Four branches of France's hardline&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-urges-end-to-strikes-a-week-from-euro-soccer-194">CGT&nbsp;union</a>, including railway and transport workers, threatened on Sunday to step up&nbsp;protests&nbsp;unless the government withdraws its pension reform proposal this week.

In a major&nbsp;overhaul of France's complex pension scheme, the government has proposed that people work longer to get a full pension, drawing a hostile response from trade&nbsp;unions which called for a new mass protest on Tuesday.

Concern has risen that the travel chaos that has hit the country since December 5. would extend to the year-end period

"The&nbsp;CGT&nbsp;Federations of Railway, Transport, Mines, and Energy, and Chemical Industries say that the Government has one week to announce the withdrawal of its project and the relaunch of real negotiations for the improvement of the current system," the&nbsp;union&nbsp;branches said in a joint statement

"If the Prime Minister persists in affirming that 'the country is disturbed but not blocked', the employees of the public and the private sector will draw the conclusion from this that they must redouble their mobilisation, multiply calls to strike in all companies and further increase the level of&nbsp;protests."

CGT&nbsp;leader Philippe Martinez denied that this was an ultimatum.

"If the government pulls its&nbsp;plan&nbsp;and we discuss seriously on how to improve the system everything will be fine," he told BFMTV. "Otherwise strikers will decide on Thursday or Friday on what to do."

Asked if transport might be disrupted at Christmas, Martinez said: "Today I cannot tell you. The question should be put to the Prime Minister and to the President of the Republic."

By contrast, the reform-minded CFDT&nbsp;union&nbsp;said on Sunday it was opposed to transport strikes&nbsp;over&nbsp;the Christmas period but would call for action in January if the government did not meet some of its demands, chiefly to remove the inducement to work until 64 through a system of bonuses and discounts.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-reappoints-edouard-philippe-as-pm-after-sundays-vote-17027">Edouard Philippe</a> told Le Parisien Dimanche weekly that he&nbsp;planned to meet&nbsp;unions next week, adding that he was open to negotiation.

French&nbsp;retailers and hoteliers have warned that their crucial Christmas season could be derailed if the transport strike drags on for much longer.

Four branches of France's hardline CGT union, including railway and transport workers, threatened on Sunday to step up protests unless the government withdraws its pension reform proposal this week.

Four branches of France's hardline CGT union, including railway and transport workers, threatened on Sunday to step up protests unless the government withdraws its pension reform proposal this week. In a major overhaul of France's complex pension scheme, the government has proposed that people work longer to get a full pension, drawing a hostile response from trade unions which called for a new mass protest on Tuesday. Concern has risen that the travel chaos that has hit the country since December 5. would extend to the year-end period "The CGT Federations of Railway, Transport, Mines, and Energy, and Chemical Industries say that the Government has one week to announce the withdrawal of its project and the relaunch of real negotiations for the improvement of the current system," the union branches said in a joint statement "If the Prime Minister persists in affirming that 'the country is disturbed but not blocked', the employees of the public and the private sector will draw the conclusion from this that they must redouble their mobilisation, multiply calls to strike in all companies and further increase the level of protests." CGT leader Philippe Martinez denied that this was an ultimatum. "If the government pulls its plan and we discuss seriously on how to improve the system everything will be fine," he told BFMTV. "Otherwise strikers will decide on Thursday or Friday on what to do." Asked if transport might be disrupted at Christmas, Martinez said: "Today I cannot tell you. The question should be put to the Prime Minister and to the President of the Republic." By contrast, the reform-minded CFDT union said on Sunday it was opposed to transport strikes over the Christmas period but would call for action in January if the government did not meet some of its demands, chiefly to remove the inducement to work until 64 through a system of bonuses and discounts. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told Le Parisien Dimanche weekly that he planned to meet unions next week, adding that he was open to negotiation. French retailers and hoteliers have warned that their crucial Christmas season could be derailed if the transport strike drags on for much longer.

French CGT union threatens more protests over pensions plan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sees-lifting-of-un-arms-embargo-in-2020-as-huge-political-goal-261506">Iran accused European nations of hypocrisy</a> on Tuesday for criticising its latest step back from a nuclear deal while failing to fulfil their commitments of relief from US sanctions.

But President Hassan Rouhani made no mention of a new report from the UN nuclear watchdog that reveals that its inspectors detected uranium particles of man-made origin at an undeclared site in Iran.

Britain, France, Germany and the EU have been trying to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal since the US unilaterally withdrew from it in May last year and began reimposing sanctions.

A year after the US pullout from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran began reducing its commitments to the deal hoping to win concessions from those still party to the accord.

Iran's latest measure came last week when engineers began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges at the underground Fordow plant south of Tehran.

In a joint statement on Monday, Britain, France, Germany and the European Union said Iran's decision to restart activities at Fordow was "inconsistent" with a 2015 nuclear deal.

"The E3/EU have fully upheld their JCPOA commitments, including sanctions-lifting as foreseen under the JCPOA," they said.

"It is now critical that Iran upholds its JCPOA commitments and works with all JCPOA participants to de-escalate tensions."

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hit back on Tuesday,&nbsp;

"'Fully upheld commitments under JCPOA' YOU? Really?" he tweeted.

Zarif said Iran had already "triggered and exhausted" a dispute resolution mechanism in the troubled accord.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass had on Monday threatened the use of "all the mechanisms laid down in the agreement" to make Iran comply with its obligations under the JCPOA.

'We waited'

On Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uranium-particles-detected-at-undeclared-site-in-iran-iaea-report-261503">Rouhani said Iran only began scaling back its nuclear commitments</a> a year after the US withdrawal to give the other parties time to make up for it.

"We waited for a year," Rouhani told a televised news conference.

"Nobody in the world can blame us by saying 'Why are you abandoning your commitments under the JCPOA today and why have you launched Fordow today?'" he said.

"This is a problem that the enemy has created for us," he said, referring to Iran's arch-foe the United States.

Iran's approach, he said, was to take "the path of resistance and perseverance" by reducing commitments under the JCPOA and engaging in negotiations.

"We are negotiating with the world... they are giving us proposals, we're giving them proposals. Up until today, I have not accepted the proposals I've been given."

Rouhani made no mention of the uranium particles the International Atomic Energy Agency said its inspectors had detected at an undeclared site in Iran.

In a report seen by AFP on Monday, the watchdog said its inspectors had "detected natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency."&nbsp;

The particles are understood to be the product of uranium which has been mined and undergone initial processing, but not enriched.

While the IAEA itself has not named the site in question, diplomatic sources have previously said the agency has been posing questions to Iran relating to a site where Israel has alleged secret atomic activity in the past.

Britain, France, Germany and the EU said that they were "extremely concerned".

Iran accused European nations of hypocrisy on Tuesday for criticising its latest step back from a nuclear deal while failing to fulfil their commitments of relief from US sanctions.

Iran accused European nations of hypocrisy on Tuesday for criticising its latest step back from a nuclear deal while failing to fulfil their commitments of relief from US sanctions. But President Hassan Rouhani made no mention of a new report from the UN nuclear watchdog that reveals that its inspectors detected uranium particles of man-made origin at an undeclared site in Iran. Britain, France, Germany and the EU have been trying to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal since the US unilaterally withdrew from it in May last year and began reimposing sanctions. A year after the US pullout from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran began reducing its commitments to the deal hoping to win concessions from those still party to the accord. Iran's latest measure came last week when engineers began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges at the underground Fordow plant south of Tehran. In a joint statement on Monday, Britain, France, Germany and the European Union said Iran's decision to restart activities at Fordow was "inconsistent" with a 2015 nuclear deal. "The E3/EU have fully upheld their JCPOA commitments, including sanctions-lifting as foreseen under the JCPOA," they said. "It is now critical that Iran upholds its JCPOA commitments and works with all JCPOA participants to de-escalate tensions." Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hit back on Tuesday, "'Fully upheld commitments under JCPOA' YOU? Really?" he tweeted. Zarif said Iran had already "triggered and exhausted" a dispute resolution mechanism in the troubled accord. German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass had on Monday threatened the use of "all the mechanisms laid down in the agreement" to make Iran comply with its obligations under the JCPOA. 'We waited' On Tuesday, Rouhani said Iran only began scaling back its nuclear commitments a year after the US withdrawal to give the other parties time to make up for it. "We waited for a year," Rouhani told a televised news conference. "Nobody in the world can blame us by saying 'Why are you abandoning your commitments under the JCPOA today and why have you launched Fordow today?'" he said. "This is a problem that the enemy has created for us," he said, referring to Iran's arch-foe the United States. Iran's approach, he said, was to take "the path of resistance and perseverance" by reducing commitments under the JCPOA and engaging in negotiations. "We are negotiating with the world... they are giving us proposals, we're giving them proposals. Up until today, I have not accepted the proposals I've been given." Rouhani made no mention of the uranium particles the International Atomic Energy Agency said its inspectors had detected at an undeclared site in Iran. In a report seen by AFP on Monday, the watchdog said its inspectors had "detected natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency." The particles are understood to be the product of uranium which has been mined and undergone initial processing, but not enriched. While the IAEA itself has not named the site in question, diplomatic sources have previously said the agency has been posing questions to Iran relating to a site where Israel has alleged secret atomic activity in the past. Britain, France, Germany and the EU said that they were "extremely concerned".

Iran accuses Europeans of hypocrisy over nuclear deal

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region.

The warning follows fresh research this week predicting that several Asian megacities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai, are at risk of extreme flooding linked to global warming.

Antonio Guterres said Asian countries need to cut reliance on coal to tackle the climate crisis, which he called the "defining issue of our time".

"There is an addiction to coal that we need to overcome because it remains a major threat in relation to climate change," he told reporters ahead of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok on Saturday.

He said countries in the region need to be on "the front line" of the fight by introducing carbon pricing and reforming energy policies.

"We are lagging behind," he said, adding that the rollback of coal could help curb rising global temperatures.

Coal remains a major source of power across Southeast Asia, where breakneck economic development has spurred soaring energy demands -- but at a cost to the environment.

About one-third of Vietnam's energy comes from coal power with a slew of new plants set to come online by 2050, while Thailand is investing in fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Coastal areas across Southeast Asia have already seen major floods and seawater incursion linked to climate change.

New research this week showed that at least 300 million people worldwide are living in places at risk of inundation by 2050, a much bleaker picture than previous data predicted.

Destructive storm surges fuelled by increasingly powerful cyclones and rising seas will hit Asia hardest, according to the study in the journal Nature Communications.

The UN chief also spoke on Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslims, nearly three-quarters of a million of whom were driven into Bangladesh in 2017.

He urged Myanmar's government to "address the root causes of displacement and allowing of the return, voluntary and in safety and dignity" to Myanmar.&nbsp;

"Some steps have been done but they are too small. We need to do much more," he said.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is also in Bangkok for the summit and is likely to face pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya, particularly from Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia.

Myanmar has rebuffed all international pressure so far while only hundreds of Rohingya have returned to Myanmar, due to fear of further repression.

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region.

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region. The warning follows fresh research this week predicting that several Asian megacities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai, are at risk of extreme flooding linked to global warming. Antonio Guterres said Asian countries need to cut reliance on coal to tackle the climate crisis, which he called the "defining issue of our time". "There is an addiction to coal that we need to overcome because it remains a major threat in relation to climate change," he told reporters ahead of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok on Saturday. He said countries in the region need to be on "the front line" of the fight by introducing carbon pricing and reforming energy policies. "We are lagging behind," he said, adding that the rollback of coal could help curb rising global temperatures. Coal remains a major source of power across Southeast Asia, where breakneck economic development has spurred soaring energy demands -- but at a cost to the environment. About one-third of Vietnam's energy comes from coal power with a slew of new plants set to come online by 2050, while Thailand is investing in fossil fuels. Coastal areas across Southeast Asia have already seen major floods and seawater incursion linked to climate change. New research this week showed that at least 300 million people worldwide are living in places at risk of inundation by 2050, a much bleaker picture than previous data predicted. Destructive storm surges fuelled by increasingly powerful cyclones and rising seas will hit Asia hardest, according to the study in the journal Nature Communications. The UN chief also spoke on Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslims, nearly three-quarters of a million of whom were driven into Bangladesh in 2017. He urged Myanmar's government to "address the root causes of displacement and allowing of the return, voluntary and in safety and dignity" to Myanmar. "Some steps have been done but they are too small. We need to do much more," he said. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is also in Bangkok for the summit and is likely to face pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya, particularly from Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia. Myanmar has rebuffed all international pressure so far while only hundreds of Rohingya have returned to Myanmar, due to fear of further repression.

