.

Taking into consideration the ever growing market price of fossil fuel, we will have to seek renewable energy alternatives to the fossil fuel he said and warned that dependence on fossil fuel alone would retard the progress of the nation.

''Rashtrapati Bhavan is considering generation of electricity from renewable resources to take care of its energy needs. One such proposal is under consideration and a 5 MGW Grid locked Solar Power Photovoltaic Plant to be set up might meet the energy requirements of entire Rashtrapati Bhavan Building complex including the estate,'' he added.

This solar plant apart from providing energy will reduce the dumping of certain quantity of carbon-di-oxide, sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide which is normally emitted in the conventional thermal power plants.

About bio-fuel generation he said, ''certain multi-purpose bio-fuel plants can grow well in wasteland with very minimum input.

This move can reduce the foreign exchange outflow paid for importing crude oil, the cost of which is continuously rising in the international market.

''We should absorb the best of the technologies available worldwide and start commercial operation immediately,'' the President exhorted.

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