Planning Commission calls for integrated energy policy

New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) Emphasising on the multiplying energy demand of the country, Planning Commission today called for an integrated energy policy with biofuels playing a notable role in the engine of growth.

Planning Commission Principal Secretary (Energy) Surya P Sethi charted out a five-point agenda, focusing on the acceptance of bio fuels as an alternate to fossil fuels.

''Biofuels should be exempted from the taxation range of petro-products as this would help in popularising biodiesel as an alternate fuel,'' Mr Sethi said.

He also asked the taxes to be levied on the output rather than the input as it would invite more people to invest in the sector.

''The movement of biofuels should be restricted. We should look at fulfilling our needs and then give out the excess,'' the Principal Secretary said.

Transparent regulations were also important for the growth of the sector. ''These would help the institutions seeking land for the plantation of biofuels,'' he said, adding that the government should have a policy with minimum loopholes.

Citing the success story of bio fuels in Brazil, Bajaj Hindustan Ltd President (Sugar and Alcohol) Ravi Gupta said India is replete with resources to produce energy.

''The molasses and sugarcane can play an important role in this regard. But for the growth of ethanol industry, it is imperative to solve the problems existing in the sugar industry,'' Mr Gupta said.

Stressing on the economics of the bio fuel business he said, ''Often the price of the input is higher than the output which prevents most from investing in the sector.'' UNI