Asia must quit 'coal addiction': United Nations chief

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday lauded India for its work in the field of renewable energy and said Berlin intends to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection including waste management and availability of pure water.

"We intend to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection. There are many areas both in environmental like waste management pure water and climate issues. India has rather low CO2 footprints. The future industrial development, of course, needs to be as sustainable as possible. 74 GW of renewable energy is here in India and that something that you have reiterated and moved forward. I can congratulate you on that part," Merkel said.

The German chancellor, who is in India for the fifth round of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), made these remarks during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Merkel thanked the Indian government for the warm hospitality and said the two countries are linked with strategic and friendly relationship. "I want to thank you personally and your minister for the warm hospitality. Our two countries are linked by a strategic relationship and also a friendly relationship."

Chancellor Merkel was accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, science and education, food and agriculture, and an official delegation. A business delegation comprising leaders of German companies also accompanied Chancellor Merkel. During the visit, Merkel held meetings with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi.

India and Germany held delegation-level talks and exchanged five joint declarations. Both countries also signed 17 Memoranda of Understandings.

"These memoranda of understandings show how broad our field of cooperation is and a declaration that we have adopted illustrated once again," Merkel said.

Merkel also asserted that Germany wishes to work with India in the field of technology.

"India has a huge potential here especially when it comes to digitalisation but the development is very fast and its a challenge. And if we work together it would be a wonderful way of cooperation," Merkel said.

The German chancellor said that the agreements are on trade innovation, investment and knowledge.

She noted that the economic relations between India and Germany have strengthened but they could be further intensified.

Merkel said that the two sides also discussed the issues of education and research cooperation.

"20,000 Indian nationals are studying in Germany. We would like to see even more. When it comes to vocational training, we want to have the exchange of teachers too," she added.

Merkel also called for improving cultural exchanges between the two nations.

"The exchange of culture is the field we can bring people together Germany can learn a lot about Indian culture. Indian culture is not present in Germany as it should be," she said.

During her address, Merkel also remembered Mahatama Gandhi and said that his peaceful revolution was inspiring for so many people across the globe.

"The fact that I can stand here before you today is linked to the fact that thirty years ago a wall was brought down in Berlin and was opened after a peaceful process and that shows us our tradition that Indian and German can be proud of," she said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday lauded India for its work in the field of renewable energy and said Berlin intends to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection including waste management and availability of pure water.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday lauded India for its work in the field of renewable energy and said Berlin intends to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection including waste management and availability of pure water. "We intend to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection. There are many areas both in environmental like waste management pure water and climate issues. India has rather low CO2 footprints. The future industrial development, of course, needs to be as sustainable as possible. 74 GW of renewable energy is here in India and that something that you have reiterated and moved forward. I can congratulate you on that part," Merkel said. The German chancellor, who is in India for the fifth round of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), made these remarks during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Merkel thanked the Indian government for the warm hospitality and said the two countries are linked with strategic and friendly relationship. "I want to thank you personally and your minister for the warm hospitality. Our two countries are linked by a strategic relationship and also a friendly relationship." Chancellor Merkel was accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, science and education, food and agriculture, and an official delegation. A business delegation comprising leaders of German companies also accompanied Chancellor Merkel. During the visit, Merkel held meetings with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi. India and Germany held delegation-level talks and exchanged five joint declarations. Both countries also signed 17 Memoranda of Understandings. "These memoranda of understandings show how broad our field of cooperation is and a declaration that we have adopted illustrated once again," Merkel said. Merkel also asserted that Germany wishes to work with India in the field of technology. "India has a huge potential here especially when it comes to digitalisation but the development is very fast and its a challenge. And if we work together it would be a wonderful way of cooperation," Merkel said. The German chancellor said that the agreements are on trade innovation, investment and knowledge. She noted that the economic relations between India and Germany have strengthened but they could be further intensified. Merkel said that the two sides also discussed the issues of education and research cooperation. "20,000 Indian nationals are studying in Germany. We would like to see even more. When it comes to vocational training, we want to have the exchange of teachers too," she added. Merkel also called for improving cultural exchanges between the two nations. "The exchange of culture is the field we can bring people together Germany can learn a lot about Indian culture. Indian culture is not present in Germany as it should be," she said. During her address, Merkel also remembered Mahatama Gandhi and said that his peaceful revolution was inspiring for so many people across the globe. "The fact that I can stand here before you today is linked to the fact that thirty years ago a wall was brought down in Berlin and was opened after a peaceful process and that shows us our tradition that Indian and German can be proud of," she said.

Merkel lauds India for its initiatives in the field of renewable energy

In the search for clean electricity, power companies in Finland are going green by way of brown, and have set their sights on a previously untapped energy source: animal dung.&nbsp;

During this month's FEI World Cup showjumping qualifier at Helsinki International Horse Show, 100 tonnes of manure was loaded up and wheelbarrowed into two large containers before being carted away for incineration at the Järvenpää power plant.&nbsp;

The 150 megawatts of energy generated is enough to power the whole four-day show, with some left over to heat homes in the Finnish capital, according to energy company Fortum which launched its "Horse Power" initiative five years ago.&nbsp;

"There are so many horses in Finland and of course many more around the world, so it would be amazing if we could turn all that poo into energy," Fortum's Krista Hellgren told AFP.&nbsp;

The company claims that the manure produced daily by two horses can generate heat for a single family home for a year.&nbsp;

And just 200 millilitres' worth is enough to charge a phone.

Meanwhile, another power company has called for the public to send them their pets' doings.&nbsp;

Vantaan Energia's sticker and online campaign implores dog owners to "give poo a new life" by simply throwing it in the bin, from where it follows everyday refuse to a huge waste-to-energy incineration plant.&nbsp;

"It's not nice to step on it, it's much nicer to burn it and use it as a fuel for electricity and heat," the firm's production director Kalle Patomeri told AFP.

Though dog poo is still a tiny fraction of the 1,000 tonnes of household rubbish burnt every day, Patomeri says it helps produce efficient energy with limited emissions and leftover waste products.

As a result, Vantaan Energia hopes to be coal-free within just over two years.

The dung-to-energy drive has been welcomed by dog trainer Marianne Mayer who actively supports the cause. She says the 50 dogs on her client list produce "quite a lot" of poo every week, which may otherwise have been left on the forest floor or thrown into bio waste.

"Finally someone's doing something concrete about it, so you know it's going to be energy," she told AFP. "Since we need to have other energy than fossils, it's going to be really positive."

In the search for clean electricity, power companies in Finland are going green by way of brown, and have set their sights on a previously untapped energy source: animal dung.

In the search for clean electricity, power companies in Finland are going green by way of brown, and have set their sights on a previously untapped energy source: animal dung. During this month's FEI World Cup showjumping qualifier at Helsinki International Horse Show, 100 tonnes of manure was loaded up and wheelbarrowed into two large containers before being carted away for incineration at the Järvenpää power plant. The 150 megawatts of energy generated is enough to power the whole four-day show, with some left over to heat homes in the Finnish capital, according to energy company Fortum which launched its "Horse Power" initiative five years ago. "There are so many horses in Finland and of course many more around the world, so it would be amazing if we could turn all that poo into energy," Fortum's Krista Hellgren told AFP. The company claims that the manure produced daily by two horses can generate heat for a single family home for a year. And just 200 millilitres' worth is enough to charge a phone. Meanwhile, another power company has called for the public to send them their pets' doings. Vantaan Energia's sticker and online campaign implores dog owners to "give poo a new life" by simply throwing it in the bin, from where it follows everyday refuse to a huge waste-to-energy incineration plant. "It's not nice to step on it, it's much nicer to burn it and use it as a fuel for electricity and heat," the firm's production director Kalle Patomeri told AFP. Though dog poo is still a tiny fraction of the 1,000 tonnes of household rubbish burnt every day, Patomeri says it helps produce efficient energy with limited emissions and leftover waste products. As a result, Vantaan Energia hopes to be coal-free within just over two years. The dung-to-energy drive has been welcomed by dog trainer Marianne Mayer who actively supports the cause. She says the 50 dogs on her client list produce "quite a lot" of poo every week, which may otherwise have been left on the forest floor or thrown into bio waste. "Finally someone's doing something concrete about it, so you know it's going to be energy," she told AFP. "Since we need to have other energy than fossils, it's going to be really positive."

Energy companies turn to animal poo for clean power

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said that investment worth $58 billion is expected in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-investing-60-billion-on-gas-grid-to-link-up-nation-by-2024-255711">India's oil exploration and production sector</a> in the next two years, while $60 billion have&nbsp;already been invested to create gas-based infrastructure in the country. 
 
"We have invested around US dollar 60 billion to create a gas-based infrastructure in India. US dollar 58 billion investment is expected in two years in the oil exploration and production sector. New refineries and terminals, expanding the market size, bio-fuel are the priority areas," said Pradhan while addressing the third "India Energy Forum" in the national capital. 
 
He said that the centre is committed to making India a low carbon economy while stating that India's per capita carbon emission is far less than the world average. 
 
"The Central government is committed to making India a low carbon economy, although our per capita carbon emission is far less than the world average, particularly the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries," said Pradhan. 
 
The Union Minister also stressed the need for expediting gas exploration and developing import and distribution infrastructure. 
 
"The oil sector can play a major role in realising the dream of making India a five trillion dollar economy by 2024. Schemes like 'Ujjwala' and 'Saubhagya' have transformed the lives of the people of the country," he said. 
 
Pradhan also batted for bringing the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and natural gas under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said that investment worth $58 billion is expected in India's oil exploration and production sector in the next two years, while $60 billion have already been invested to create gas-based infrastructure in the country.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said that investment worth $58 billion is expected in India's oil exploration and production sector in the next two years, while $60 billion have already been invested to create gas-based infrastructure in the country. "We have invested around US dollar 60 billion to create a gas-based infrastructure in India. US dollar 58 billion investment is expected in two years in the oil exploration and production sector. New refineries and terminals, expanding the market size, bio-fuel are the priority areas," said Pradhan while addressing the third "India Energy Forum" in the national capital. He said that the centre is committed to making India a low carbon economy while stating that India's per capita carbon emission is far less than the world average. "The Central government is committed to making India a low carbon economy, although our per capita carbon emission is far less than the world average, particularly the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries," said Pradhan. The Union Minister also stressed the need for expediting gas exploration and developing import and distribution infrastructure. "The oil sector can play a major role in realising the dream of making India a five trillion dollar economy by 2024. Schemes like 'Ujjwala' and 'Saubhagya' have transformed the lives of the people of the country," he said. Pradhan also batted for bringing the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and natural gas under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Investment worth $58 billion expected in India's oil exploration, production sector: Dharmendra Pradhan

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday.

India has struggled to boost its use of gas, which produces less greenhouse gas emissions than coal and oil, because many industries and towns are not linked to the gas pipeline network.

Gas consumption growth was running at 11 per cent&nbsp;in 2010 but growth slid to just 2.5 per cent&nbsp;in the financial year 2018/19.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters at India Energy Forum by Ceraweek that companies were investing $60 billion in the network and building new gas import facilities to link all states by mid-2024 when the government's term ends.

"I am not talking about a potential investment. This number relates to the project that is under execution," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously set a target to more than double the share of gas in India's energy mix to 15 per cent&nbsp;by 2030.

India's biggest gas utility Gail Ltd&nbsp;has said it was close to completing the 2,660 km&nbsp;Urja Ganga pipeline project, connecting the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The pipeline will have the capacity for 16 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd) of gas.

"The Urja Ganga project ... will be ready by the end of 2020," Pradhan said on the conference sidelines.

India's overall gas consumption is about 166 mscmd.

The minister said the government had started building the northeast gas grid to connect eight states in northeastern India, a region bordering Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. He said the grid would be ready by 2023.

