Shinde calls for Indo-Australian cooperation in power sector

Perth, June 7 (ANI): Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Monday said that Australia can play a major role in the energy sector of India which is growing at rapid pace with huge opportunities for investments and technology.

Speaking at the 1st Australia-India Energy and Minerals Forum here, Shinde said: "The two countries can work together in the areas of development of the use of Brown Coal (Lignite), energy efficiency, efficiency improvements of coal based power plants, hydro power development, power generation technology research and development of smart Grid in India.

He further indicated cooperation with Australia in developing Gas based power plants especially in western India since Australia has huge reserves of Gas.

He also said that Indian companies are interested in procurement of coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Australia.

In the area of exploration, he said, companies are beginning to invest in each other's country and expressed hope that these investments would grow further.

He observed that India during the global downturn managed to achieve one of the highest growth rates in the world.

Shinde said that the gigantic task of providing power for all can be successful only when the efforts of Government are strongly supported and complemented by the private sector.

Recognizing the need for an overall and comprehensive legal architecture and a policy framework conducive to larger and more sustained investment in the power sector, he said, the Government of India has taken numerous steps to reform the sector.

He also highlighted a low carbon growth strategy for the Indian Power Sector, which includes elements such as Super Critical Technology in Thermal Plants, the rapid induction of Clean Coal Technologies and a sharper focus on renewables.

Referring National Action Plan on Climate Change, Shinde said that the Ministry of Power is deeply involved with the national mission on enhanced energy efficiency, one of the eight missions under the plan. (ANI)