Chennai, 12 June (IANS) India should focus more on harnessing its renewable energy potential in order to reduce its dependence on conventional energy sources, said a top government official here Thursday. “In the context of global rise in oil prices, harnessing renewable energy potential is the need of the hour,” New and Renewable Energy Secretary V. Subramanian said while addressing a two-day Green Power 2008 conference, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Godrej Green Business Centre (GBC).
This would “take away the dependence on conventional energy sources”, he added.
Subramanian also said the country should develop “viable business models in the renewable energy sector to attract more private investments”.
He urged the state governments to utilise the opportunities and incentives provided by the central government in promoting renewable energy projects.
This would ensure sustainability, Subramanian said.
PTC India Ltd chairman and managing director T.N. Thakur also called for giving more attention to the renewable energy sector and mainstreaming it.
Highlighting the objectives of the conference, Ramesh Kymal, chairman of renewable energy council of the CII-Godrej GBC, called on “investors and entrepreneurs to play a critical role to invest in renewable energy projects”.