He added that, before the end of the government's current term, "India will be connected by a pipeline ring that will help transport gas from any corner of India to a demand centre."

Most of India's liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals are in the west, making it difficult for the industry in the east and elsewhere to secure regular gas supplies.

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday.

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday. India has struggled to boost its use of gas, which produces less greenhouse gas emissions than coal and oil, because many industries and towns are not linked to the gas pipeline network. Gas consumption growth was running at 11 per cent in 2010 but growth slid to just 2.5 per cent in the financial year 2018/19. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters at India Energy Forum by Ceraweek that companies were investing $60 billion in the network and building new gas import facilities to link all states by mid-2024 when the government's term ends. "I am not talking about a potential investment. This number relates to the project that is under execution," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously set a target to more than double the share of gas in India's energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030. India's biggest gas utility Gail Ltd has said it was close to completing the 2,660 km Urja Ganga pipeline project, connecting the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The pipeline will have the capacity for 16 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd) of gas. "The Urja Ganga project ... will be ready by the end of 2020," Pradhan said on the conference sidelines. India's overall gas consumption is about 166 mscmd. The minister said the government had started building the northeast gas grid to connect eight states in northeastern India, a region bordering Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. He said the grid would be ready by 2023. He added that, before the end of the government's current term, "India will be connected by a pipeline ring that will help transport gas from any corner of India to a demand centre." Most of India's liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals are in the west, making it difficult for the industry in the east and elsewhere to secure regular gas supplies.

India investing $60 billion on gas grid to link up nation by 2024

Expressing concerns over uncertainty in the global energy market, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the recent developments in the region have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on "our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions." 
 
In his opening remarks at the third International Think Tank (ITT) meeting, Pradhan said: "In recent times, we are facing significant uncertainty and challenge in the global energy markets." 
 
"Since our last meeting, we have seen the most disruptive developments. United States sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, attacks on Saudi oil processing units, volatile conditions in Strait of Hormuz, unrest in the Middle-East, and US-China trade war, to name a few," he said. 
 
"These developments have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions," added Pradhan. 
 
The minister also noted that India's import dependency on crude oil and LNG continues to rise unabated. 
 
He said, "It is now over 84 per cent for crude and 45 per cent for natural gas... It is expected to increase in the future. Such excessive import dependency does make us vulnerable to external developments more than ever before," stressed Pradhan. 
 
He also said that today the moot question is how to make energy transition more sustainable. "The decisions and actions&nbsp;in response to the changing scenario - must be less reactive and more transformative," he added. 
 
However, the minister assured the member of the think tank that India has undertaken a transformative step by developing a gas-based economy. 
"A lot of emphasis is being given to developing gas exploration, import and distribution infrastructure in the country. Natural gas, gradually but surely, becoming a bridging fuel for low carbon economy in India," said Pradhan. 
 
In addition, an estimated investment of $60 billion has also been made for the construction of a gas pipeline and terminal infrastructure that has reached its advanced stages of completion. 
 
"India will continue to depend on hydrocarbons," the minister noted, adding that the country will only rely on clean and more efficient technologies, alongside robust producer-consumer relations as trade volumes grow. 
 
Providing a glimpse of India's path of the energy transition, Pradhan said that the share of renewables in the electricity mix has gone up from around 5 per cent in 2014-15 to 22 per cent at present. 
 
Also, ethanol blending percentage has risen from 0.67 per cent in 2012-13&nbsp;to 6 per cent. Natural Gas consumption is further witnessing 6 per cent growth since the last couple of years, the minister said. 
 
He stressed that India's oil and gas sector can function optimally only if it is in sync with the rest of the global developments. 
 
"We have to strengthen our linkages in technologies, markets, and business models and also capitalise on the shift of the centre of gravity in the oil and gas sector from producing to consuming nations," he added. 
 
The first meeting of the International Think Tank Meeting (ITT) was held in October 2017. 
 
Distinguished members of the International Think Tank, Petroleum Secretary MM Kutty, CMDs and CEOs of Indian oil and gas companies were present on the occasion. 
 
During the last two annual meetings, the forum did brainstorming on the prevailing dynamics in the global oil and gas sector, and its relevance to India's hydrocarbon sector.

Expressing concerns over uncertainty in the global energy market, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the recent developments in the region have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on "our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions.

Expressing concerns over uncertainty in the global energy market, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the recent developments in the region have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on "our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions." In his opening remarks at the third International Think Tank (ITT) meeting, Pradhan said: "In recent times, we are facing significant uncertainty and challenge in the global energy markets." "Since our last meeting, we have seen the most disruptive developments. United States sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, attacks on Saudi oil processing units, volatile conditions in Strait of Hormuz, unrest in the Middle-East, and US-China trade war, to name a few," he said. "These developments have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions," added Pradhan. The minister also noted that India's import dependency on crude oil and LNG continues to rise unabated. He said, "It is now over 84 per cent for crude and 45 per cent for natural gas... It is expected to increase in the future. Such excessive import dependency does make us vulnerable to external developments more than ever before," stressed Pradhan. He also said that today the moot question is how to make energy transition more sustainable. "The decisions and actions in response to the changing scenario - must be less reactive and more transformative," he added. However, the minister assured the member of the think tank that India has undertaken a transformative step by developing a gas-based economy. "A lot of emphasis is being given to developing gas exploration, import and distribution infrastructure in the country. Natural gas, gradually but surely, becoming a bridging fuel for low carbon economy in India," said Pradhan. In addition, an estimated investment of $60 billion has also been made for the construction of a gas pipeline and terminal infrastructure that has reached its advanced stages of completion. "India will continue to depend on hydrocarbons," the minister noted, adding that the country will only rely on clean and more efficient technologies, alongside robust producer-consumer relations as trade volumes grow. Providing a glimpse of India's path of the energy transition, Pradhan said that the share of renewables in the electricity mix has gone up from around 5 per cent in 2014-15 to 22 per cent at present. Also, ethanol blending percentage has risen from 0.67 per cent in 2012-13 to 6 per cent. Natural Gas consumption is further witnessing 6 per cent growth since the last couple of years, the minister said. He stressed that India's oil and gas sector can function optimally only if it is in sync with the rest of the global developments. "We have to strengthen our linkages in technologies, markets, and business models and also capitalise on the shift of the centre of gravity in the oil and gas sector from producing to consuming nations," he added. The first meeting of the International Think Tank Meeting (ITT) was held in October 2017. Distinguished members of the International Think Tank, Petroleum Secretary MM Kutty, CMDs and CEOs of Indian oil and gas companies were present on the occasion. During the last two annual meetings, the forum did brainstorming on the prevailing dynamics in the global oil and gas sector, and its relevance to India's hydrocarbon sector.

Recent regional developments have impacted India's energy security, says Dharmendra Pradhan

An Alaska law promoting fossil fuel development infringes on the constitutional rights of young residents to a healthy environment, a lawyer told Alaska Supreme Court justices on Wednesday.

Alaska Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit

National Security Advisory NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday was in UAE and met Crown Prince of Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with focus on energy ties.&nbsp;

NSA also met Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of the UAE's state-owned oil company — the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company or ADNOC.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's Aramco and UAE's ADNOC are planning a refinery in India's west coast at the cost of $44 billion &amp; will have a capacity of 60 million metric tonnes. India has also got oil from ADNOC for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve at Mangalore.&nbsp;

UAE accounts for 8 per cent of India’s oil imports and is the fifth-largest supplier of crude oil to India.

A govt release said,"UAE and India have strong bonds and there have regular interactions on various issues at the highest levels. NSA’s visit will further strengthen the understanding and cooperation between the two nations."

NSA Doval offered his condolences on the death of his uncle, Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, on behalf of PM Modi to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

PM Modi had tweeted about the passing of Mubarak Al Ketbi on Wednesday. PM tweeted, "I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohamedBinZayed</a>. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1179430700610719745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The visit to the UAE comes a day after his visit to Saudi Arabia where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for 2 hours.

India is increasing its engagement with the Islamic world. Earlier this year, PM Modi visited UAE and was conferred the highest civilian award of the country--the Zayed Medal.&nbsp;

PM Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. 2019 he again visited the west asian country.

National Security Advisory NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday was in UAE and met Crown Prince of Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with focus on energy ties.

National Security Advisory NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday was in UAE and met Crown Prince of Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with focus on energy ties. NSA also met Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of the UAE's state-owned oil company — the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company or ADNOC. Saudi Arabia's Aramco and UAE's ADNOC are planning a refinery in India's west coast at the cost of $44 billion & will have a capacity of 60 million metric tonnes. India has also got oil from ADNOC for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve at Mangalore. UAE accounts for 8 per cent of India’s oil imports and is the fifth-largest supplier of crude oil to India. A govt release said,"UAE and India have strong bonds and there have regular interactions on various issues at the highest levels. NSA’s visit will further strengthen the understanding and cooperation between the two nations." NSA Doval offered his condolences on the death of his uncle, Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, on behalf of PM Modi to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. PM Modi had tweeted about the passing of Mubarak Al Ketbi on Wednesday. PM tweeted, "I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief." I am deeply anguished by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi, the uncle of Crown Prince Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed. He served his nation with utmost dedication and diligence. My condolences to the family of the Crown Prince in this hour of grief. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2019 × The visit to the UAE comes a day after his visit to Saudi Arabia where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for 2 hours. India is increasing its engagement with the Islamic world. Earlier this year, PM Modi visited UAE and was conferred the highest civilian award of the country--the Zayed Medal. PM Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. 2019 he again visited the west asian country.

NSA Ajit Doval meets Abu Dhabi crown prince; focus on energy ties

The US Environmental Protection Agency granted some refineries full waivers from biofuels regulation for the 2018 compliance year, even though the Department of Energy had recommended partial exemptions, according to an EPA memo seen by Reuters.

The decision upset the powerful US corn lobby, already angry at the Trump administration's move in August to grant 31 full exemptions to refineries, freeing them from an at-times costly obligation to use biofuels such as corn-based ethanol.

Democratic presidential candidates also seized on the administration's use of waivers on Tuesday, calling them a giveaway to the oil industry that hurts farmers already struggling from the effects of the US trade war with China.

The issue shows how President Donald Trump has struggled to simultaneously please the corn and oil industries, key political constituencies leading into next year's presidential election that has routinely clashed over future biofuels policy.

The August 9 memo showed the EPA granted "full exemptions for those 2018 small refinery petitions where DOE recommended 50 per cent relief."

The memo, signed by Anne Idsal, EPA’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, did not specify how many refineries were involved.

Trump's EPA has disregarded DOE advice on waivers in the past, Reuters has reported, marking a break from the Obama administration’s EPA, which had often either adopted energy department recommendations or, when it did not, ruled against exempting oil refiners.

An EPA official did not immediately comment.

Agency officials and oil industry representatives have defended the EPA's expanded use of waivers under the Trump administration, saying they protect refining jobs and there is no evidence they have any impact on ethanol demand.

"Small refinery exemptions are a critical lifeline for small refineries across the US," said a spokesman for the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers refining group.

But biofuel industry representatives called the memo evidence the agency is biased in favour of the oil industry.

"Granting favours to refiners that aren’t really facing an economic hardship is just one of the multiple problems with EPA’s handling of small refinery exemptions," said Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board, on the sidelines of an industry event.

"The memo clearly shows that EPA continues to disregard the recommendations of DOE," Geoff Cooper, head of the Renewable Fuels Association industry group, said in an email.

In a clear sign the issue has become a potential political vulnerability for Trump, White House hopeful Democratic Senator Cory Booker seized on the news of the memo, calling the administration's use of the waiver program an "abuse of power."

He added, "Time and time again, this president and his administration have used their power to prop up their political allies, like oil companies, at the expense of hardworking American farmers, and now, they're doing it against the advice of their own Department of Energy."

Mayor Pete Buttigieg also mentioned small refinery waivers on Tuesday during a campaign stop in Iowa, calling them "big giveaways to oil," drawing applause from his crowd.

The US Renewable Fuel Standard requires oil refineries to blend biofuels, such as corn-based ethanol, into their fuel or purchase credits from those that do.

The law is intended to help farmers and cut US dependence on foreign oil but refiners say it costs them a fortune.

The RFS, however, allows the EPA to grant waivers from the regulation to small refining facilities of 75,000 barrels per day or less if they can prove that compliance would cause them disproportionate economic hardship.

This process sees the DOE assess applications and provide recommendations to the EPA, which then makes a final decision.

While the EPA publishes the number of waiver applicants and recipients each year, it keeps their identities secret, arguing the information is business-sensitive.

Since Trump took office, the EPA has vastly expanded its use of the exemptions, providing waivers to small facilities owned by billionaire investor Carl Icahn and oil majors, such as Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp, Reuters has reported.

Under pressure over the most recent round of 31 waivers, Trump last month promised a "giant package" to farmers to boost the market for ethanol.

That plan has yet to be released.

The US Environmental Protection Agency granted some refineries full waivers from biofuels regulation for the 2018 compliance year, even though the Department of Energy had recommended partial exemptions, according to an EPA memo seen by Reuters.

The US Environmental Protection Agency granted some refineries full waivers from biofuels regulation for the 2018 compliance year, even though the Department of Energy had recommended partial exemptions, according to an EPA memo seen by Reuters. The decision upset the powerful US corn lobby, already angry at the Trump administration's move in August to grant 31 full exemptions to refineries, freeing them from an at-times costly obligation to use biofuels such as corn-based ethanol. Democratic presidential candidates also seized on the administration's use of waivers on Tuesday, calling them a giveaway to the oil industry that hurts farmers already struggling from the effects of the US trade war with China. The issue shows how President Donald Trump has struggled to simultaneously please the corn and oil industries, key political constituencies leading into next year's presidential election that has routinely clashed over future biofuels policy. The August 9 memo showed the EPA granted "full exemptions for those 2018 small refinery petitions where DOE recommended 50 per cent relief." The memo, signed by Anne Idsal, EPA’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, did not specify how many refineries were involved. Trump's EPA has disregarded DOE advice on waivers in the past, Reuters has reported, marking a break from the Obama administration’s EPA, which had often either adopted energy department recommendations or, when it did not, ruled against exempting oil refiners. An EPA official did not immediately comment. Agency officials and oil industry representatives have defended the EPA's expanded use of waivers under the Trump administration, saying they protect refining jobs and there is no evidence they have any impact on ethanol demand. "Small refinery exemptions are a critical lifeline for small refineries across the US," said a spokesman for the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers refining group. But biofuel industry representatives called the memo evidence the agency is biased in favour of the oil industry. "Granting favours to refiners that aren’t really facing an economic hardship is just one of the multiple problems with EPA’s handling of small refinery exemptions," said Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board, on the sidelines of an industry event. "The memo clearly shows that EPA continues to disregard the recommendations of DOE," Geoff Cooper, head of the Renewable Fuels Association industry group, said in an email. In a clear sign the issue has become a potential political vulnerability for Trump, White House hopeful Democratic Senator Cory Booker seized on the news of the memo, calling the administration's use of the waiver program an "abuse of power." He added, "Time and time again, this president and his administration have used their power to prop up their political allies, like oil companies, at the expense of hardworking American farmers, and now, they're doing it against the advice of their own Department of Energy." Mayor Pete Buttigieg also mentioned small refinery waivers on Tuesday during a campaign stop in Iowa, calling them "big giveaways to oil," drawing applause from his crowd. The US Renewable Fuel Standard requires oil refineries to blend biofuels, such as corn-based ethanol, into their fuel or purchase credits from those that do. The law is intended to help farmers and cut US dependence on foreign oil but refiners say it costs them a fortune. The RFS, however, allows the EPA to grant waivers from the regulation to small refining facilities of 75,000 barrels per day or less if they can prove that compliance would cause them disproportionate economic hardship. This process sees the DOE assess applications and provide recommendations to the EPA, which then makes a final decision. While the EPA publishes the number of waiver applicants and recipients each year, it keeps their identities secret, arguing the information is business-sensitive. Since Trump took office, the EPA has vastly expanded its use of the exemptions, providing waivers to small facilities owned by billionaire investor Carl Icahn and oil majors, such as Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp, Reuters has reported. Under pressure over the most recent round of 31 waivers, Trump last month promised a "giant package" to farmers to boost the market for ethanol. That plan has yet to be released.

US EPA granted full biofuel waivers to refineries despite Energy Dept advice: memo

The G20 Summit 2019 will focus on Trade, Innovation, and Energy. Women empowerment will be one of the focus areas.

G20 Summit will focus on Trade, Innovation and Energy

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said.

Testifying before a Congressional Committee on Paris Climate Agreement Commitment, energy expert from the World Resource Institute and George Mason University, Andrew Light said that India's aggressive policy on renewable energy is primarily driven by its domestic incentives to keep its greenhouse gas emissions in check.

The most important is that India's air pollution levels have become a domestic crisis. Air pollution caused roughly 1.24 million deaths in India in 2017 alone.&nbsp;

"The WHO estimates that 11 of the 12 cities with the highest levels of particulate matter pollution in the world are in India. India is also seeking to provide electricity to over 30 million homes that are still without power, and ensuring that energy access is reliable for all its citizens," he said.

It also stands to benefit economically from being a leader in the solar energy industry and will achieve greater energy security in the process.&nbsp;

"Because of India pushing forward with this transition, it is projected to be on track to achieve part of its Paris target of 40 per cent non-fossil-based power capacity by 2030," Light told the members of the Environment and Climate Change subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

He said, India is an example of a large developing country that is still industrialising, but increasingly making strides to do so sustainably.

While its total emissions climbed an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2018, most of this growth was in order to provide electricity to people who had previously lacked access to reliable power, Light told the lawmakers.

"India's total emissions remain much lower than those of the US (India makes up 7 per cent of global emissions, while the US accounts for 15 per cent) and its per capita emissions are still very low, at only 2.5 tCO2e per person as of 2014," he said.

The main approach in India for reducing emissions is by pursuing very ambitious targets for the deployment of renewable energy, especially solar power, he said.&nbsp;

For its Paris commitment, India set a goal of 40 per cent electricity generation from non- fossil fuel sources by the year 2030, as well as a reduction in its economy's carbon intensity of 33-35 per cent by 2030, he added.

Light said that even prior to setting their target under Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established an ambitious target to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 60 GW of wind power, and an additional 15 GW of biomass and small hydro by the year 2022, creating an estimated 330,000 new jobs in the process.

"The solar target alone is the largest single-sector target of its kind in the world. India energy watchers in the US were skeptical of the feasibility of these targets when they were originally announced, but now India is making excellent progress on delivering these targets, Light said.

Asserting that India's growth in renewable energy over just the last five years has been staggering, he said the costs of renewable energy in India have fallen 50 per cent in the past two years.

Its solar energy capacity increased eightfold from 2014 to 2018 (2.63 GW to 22 GW), and its wind power capacity increased from 21 GW to 34 GW over the same period. This brings its total renewable energy capacity to 70 GW.

"India is performing so well that it is now aiming to reach 227 GW of renewable capacity by 2022 by also adding floating solar and off-shore wind to the package. For context, this is nearly double current US levels of wind and solar capacity. Meanwhile, the number of planned coal plants has plummeted, shrinking by a quarter in the first half of 2018," Light said.

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said.

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said. Testifying before a Congressional Committee on Paris Climate Agreement Commitment, energy expert from the World Resource Institute and George Mason University, Andrew Light said that India's aggressive policy on renewable energy is primarily driven by its domestic incentives to keep its greenhouse gas emissions in check. The most important is that India's air pollution levels have become a domestic crisis. Air pollution caused roughly 1.24 million deaths in India in 2017 alone. "The WHO estimates that 11 of the 12 cities with the highest levels of particulate matter pollution in the world are in India. India is also seeking to provide electricity to over 30 million homes that are still without power, and ensuring that energy access is reliable for all its citizens," he said. It also stands to benefit economically from being a leader in the solar energy industry and will achieve greater energy security in the process. "Because of India pushing forward with this transition, it is projected to be on track to achieve part of its Paris target of 40 per cent non-fossil-based power capacity by 2030," Light told the members of the Environment and Climate Change subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He said, India is an example of a large developing country that is still industrialising, but increasingly making strides to do so sustainably. While its total emissions climbed an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2018, most of this growth was in order to provide electricity to people who had previously lacked access to reliable power, Light told the lawmakers. "India's total emissions remain much lower than those of the US (India makes up 7 per cent of global emissions, while the US accounts for 15 per cent) and its per capita emissions are still very low, at only 2.5 tCO2e per person as of 2014," he said. The main approach in India for reducing emissions is by pursuing very ambitious targets for the deployment of renewable energy, especially solar power, he said. For its Paris commitment, India set a goal of 40 per cent electricity generation from non- fossil fuel sources by the year 2030, as well as a reduction in its economy's carbon intensity of 33-35 per cent by 2030, he added. Light said that even prior to setting their target under Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established an ambitious target to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 60 GW of wind power, and an additional 15 GW of biomass and small hydro by the year 2022, creating an estimated 330,000 new jobs in the process. "The solar target alone is the largest single-sector target of its kind in the world. India energy watchers in the US were skeptical of the feasibility of these targets when they were originally announced, but now India is making excellent progress on delivering these targets, Light said. Asserting that India's growth in renewable energy over just the last five years has been staggering, he said the costs of renewable energy in India have fallen 50 per cent in the past two years. Its solar energy capacity increased eightfold from 2014 to 2018 (2.63 GW to 22 GW), and its wind power capacity increased from 21 GW to 34 GW over the same period. This brings its total renewable energy capacity to 70 GW. "India is performing so well that it is now aiming to reach 227 GW of renewable capacity by 2022 by also adding floating solar and off-shore wind to the package. For context, this is nearly double current US levels of wind and solar capacity. Meanwhile, the number of planned coal plants has plummeted, shrinking by a quarter in the first half of 2018," Light said.

India projected on track to achieve Paris climate change agreement target: US expert 

Global energy transition is on a fast track and India is not far behind. India’s absolute commitment towards carbon neutral economy is well appreciated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the biggest supporters of expanding green and sustainable sources of energy, thereby mitigating risks of damaging the environment. 
 
With reference to energy transition, countries like Iceland, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Morocco, Denmark, China and the United States are setting benchmarks for the rest of the world.

Noticeably strong policy interventions along with heightened investment in sustainable energy remain the major catalysts of energy transition in these countries.&nbsp;

India’s rise to the occasion is noteworthy and quite exciting for local and global stakeholders. Not long ago, coal was considered the ‘backbone’ of India’s power sector, but today renewable sources like solar and wind are well placed to change that narrative. Currently, grid-connected renewable installation capacity driven by wind and solar exceeds 75 gw. Solar with 26 gw is strongly poised to surpass wind (35 gw) as the largest renewable source within a couple of years

During April-December 2018, India added 4,374 mw of grid-connected solar power against the target of 11,000 mw for the financial year.&nbsp;

By the virtue of expanding domestic solar market base and greater emphasis on ‘Make in India’, domestic manufacturers are becoming competitive to counter Chinese import threat. Interestingly, India’s average monthly solar component import reduced from $349 million in 2017-18 to $193 million during April-December 2018. In the context of coal-fired plants being the biggest and cheapest suppliers of power to grid, renewable sources desperately wanted “grid parity”.&nbsp;

No longer do solar and wind power face the burden of high tariff. Near monopoly of coal as a cheaper source of power is under severe threat—even long term existence of coal power is a big question. Market-discovered pricing and mega-scale installations of renewable projects has brought down tariff of renewable power below the so-called conventional ‘grid-party’. Through the auction process, the Solar Energy Corporation of India and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd discovered solar and wind tariff of Rs 2.44/kWh and Rs 2.43/kWh respectively.&nbsp;

As the coal and renewable story unfolds, coal -- the frugal source of power - loses the coveted tag of the ‘cheapest’ but retains the undesirable tag of `dirtiest’ power.&nbsp;

Despite renewables making significant inroads in the direction of price rationalisation, other factors like long- term price sustainability and efficiency are under relentless scrutiny. Industry analysts pose relevant questions: Are the renewable producers playing to win bids? Will they be able to sustain the low prices?&nbsp;

The renewable power industry is at the growth stage and within the next five years, the real battle might unravel true survivors.

The emerging competition, market structure and customer preferences will decide the winner between the ‘cheapest’ and ‘finest’. It may so happen that the ‘finest’ would be one amongst the cheapest; then, what would happen to the rest?&nbsp;

Till 2022, the domestic renewable market will remain buoyant, subject to continued thrust of government at the helm of affairs. Beyond 2022, many renewable firms may face financial stress; therefore a phase of consolidation is natural.&nbsp;

In India’s energy transition, road transport deserves the utmost attention. Policy makers are clearly pushing for much greener and cleaner technologies.&nbsp;

Lately, electric vehicles (EV) have received government thrust, investors’ interest and consumer acceptance. For the last couple of years, many stakeholders have backed electric cars, which called for a reality check as limiting factors outstripped the enablers.

However, mid-course corrections and reactive measures are being undertaken to strengthen the EV transition. The two-wheeler segment that was not on the immediate radar, started to gain attention.

Faster adoption of EV could be achieved through advancement in storage technology, reducing the cost of EV acquisition, creating adequate charging infrastructure and offering convenient charging facilities. &nbsp;

Natural gas – the cleanest fossil fuel - is destined to impact energy transition in a much bigger way than ever anticipated in India.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-energy-transition-is-on-smooth-road-and-fast-track-in-india-2723961">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Global energy transition is on a fast track and India is not far behind. India’s absolute commitment towards carbon neutral economy is well appreciated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the biggest supporters of expanding green and sustainable sources of energy, thereby mitigating risks of damaging the environment.

Global energy transition is on a fast track and India is not far behind. India’s absolute commitment towards carbon neutral economy is well appreciated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the biggest supporters of expanding green and sustainable sources of energy, thereby mitigating risks of damaging the environment. With reference to energy transition, countries like Iceland, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Morocco, Denmark, China and the United States are setting benchmarks for the rest of the world. Noticeably strong policy interventions along with heightened investment in sustainable energy remain the major catalysts of energy transition in these countries. India’s rise to the occasion is noteworthy and quite exciting for local and global stakeholders. Not long ago, coal was considered the ‘backbone’ of India’s power sector, but today renewable sources like solar and wind are well placed to change that narrative. Currently, grid-connected renewable installation capacity driven by wind and solar exceeds 75 gw. Solar with 26 gw is strongly poised to surpass wind (35 gw) as the largest renewable source within a couple of years During April-December 2018, India added 4,374 mw of grid-connected solar power against the target of 11,000 mw for the financial year. By the virtue of expanding domestic solar market base and greater emphasis on ‘Make in India’, domestic manufacturers are becoming competitive to counter Chinese import threat. Interestingly, India’s average monthly solar component import reduced from $349 million in 2017-18 to $193 million during April-December 2018. In the context of coal-fired plants being the biggest and cheapest suppliers of power to grid, renewable sources desperately wanted “grid parity”. No longer do solar and wind power face the burden of high tariff. Near monopoly of coal as a cheaper source of power is under severe threat—even long term existence of coal power is a big question. Market-discovered pricing and mega-scale installations of renewable projects has brought down tariff of renewable power below the so-called conventional ‘grid-party’. Through the auction process, the Solar Energy Corporation of India and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd discovered solar and wind tariff of Rs 2.44/kWh and Rs 2.43/kWh respectively. As the coal and renewable story unfolds, coal -- the frugal source of power - loses the coveted tag of the ‘cheapest’ but retains the undesirable tag of `dirtiest’ power. Despite renewables making significant inroads in the direction of price rationalisation, other factors like long- term price sustainability and efficiency are under relentless scrutiny. Industry analysts pose relevant questions: Are the renewable producers playing to win bids? Will they be able to sustain the low prices? The renewable power industry is at the growth stage and within the next five years, the real battle might unravel true survivors. The emerging competition, market structure and customer preferences will decide the winner between the ‘cheapest’ and ‘finest’. It may so happen that the ‘finest’ would be one amongst the cheapest; then, what would happen to the rest? Till 2022, the domestic renewable market will remain buoyant, subject to continued thrust of government at the helm of affairs. Beyond 2022, many renewable firms may face financial stress; therefore a phase of consolidation is natural. In India’s energy transition, road transport deserves the utmost attention. Policy makers are clearly pushing for much greener and cleaner technologies. Lately, electric vehicles (EV) have received government thrust, investors’ interest and consumer acceptance. For the last couple of years, many stakeholders have backed electric cars, which called for a reality check as limiting factors outstripped the enablers. However, mid-course corrections and reactive measures are being undertaken to strengthen the EV transition. The two-wheeler segment that was not on the immediate radar, started to gain attention. Faster adoption of EV could be achieved through advancement in storage technology, reducing the cost of EV acquisition, creating adequate charging infrastructure and offering convenient charging facilities. Natural gas – the cleanest fossil fuel - is destined to impact energy transition in a much bigger way than ever anticipated in India. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Energy transition is on smooth road and fast track in India

Bangladesh is seeking expressions of interest to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, according to a company official and a document posted on the company's website.

The South Asian country, which has a population of more than 160 million is turning to land-based LNG terminals as its first imports of the super-chilled fuel through a floating platform were delayed due to the weather and technical issues.

Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co, part of state-owned Petrobangla, which oversees LNG supplies, has requested interest from potential terminal developers for a land-based LNG regasification terminal at Matarbari in the Cox's Bazar district of southern Bangladesh.

The expression of interest is for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of a land-based terminal that can handle 7.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, including receiving, unloading, storage and re-gasification facilities.

The project is on a build-own-operate basis for 20 years, with ownership then transferred to the Bangladeshi government or a company nominated by the government at no cost.

"A land-based LNG terminal is now our top priority," said Mohammad Quamruzzaman, managing director of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas.

The onshore terminal, which can be expanded to 15 million mtpa in the future, is part of Bangladesh's strategy to develop its gas sector with private companies, according to the document.

The project developer will be required to arrange the necessary financing, the document stated.

The developer will receive the LNG from the LNG ship as part of an agreement between Bangladesh and the LNG supplier, unload and store it, re-gasify it and supply the gas to the transmission pipeline.

The terminal is set to be completed by June 2023.

Companies should submit their expressions of interest by March 20, with the official documents expected to be issued to shortlisted applicants by Aug. 29.

Bangladesh began importing LNG from Qatar on a regular basis in last year through the country's first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU).

It has scrapped plans to build additional floating LNG import terminals after its second FSRU comes on line.

Bangladesh's LNG demand potential could support a terminal with that capacity, said senior analyst at consultancy FGE Poorna Rajendran.

"Declining domestic output amidst growing energy demand would leave LNG as a mainstay in its energy mix," he said.

"Coal's share will rise in the nation's energy mix but existing gas infrastructure and growing environmental and land acquisition concerns surrounding large coal plants would mean that coal's share will not grow substantially."

In such a scenario with LNG expected to be a long term solution, a land-based terminal with larger capacity would be more economical than a smaller FSRU which is typically best suited to meet short-term and mid-term demand, he added.

Bangladesh is seeking expressions of interest to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, according to a company official and a document posted on the company's website.

Bangladesh is seeking expressions of interest to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, according to a company official and a document posted on the company's website. The South Asian country, which has a population of more than 160 million is turning to land-based LNG terminals as its first imports of the super-chilled fuel through a floating platform were delayed due to the weather and technical issues. Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co, part of state-owned Petrobangla, which oversees LNG supplies, has requested interest from potential terminal developers for a land-based LNG regasification terminal at Matarbari in the Cox's Bazar district of southern Bangladesh. The expression of interest is for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of a land-based terminal that can handle 7.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, including receiving, unloading, storage and re-gasification facilities. The project is on a build-own-operate basis for 20 years, with ownership then transferred to the Bangladeshi government or a company nominated by the government at no cost. "A land-based LNG terminal is now our top priority," said Mohammad Quamruzzaman, managing director of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas. The onshore terminal, which can be expanded to 15 million mtpa in the future, is part of Bangladesh's strategy to develop its gas sector with private companies, according to the document. The project developer will be required to arrange the necessary financing, the document stated. The developer will receive the LNG from the LNG ship as part of an agreement between Bangladesh and the LNG supplier, unload and store it, re-gasify it and supply the gas to the transmission pipeline. The terminal is set to be completed by June 2023. Companies should submit their expressions of interest by March 20, with the official documents expected to be issued to shortlisted applicants by Aug. 29. Bangladesh began importing LNG from Qatar on a regular basis in last year through the country's first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). It has scrapped plans to build additional floating LNG import terminals after its second FSRU comes on line. Bangladesh's LNG demand potential could support a terminal with that capacity, said senior analyst at consultancy FGE Poorna Rajendran. "Declining domestic output amidst growing energy demand would leave LNG as a mainstay in its energy mix," he said. "Coal's share will rise in the nation's energy mix but existing gas infrastructure and growing environmental and land acquisition concerns surrounding large coal plants would mean that coal's share will not grow substantially." In such a scenario with LNG expected to be a long term solution, a land-based terminal with larger capacity would be more economical than a smaller FSRU which is typically best suited to meet short-term and mid-term demand, he added.

Bangladesh seeks developers for its first onshore LNG terminal

Germany&nbsp;should shut down all of its&nbsp;coal-fired power plants by&nbsp;2038&nbsp;at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.7 billion) in aid to regions affected by the planned&nbsp;phase-out.

The commission's plans are at the centre of&nbsp;Germany's strategy to shift to renewables, which made up more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating&nbsp;coal&nbsp;for the first time.

The proposals of the&nbsp;coal&nbsp;commission, which were finalised after more than 20 hours of last-round talks, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned exit&nbsp;from&nbsp;coal&nbsp;into law.

The body agreed a total of at least 40 billion euros should be provided in aid for&nbsp;coal-mining states affected by the exit, less than the roughly 60 billion euros they had asked for.

"This plan will make it possible to achieve climate change goals set by the German government, but it will also, and this is important, achieve affordable and secure energy supplies if the German government implements our recommendations," said Barbara Praetorius, an environmental professor who served as one of the four leaders of the commission.

"A large majority of the population stands behind this exit&nbsp;from&nbsp;coal&nbsp;... but it must be reliable, affordable and acceptable for the regions."

In a first step, plant operators including RWE, Uniper, EnBW and Vattenfall will be asked to shut down about&nbsp;12.7 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2022, equivalent to about&nbsp;24 large power station units, the report, seen by Reuters, said.

Under the proposed plans,&nbsp;coal&nbsp;power capacity in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;would more than halve to 17 GW by 2030.

"The commission recommends a mutual agreement with the operators on a contractual basis with regard to the shutdown," the report said, adding this would include agreeing on the exact size of compensation.

COMPENSATION

Compensation payments should apply to plants in operation and those that have not yet entered service or are still being built, including Uniper's Datteln 4 plant, the report said.

Ways to determine compensation could include capacity tenders or keeping plants on standby, similar to existing reserve payments for operators that have totalled as much as 600 million euros per gigawatt in the past, it added.

In a blow to RWE,&nbsp;Germany's top electricity producer, the commission said preserving the Hambach forest was "desirable", hitting the group's key source of lignite where mining operations have already been halted following a court order.

The committee's proposals, if implemented, would be the second major intervention in&nbsp;Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch&nbsp;away&nbsp;from&nbsp;nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011.

While the&nbsp;2038&nbsp;exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, the report said there is a chance that the&nbsp;phase-out&nbsp;could be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible.

Compensation for companies and consumers paying more for electricity because of the&nbsp;phase-out&nbsp;should be 2 billion euros a year, with the exact amount to be set in 2023, the report said.

Stanislaw Tillich, the conservative former premier of the&nbsp;coal-producing Saxony region, said the accord would set an example for other regions in Europe, by ensuring they could develop new industries and jobs even as they&nbsp;phased&nbsp;coal&nbsp;out.

The next step will be for the German federal government and the 16 states to agree on how to share the cost of exiting&nbsp;from&nbsp;brown&nbsp;coal&nbsp;production. Tillich said it was imperative that all the states - not just those that now produce&nbsp;coal&nbsp;- share in the considerable burden of switching to cleaner energy.

Germany should shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.

Germany should shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.7 billion) in aid to regions affected by the planned phase-out. The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy to shift to renewables, which made up more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time. The proposals of the coal commission, which were finalised after more than 20 hours of last-round talks, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned exit from coal into law. The body agreed a total of at least 40 billion euros should be provided in aid for coal-mining states affected by the exit, less than the roughly 60 billion euros they had asked for. "This plan will make it possible to achieve climate change goals set by the German government, but it will also, and this is important, achieve affordable and secure energy supplies if the German government implements our recommendations," said Barbara Praetorius, an environmental professor who served as one of the four leaders of the commission. "A large majority of the population stands behind this exit from coal ... but it must be reliable, affordable and acceptable for the regions." In a first step, plant operators including RWE, Uniper, EnBW and Vattenfall will be asked to shut down about 12.7 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2022, equivalent to about 24 large power station units, the report, seen by Reuters, said. Under the proposed plans, coal power capacity in Germany would more than halve to 17 GW by 2030. "The commission recommends a mutual agreement with the operators on a contractual basis with regard to the shutdown," the report said, adding this would include agreeing on the exact size of compensation. COMPENSATION Compensation payments should apply to plants in operation and those that have not yet entered service or are still being built, including Uniper's Datteln 4 plant, the report said. Ways to determine compensation could include capacity tenders or keeping plants on standby, similar to existing reserve payments for operators that have totalled as much as 600 million euros per gigawatt in the past, it added. In a blow to RWE, Germany's top electricity producer, the commission said preserving the Hambach forest was "desirable", hitting the group's key source of lignite where mining operations have already been halted following a court order. The committee's proposals, if implemented, would be the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011. While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, the report said there is a chance that the phase-out could be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible. Compensation for companies and consumers paying more for electricity because of the phase-out should be 2 billion euros a year, with the exact amount to be set in 2023, the report said. Stanislaw Tillich, the conservative former premier of the coal-producing Saxony region, said the accord would set an example for other regions in Europe, by ensuring they could develop new industries and jobs even as they phased coal out. The next step will be for the German federal government and the 16 states to agree on how to share the cost of exiting from brown coal production. Tillich said it was imperative that all the states - not just those that now produce coal - share in the considerable burden of switching to cleaner energy.

Germany to phase out coal mine by 2038 in move away from fossil fuels

Turkey warned energy companies on Sunday against working with the Greek Cypriot government in carrying out exploratory drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, saying such activities could damage regional stability.

The eastern Mediterranean is believed to be rich in natural gas, and attempts to tap resources there have revived tensions between Turkey and Greece, which has a defence pact with the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government.

Turkey and Cyprus have overlapping claims of marine jurisdiction and both plan to carry out exploratory drilling this year. Ankara has diplomatic relations only with a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north of the island that no other country recognises.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said exploratory drilling by Exxon Mobil in the eastern Mediterranean with permission from the Greek Cypriot government did not help regional stability and would "upset some sensitive balances".

"We renew our warnings to companies participating in the Greek Cypriots` one-sided exploration and drilling. We remind them that sharing the natural resources of the island of Cyprus relates to the core of the Cyprus issue," Aksoy said in a statement.

"In addition to our own continental shelf, we will start carrying out activities in areas where the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has given (state-run oil company) Turk Petrolleri a license," he said.

Last month, Turkey complained that a Greek frigate had hounded a Turkish exploration ship west of Cyprus. Greece denied the charge and Cyprus accused Turkey of stirring tension.

Breakaway north Cyprus, which is supported by Ankara, says any offshore wealth also belongs to its citizens, as partners in the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.

The island was split in 1974 after a Turkish invasion triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup.

Turkey warned energy companies on Sunday against working with the Greek Cypriot government in carrying out exploratory drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, saying such activities could damage regional stability.

Turkey warned energy companies on Sunday against working with the Greek Cypriot government in carrying out exploratory drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, saying such activities could damage regional stability. The eastern Mediterranean is believed to be rich in natural gas, and attempts to tap resources there have revived tensions between Turkey and Greece, which has a defence pact with the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government. Turkey and Cyprus have overlapping claims of marine jurisdiction and both plan to carry out exploratory drilling this year. Ankara has diplomatic relations only with a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north of the island that no other country recognises. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said exploratory drilling by Exxon Mobil in the eastern Mediterranean with permission from the Greek Cypriot government did not help regional stability and would "upset some sensitive balances". "We renew our warnings to companies participating in the Greek Cypriots` one-sided exploration and drilling. We remind them that sharing the natural resources of the island of Cyprus relates to the core of the Cyprus issue," Aksoy said in a statement. "In addition to our own continental shelf, we will start carrying out activities in areas where the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has given (state-run oil company) Turk Petrolleri a license," he said. Last month, Turkey complained that a Greek frigate had hounded a Turkish exploration ship west of Cyprus. Greece denied the charge and Cyprus accused Turkey of stirring tension. Breakaway north Cyprus, which is supported by Ankara, says any offshore wealth also belongs to its citizens, as partners in the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. The island was split in 1974 after a Turkish invasion triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup.

Turkey warns companies against energy exploration with Greek Cypriot govt

Saudi Crown Prince <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/leading-us-senator-blames-saudi-prince-salman-for-khashoggi-death-172688">Mohammed bin Salman</a> on Monday laid the foundation stone for the kingdom's first nuclear research reactor, state media said, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its energy mix.

The reactor was among seven projects launched by the prince during a visit to Riyadh's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

SPA offered no details on when the research or non-power reactor -- typically used for research, development and education purposes -- would be built and at what cost.

Saudi Arabia currently draws on oil and natural gas to meet its own fast-growing power demand and desalinate its water.

The world's top crude exporter harbours plans to build 16 nuclear reactors over the next two decades for $80 billion as it seeks to diversify, despite concerns over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

Prince Mohammed said in March that if Iran develops a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapon, Riyadh will do so too.&nbsp;

In an interview with CBS television, he likened regional rival Iran's supreme leader to Hitler, saying he "wants to create his own project in the Middle East".

Riyadh held deep reservations over the 2015 accord aimed at curbing Iran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;ambitions and hailed President Donald Trump's announcement in May that the United States was withdrawing from the deal.

Monday's announcement comes as the US vowed to be "relentless" in countering Iran as sweeping new sanctions took effect.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday laid the foundation stone for the kingdom's first nuclear research reactor, state media said, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its energy mix.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday laid the foundation stone for the kingdom's first nuclear research reactor, state media said, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its energy mix. The reactor was among seven projects launched by the prince during a visit to Riyadh's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. SPA offered no details on when the research or non-power reactor -- typically used for research, development and education purposes -- would be built and at what cost. Saudi Arabia currently draws on oil and natural gas to meet its own fast-growing power demand and desalinate its water. The world's top crude exporter harbours plans to build 16 nuclear reactors over the next two decades for $80 billion as it seeks to diversify, despite concerns over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. Prince Mohammed said in March that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Riyadh will do so too. In an interview with CBS television, he likened regional rival Iran's supreme leader to Hitler, saying he "wants to create his own project in the Middle East". Riyadh held deep reservations over the 2015 accord aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions and hailed President Donald Trump's announcement in May that the United States was withdrawing from the deal. Monday's announcement comes as the US vowed to be "relentless" in countering Iran as sweeping new sanctions took effect.

Saudi Arabia to build first nuclear reactor

Salaries are projected to increase by 10 per cent in India in 2018, the highest in the Asia Pacific region, according to a report.

The highest projected salary rise is seen in the energy, FMCG and retail sectors.

&quot;Salaries in India are projected to rise 10 per cent in 2018, same as the actual increase in 2017,&quot; according to the &#39;Q3 2017 Salary Budget Planning Report&#39; released by global advisory, broking, and solutions company Willis Towers Watson.

The report covered a range of industries, including BPO, chemicals, construction &amp; engineering, consumer products &amp; retail, financial services, high tech, manufacturing, media, pharmaceutical &amp; health sciences, business and technical consulting and transportation and logistics.

For this, a survey was conducted in July among 4,000 respondents in Asia Pacific, in which about 300 companies participated in the India market.

Although salaries in India are seeing a decreasing pattern in the year-on-year salary increases, the country&#39;s projected salaries for 2018 is still the highest in the Asia Pacific region, the report said.

Among other countries, Indonesia is projected to record 8.5 per cent growth, China 7 per cent, The Philippines 6 per cent and Hong Kong and Singapore both 4 per cent, it added.

&quot;India continues to show high salary increments compared to other countries in the Asia Pacific region. However, given the decreasing pattern in the year-on-year salary growth, Indian employees could see a single digit salary increase in 2018 for the first time since 2011,&quot; Willis Towers Watson Data Services Practice Leader, Asia Pacific, Sambhav Rakyan said.

He said given this trend and the rapid evolution of jobs, skill and the future of work, especially for tech-savvy talent, companies are required to rethink their talent attraction and retention strategies and realise that simply increasing compensation is not a sustainable solution.

&quot;We are also seeing that progressive employers are beginning to leverage employee benefits as a strong lever in differentiating their employee value proposition and ensuring greater transparency in compensation and benefits related communication,&quot; he added.

Salary allocation for top performers in 2017 grew to 39 per cent, up from last year&#39;s 38 per cent, Rakyan said.

On the other hand, the budget set aside for average performance decreased by 1 per cent to 27 per cent, he added.

These changes are marginal, but as salary budgets get tighter, it still reflects the sentiment of employers to reward top performers, Willis Towers Watson India Director, Rewards, Arvind Usretay said.

&quot;Therefore, now we see more companies relying on robust processes, governance, and training at driving linkages between performance and pay. We expect this trend to gather greater momentum in the next couple of years as companies sharpen their pay for performance policies,&quot; he added.

Among the industries covered in the report, the highest projected salary increase is seen in the energy, FMCG and retail sectors.

At 10.5 per cent, these sectors are expected to do better than the overall projected salary of 10 per cent.

While at 9.1 per cent, the financial services is the only sector where the projected salary is less than the overall estimated rise, the report added.

&quot;Given the labour arbitrage advantage, segments such as back-office operations based out of India can be expected to offer above-average increases.

&quot;Start-ups and smaller MNCs are also likely to offer above average salary increases to attract and retain critical skill employees,&quot; Rakyan added.

The report covered a range of industries, including BPO, chemicals, construction & engineering, consumer products & retail, financial services, high tech, manufacturing, media, pharmaceutical & health sciences, business and technical consulting and transportation and logistics.

Salaries are projected to increase by 10 per cent in India in 2018, the highest in the Asia Pacific region, according to a report. The highest projected salary rise is seen in the energy, FMCG and retail sectors. "Salaries in India are projected to rise 10 per cent in 2018, same as the actual increase in 2017," according to the 'Q3 2017 Salary Budget Planning Report' released by global advisory, broking, and solutions company Willis Towers Watson. The report covered a range of industries, including BPO, chemicals, construction & engineering, consumer products & retail, financial services, high tech, manufacturing, media, pharmaceutical & health sciences, business and technical consulting and transportation and logistics. For this, a survey was conducted in July among 4,000 respondents in Asia Pacific, in which about 300 companies participated in the India market. Although salaries in India are seeing a decreasing pattern in the year-on-year salary increases, the country's projected salaries for 2018 is still the highest in the Asia Pacific region, the report said. Among other countries, Indonesia is projected to record 8.5 per cent growth, China 7 per cent, The Philippines 6 per cent and Hong Kong and Singapore both 4 per cent, it added. "India continues to show high salary increments compared to other countries in the Asia Pacific region. However, given the decreasing pattern in the year-on-year salary growth, Indian employees could see a single digit salary increase in 2018 for the first time since 2011," Willis Towers Watson Data Services Practice Leader, Asia Pacific, Sambhav Rakyan said. He said given this trend and the rapid evolution of jobs, skill and the future of work, especially for tech-savvy talent, companies are required to rethink their talent attraction and retention strategies and realise that simply increasing compensation is not a sustainable solution. "We are also seeing that progressive employers are beginning to leverage employee benefits as a strong lever in differentiating their employee value proposition and ensuring greater transparency in compensation and benefits related communication," he added. Salary allocation for top performers in 2017 grew to 39 per cent, up from last year's 38 per cent, Rakyan said. On the other hand, the budget set aside for average performance decreased by 1 per cent to 27 per cent, he added. These changes are marginal, but as salary budgets get tighter, it still reflects the sentiment of employers to reward top performers, Willis Towers Watson India Director, Rewards, Arvind Usretay said. "Therefore, now we see more companies relying on robust processes, governance, and training at driving linkages between performance and pay. We expect this trend to gather greater momentum in the next couple of years as companies sharpen their pay for performance policies," he added. Among the industries covered in the report, the highest projected salary increase is seen in the energy, FMCG and retail sectors. At 10.5 per cent, these sectors are expected to do better than the overall projected salary of 10 per cent. While at 9.1 per cent, the financial services is the only sector where the projected salary is less than the overall estimated rise, the report added. "Given the labour arbitrage advantage, segments such as back-office operations based out of India can be expected to offer above-average increases. "Start-ups and smaller MNCs are also likely to offer above average salary increases to attract and retain critical skill employees," Rakyan added.

India to see 10 per cent salary increase in 2018: Report

Oil&nbsp;prices steadied on Thursday, holding on to most of their recent gains after another fall in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-jumps-to-near-8-week-high-after-big-draw-in-us-crude-stocks-18831">US&nbsp;crude</a> inventories indicated a tighter market, and as a tropical storm headed towards&nbsp;oil&nbsp;producing facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.

Benchmark Brent crude was down 5 cents a barrel at $52.52 by 0925 GMT. US&nbsp;light, sweet crude was 10 cents lower at $48.31 a barrel.

Both contracts rose more than 1 percent on Wednesday, buoyed by potential output disruptions from the Gulf of Mexico storm Tropical Depression Harvey.

&quot;For the next few days, the US&nbsp;market is going to be focused on Texas as Tropical Depression Harvey is expected to strengthen into a Category I hurricane by Friday,&quot; said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of energy consultancy Trifecta.

&quot;Operators in the area are already closing down platforms and evacuating workers as a precaution,&quot; he added.

Harvey strengthened into a tropical storm late on Wednesday night with winds of about 40 miles per hour (65 km per hour) and was located about 440 miles (705 km) southeast of Port Mansfield, Texas, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported.

Royal Dutch Shell, Anadarko Petroleum and Exxon Mobil have all taken steps to curb some&nbsp;oiland gas output at platforms in the Gulf.

Beyond the weather, traders said declines in US&nbsp;commercial crude storage levels were a sign of a gradually tightening market, although another rise in output held the market back.

US&nbsp;crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;production hit 9.53 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, its highest since July 2015 and up over 13 percent from their most recent low in mid-2016.

Despite this, U.S. crude stocks fell last week and gasoline stocks were down as well, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

Crude inventories fell by 3.3 million barrels in the week ending Aug. 18 to 463.17 million barrels, down 13.5 percent from record levels last March.

US crude oil production hit 9.53 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, its highest since July 2015 and up over 13 percent from their most recent low in mid-2016

Oil prices steadied on Thursday, holding on to most of their recent gains after another fall in US crude inventories indicated a tighter market, and as a tropical storm headed towards oil producing facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. Benchmark Brent crude was down 5 cents a barrel at $52.52 by 0925 GMT. US light, sweet crude was 10 cents lower at $48.31 a barrel. Both contracts rose more than 1 percent on Wednesday, buoyed by potential output disruptions from the Gulf of Mexico storm Tropical Depression Harvey. "For the next few days, the US market is going to be focused on Texas as Tropical Depression Harvey is expected to strengthen into a Category I hurricane by Friday," said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of energy consultancy Trifecta. "Operators in the area are already closing down platforms and evacuating workers as a precaution," he added. Harvey strengthened into a tropical storm late on Wednesday night with winds of about 40 miles per hour (65 km per hour) and was located about 440 miles (705 km) southeast of Port Mansfield, Texas, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported. Royal Dutch Shell, Anadarko Petroleum and Exxon Mobil have all taken steps to curb some oiland gas output at platforms in the Gulf. Beyond the weather, traders said declines in US commercial crude storage levels were a sign of a gradually tightening market, although another rise in output held the market back. US crude oil production hit 9.53 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, its highest since July 2015 and up over 13 percent from their most recent low in mid-2016. Despite this, U.S. crude stocks fell last week and gasoline stocks were down as well, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Crude inventories fell by 3.3 million barrels in the week ending Aug. 18 to 463.17 million barrels, down 13.5 percent from record levels last March.

Oil prices steady as US crude inventories indicate tighter market

Last week, China became the <a href="http://www.cctvplus.com/news/20170518/8050794.shtml#!language=1">first country</a> to stably and continuously produce gas from methane hydrate.

Methane hydrate is one of the world&#39;s largest untapped sources of energy, with reserves <a href="http://www.cctvplus.com/news/20170518/8050794.shtml#!language=1">twice</a> that of coal, oil and natural gas combined. It is usually found under the ocean bed, but because of difficulties involved in recovering it, it has not been exploited so far.

Countries such as China and Japan are increasingly making attempts to tap these reserves in their waters. Could India take a leaf out of their book and make use of this resource?

The motivation for China&nbsp;and Japan

China <a href="http://www.cctvplus.com/news/20170518/8050794.shtml#!language=1">produced</a> at least 10,000 cubic metres of methane for eight days in a row at&nbsp;their mining project in the South China sea. Japan is trying to better this by producing gas for <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/84abdc56-30b0-11e7-9555-23ef563ecf9a">four weeks</a> in a test well off the coast of central Japan.

Japan was actually the first to extract methane with an offshore platform <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/japan-methane-hydrate-idUKL3N1HI1KA">back in 2013</a>, but the flow lasted less than a week before problems crept in.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WCnXp_c9stg" width="560"></iframe>

China is especially motivated to&nbsp;develop&nbsp;this technology because it is the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-economy-trade-crude-idUSKBN1570VJ">second-largest</a> importer of crude oil in the world. Japan is in a similar predicament, as it is presently the world&#39;s <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/japan-methane-hydrate-idUKL3N1HI1KA">biggest importer</a> of liquefied natural gas.

Right now extracting methane is not technically viable, let alone being commercially viable. But the progress made by China and Japan shows that day is not far away. In fact, Japan is hoping to produce methane on a commercial scale 10 years from now, <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/japan-methane-hydrate-idUKL3N1HI1KA">by 2027</a>.

Why methane hydrate matters for India

Global reserves of gas stored in methane hydrate are <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8925cbb4-7157-11e3-8f92-00144feabdc0">estimated</a> to be in the range of 3,000 - 140,000 trillion cubic metres. Around 1,900 trillion cubic metres of methane are present in the seas around India, according to one <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/columnists/swaminathan-s-a-aiyar/tapping-massive-deposits-of-fire-ice-methane-hydrate-can-change-indias-energy-landscape/articleshow/19014438.cms">report</a>.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/india_reserves-20170523030645.png" />
<div class="media-description">
There are potential reserves of methane hydrate in these basins (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

In fact, a gas reserve was <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ONGC-hydrates-discovery-may-be-4-times-bigger-than-RILs-gas-find/articleshow/50505577.cms">discovered two years ago</a> in 2015 in the Krishna-Godavari basin off the eastern coast of India. The reserve is said to have a potential four trillion cubic metres of gas and there are said to be <a href="http://dghindia.gov.in/index.php/page?pageId=39">more reserves</a> in the Mahanadi and Andaman basins in the Bay of Bengal.

Given how India could be the world&#39;s third-biggest consumer of energy <a href="http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-to-be-world-s-3rd-largest-energy-user-by-2020-shinde-112042103005_1.html">by 2020</a>, it would do well to meet growing demand by tapping this huge resource just off its shores.

East Asian powers are trying to tap methane hydrate as a potential source of energy. Is India even in the conversation?

Last week, China became the first country to stably and continuously produce gas from methane hydrate. Methane hydrate is one of the world's largest untapped sources of energy, with reserves twice that of coal, oil and natural gas combined. It is usually found under the ocean bed, but because of difficulties involved in recovering it, it has not been exploited so far. Countries such as China and Japan are increasingly making attempts to tap these reserves in their waters. Could India take a leaf out of their book and make use of this resource? The motivation for China and Japan China produced at least 10,000 cubic metres of methane for eight days in a row at their mining project in the South China sea. Japan is trying to better this by producing gas for four weeks in a test well off the coast of central Japan. Japan was actually the first to extract methane with an offshore platform back in 2013, but the flow lasted less than a week before problems crept in. China is especially motivated to develop this technology because it is the second-largest importer of crude oil in the world. Japan is in a similar predicament, as it is presently the world's biggest importer of liquefied natural gas. Right now extracting methane is not technically viable, let alone being commercially viable. But the progress made by China and Japan shows that day is not far away. In fact, Japan is hoping to produce methane on a commercial scale 10 years from now, by 2027. Why methane hydrate matters for India Global reserves of gas stored in methane hydrate are estimated to be in the range of 3,000 - 140,000 trillion cubic metres. Around 1,900 trillion cubic metres of methane are present in the seas around India, according to one report. There are potential reserves of methane hydrate in these basins (WION) × In fact, a gas reserve was discovered two years ago in 2015 in the Krishna-Godavari basin off the eastern coast of India. The reserve is said to have a potential four trillion cubic metres of gas and there are said to be more reserves in the Mahanadi and Andaman basins in the Bay of Bengal. Given how India could be the world's third-biggest consumer of energy by 2020, it would do well to meet growing demand by tapping this huge resource just off its shores.

China, Japan way ahead of India in new gas race

The continuous whirl of hair dryers is a novel sound at the Blush Beauty Point parlour in Nepal&#39;s capital Kathmandu, which until just five months ago had to close at regular intervals because of power cuts.&nbsp;

Scheduled power cuts -- known as load-shedding -- have been a part of daily life in the impoverished landlocked country for decades, forcing small businesses to rely on expensive generators or simply close when the lights went out.

&quot;We had to run our business according to the load-shedding schedule. Clients would call and check if there was light,&quot; the salon&#39;s owner Anita Shrestha told AFP.

But that has all changed since Kulman Ghising was appointed head of the Nepal Electricity Authority in September last year.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Ghising overhauled the hydropower generation system -- storing water at times of low demand so more could be generated at peak hours. He also ended a policy that provided electricity round the clock to certain industries</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Ghising overhauled the hydropower generation system -- storing water at times of low demand so more could be generated at peak hours. He also ended a policy that provided electricity round the clock to certain industries" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Load-shedding -- previously up to 16 hours a day in the winter dry season -- has all but ended in the country&#39;s three largest cities and in other major towns been reduced to around two hours on alternate days.

&quot;When I was appointed I set the goal that I would at least make Kathmandu load-shedding free,&quot; Ghising told AFP.

&quot;But at that time I felt that whatever I said I could manage more than that.&quot;

Demand for electricity has long outstripped supply in Nepal, with energy production severely depressed by chronic under-investment and inefficiencies in the power network.

The result has been crippling for domestic industry and deterred foreign investment, while crucial infrastructure development has flagged in the years of political paralysis that followed the end of the Maoist insurgency in 2006 and the overthrow of the monarchy two years later.

Political alignment 
Ghising&#39;s formula to end the power cuts involved tackling some basic inefficiencies.

He overhauled the hydropower generation system -- storing water at times of low demand so more could be generated at peak hours. He also ended a policy that provided electricity round the clock to certain industries.

The policy was meant to give 24-hour power to around 20 big employers, but had expanded after decades of mission creep -- and backhanders.&nbsp;

&quot;Before there was some mismanagement that some industries get 24 hours (of power), some industries get 12 hours, some industries get only 8 hours. There was unequal distribution of electricity that was not as per the rules of NEA,&quot; said Ghising.

In addition, he brought online some power plants that had been sitting idle due to poor maintenance, and launched a public awareness campaign to encourage people to avoid electricity-guzzling activities -- like ironing and pumping water -- in the evenings when demand for power is at its highest.

But arguably the single greatest weapon Ghising has is the backing of the prime minister and the energy and finance ministers.

For one of the first times in Nepal&#39;s short history as a parliamentary democracy, all four are members of the Maoist party and that political alignment is bearing fruit.&nbsp;

The country is due to hold its first local elections in nearly two decades later this year and the Maoists need to show results to boost their chances at the polls.

Hydro potential 
But while Ghising might have turned on the lights for much of Nepal, the country will need to harness its huge hydropower potential to keep the electricity flowing.

&quot;It&#39;s cautious optimism because we are known to squander opportunities,&quot; said Sujeev Shakya, founder of the Kathmandu-based Nepal Economic Forum, of the recent drop in load-shedding.

He added: &quot;Now at (the) NEA you have a good guy and he may try to reform, but the system is designed to take care of the interests of few.&quot;

Nepal with its mountain river system should be an energy-producing powerhouse.

Experts say it could be generating 83,000 megawatts of power, but its total installed generation capacity currently stands at less than two percent of that.

Construction on two long mooted projects is finally expected to begin later this year.

It will take around seven years before they come online, but even one would double Nepal&#39;s current generation capacity, eventually transforming it into an energy exporter.

That would be a game changer for the Himalayan nation, which currently relies on India for electricity in the winter dry season.

But with the average tenure of governments in Nepal at around seven months, many are concerned that another change at the top could reverse the recent gains.

&quot;Development of hydro energy infrastructure requires a long-term view. And with these short-term governments it&#39;s very difficult to believe they can have a long-term view,&quot; said Shakya.

And on the now lit streets of Kathmandu, suspicion darkens the mood.

&quot;I don&#39;t know the details, but I feel like Nepalis were kept in the dark for too long,&quot; said Shrestha as she styled a client&#39;s hair into cascading curls.

&quot;There is a tension that there will be power cuts again if the government changes.&quot;

(AFP)

Kulman Ghising took over the Nepal Electricity Authority in September last year

The continuous whirl of hair dryers is a novel sound at the Blush Beauty Point parlour in Nepal's capital Kathmandu, which until just five months ago had to close at regular intervals because of power cuts. Scheduled power cuts -- known as load-shedding -- have been a part of daily life in the impoverished landlocked country for decades, forcing small businesses to rely on expensive generators or simply close when the lights went out. "We had to run our business according to the load-shedding schedule. Clients would call and check if there was light," the salon's owner Anita Shrestha told AFP. But that has all changed since Kulman Ghising was appointed head of the Nepal Electricity Authority in September last year. Ghising overhauled the hydropower generation system -- storing water at times of low demand so more could be generated at peak hours. He also ended a policy that provided electricity round the clock to certain industries × Load-shedding -- previously up to 16 hours a day in the winter dry season -- has all but ended in the country's three largest cities and in other major towns been reduced to around two hours on alternate days. "When I was appointed I set the goal that I would at least make Kathmandu load-shedding free," Ghising told AFP. "But at that time I felt that whatever I said I could manage more than that." Demand for electricity has long outstripped supply in Nepal, with energy production severely depressed by chronic under-investment and inefficiencies in the power network. The result has been crippling for domestic industry and deterred foreign investment, while crucial infrastructure development has flagged in the years of political paralysis that followed the end of the Maoist insurgency in 2006 and the overthrow of the monarchy two years later. Political alignment Ghising's formula to end the power cuts involved tackling some basic inefficiencies. He overhauled the hydropower generation system -- storing water at times of low demand so more could be generated at peak hours. He also ended a policy that provided electricity round the clock to certain industries. The policy was meant to give 24-hour power to around 20 big employers, but had expanded after decades of mission creep -- and backhanders. "Before there was some mismanagement that some industries get 24 hours (of power), some industries get 12 hours, some industries get only 8 hours. There was unequal distribution of electricity that was not as per the rules of NEA," said Ghising. In addition, he brought online some power plants that had been sitting idle due to poor maintenance, and launched a public awareness campaign to encourage people to avoid electricity-guzzling activities -- like ironing and pumping water -- in the evenings when demand for power is at its highest. But arguably the single greatest weapon Ghising has is the backing of the prime minister and the energy and finance ministers. For one of the first times in Nepal's short history as a parliamentary democracy, all four are members of the Maoist party and that political alignment is bearing fruit. The country is due to hold its first local elections in nearly two decades later this year and the Maoists need to show results to boost their chances at the polls. Hydro potential But while Ghising might have turned on the lights for much of Nepal, the country will need to harness its huge hydropower potential to keep the electricity flowing. "It's cautious optimism because we are known to squander opportunities," said Sujeev Shakya, founder of the Kathmandu-based Nepal Economic Forum, of the recent drop in load-shedding. He added: "Now at (the) NEA you have a good guy and he may try to reform, but the system is designed to take care of the interests of few." Nepal with its mountain river system should be an energy-producing powerhouse. Experts say it could be generating 83,000 megawatts of power, but its total installed generation capacity currently stands at less than two percent of that. Construction on two long mooted projects is finally expected to begin later this year. It will take around seven years before they come online, but even one would double Nepal's current generation capacity, eventually transforming it into an energy exporter. That would be a game changer for the Himalayan nation, which currently relies on India for electricity in the winter dry season. But with the average tenure of governments in Nepal at around seven months, many are concerned that another change at the top could reverse the recent gains. "Development of hydro energy infrastructure requires a long-term view. And with these short-term governments it's very difficult to believe they can have a long-term view," said Shakya. And on the now lit streets of Kathmandu, suspicion darkens the mood. "I don't know the details, but I feel like Nepalis were kept in the dark for too long," said Shrestha as she styled a client's hair into cascading curls. "There is a tension that there will be power cuts again if the government changes." (AFP)

The man who has (almost) got rid of load-shedding in Nepal

President Mauricio Macri on Saturday defended his move to hike Argentinas energy rates as a &quot;painful&quot; but necessary part of fixing the economy after years of mismanagement under his leftist predecessor. 
 
Macri&#39;s remarks came two days after an Argentine court halted price increases for gas and electricity, hurting his drive to narrow the fiscal deficit by cutting energy subsidies. 
 
The dispute will likely end up in the Supreme Court. 
 
&quot;If there had been an alternative I would have taken it, but there was no alternative,&quot; 
 
Macri said in a speech marking the countrys bicentennial independence day celebration. 
 
Macri cut energy subsidies and hiked power rates in January shortly after taking office, saying that frozen tariffs during the government of former President Cristina Fernandez had left the grid on the brink of collapse. 
 
Macri said the decision, which raised tariffs by more than 1,000 percent in some places, &quot;still pains me.&quot; 
 
&quot;All transitions are hard. We took over a country beaten down by lies and corruption,&quot; Macri said from the northern province of Tucuman, the cradle of Argentinas independence. 
 
&quot;Lets learn to consume the least amount of energy possible,&quot; 
 
Macri added, touting the environmental benefits of doing so. 
 
Macri, who assumed power in December, promised to double down on efforts to slow inflation while pulling the economy out of recession. 
 
He asked Argentines celebrating their countrys bicentennial for patience. 
 
&quot;Seven months is nothing out of 200 years,&quot; Macri said. 
 
(Reuters)

Macri?had cut?energy subsidies and hiked power rates only a month after taking office but a court recently halted the price increase

President Mauricio Macri on Saturday defended his move to hike Argentinas energy rates as a "painful" but necessary part of fixing the economy after years of mismanagement under his leftist predecessor. Macri's remarks came two days after an Argentine court halted price increases for gas and electricity, hurting his drive to narrow the fiscal deficit by cutting energy subsidies. The dispute will likely end up in the Supreme Court. "If there had been an alternative I would have taken it, but there was no alternative," Macri said in a speech marking the countrys bicentennial independence day celebration. Macri cut energy subsidies and hiked power rates in January shortly after taking office, saying that frozen tariffs during the government of former President Cristina Fernandez had left the grid on the brink of collapse. Macri said the decision, which raised tariffs by more than 1,000 percent in some places, "still pains me." "All transitions are hard. We took over a country beaten down by lies and corruption," Macri said from the northern province of Tucuman, the cradle of Argentinas independence. "Lets learn to consume the least amount of energy possible," Macri added, touting the environmental benefits of doing so. Macri, who assumed power in December, promised to double down on efforts to slow inflation while pulling the economy out of recession. He asked Argentines celebrating their countrys bicentennial for patience. "Seven months is nothing out of 200 years," Macri said. (Reuters)

Argentina's Macri defends energy rate hikes after court injunction

TransCanada has formally filed a $15-billion suit against the US government for blocking its controversial project for an oil pipeline linking Canada with the Gulf of Mexico, legal documents show. 
 
The company first announced its intention to sue in January, but then sought negotiations toward &quot;an amicable settlement of the dispute&quot; surrounding the Keystone XL pipeline, according to legal documents posted on its website. 
 
Unable to settle, the company formally filed suit late Friday, asserting that denial of a permit to complete the pipeline was &quot;unjustified&quot; under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and that the decision also exceeded US President Barack Obama&#39;s constitutional powers. 
 
The suit is based on Chapter 11 of NAFTA -- the 1994 trade pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico -- which aims to protect foreign investors from potential losses. 
 
The Calgary-based company is seeking $15 billion for losses it says it suffered because of the pipeline`s rejection. 
 
The decision to block the pipeline, which came seven years after the company first submitted the project, marred US-Canada relations and angered many in the oil industry in both countries. 
 
The pipeline would have carried crude oil from the Alberta tar sands deposits all the way to the US Gulf Coast. The US government`s blocking of the 1,179-mile (1,900 kilometer) Alberta-Nebraska section effectively undermined the entire project. 
 
Environmentalists have assailed the project -- and the move to sue -- arguing that the Alberta deposits produce some of the &quot;dirtiest&quot; crude in the world. 
 
In its latest filings, TransCanada argued that the US government`s decision was not based on technical analysis, but &quot;was symbolic, and based merely on the desire to make the US appear strong on climate change.&quot; 
 
A summit that brings together the leaders of NAFTA`s three countries will be held next week in Ottawa. 
 
(AFP)

The energy giant argues that denial of a permit to complete the pipeline is "unjustified" under the North American Free Trade Agreement

TransCanada has formally filed a $15-billion suit against the US government for blocking its controversial project for an oil pipeline linking Canada with the Gulf of Mexico, legal documents show. The company first announced its intention to sue in January, but then sought negotiations toward "an amicable settlement of the dispute" surrounding the Keystone XL pipeline, according to legal documents posted on its website. Unable to settle, the company formally filed suit late Friday, asserting that denial of a permit to complete the pipeline was "unjustified" under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and that the decision also exceeded US President Barack Obama's constitutional powers. The suit is based on Chapter 11 of NAFTA -- the 1994 trade pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico -- which aims to protect foreign investors from potential losses. The Calgary-based company is seeking $15 billion for losses it says it suffered because of the pipeline`s rejection. The decision to block the pipeline, which came seven years after the company first submitted the project, marred US-Canada relations and angered many in the oil industry in both countries. The pipeline would have carried crude oil from the Alberta tar sands deposits all the way to the US Gulf Coast. The US government`s blocking of the 1,179-mile (1,900 kilometer) Alberta-Nebraska section effectively undermined the entire project. Environmentalists have assailed the project -- and the move to sue -- arguing that the Alberta deposits produce some of the "dirtiest" crude in the world. In its latest filings, TransCanada argued that the US government`s decision was not based on technical analysis, but "was symbolic, and based merely on the desire to make the US appear strong on climate change." A summit that brings together the leaders of NAFTA`s three countries will be held next week in Ottawa. (AFP)

TransCanada files $15-bn suit over US Keystone pipeline rejection

When it comes to volcanoes, silence can say a lot. 
 
A team of researchers has found that volcanoes go lull before they erupt - a finding that could give scientists a leg up on predicting blow-ups and saving lives.

When dormant volcanoes are about to erupt, they show some predictive characteristics, but until now, there has not been a way to forecast eruptions of more restless volcanoes because of the constant seismic activity and gas and steam emissions.

Carnegie volcanologist Diana Roman, working with a team of scientists from Penn State, Oxford University, the University of Iceland, and INETER, has shown that periods of seismic quiet occur immediately before eruptions, and can thus be used to forecast an impending eruption for restless volcanoes. The duration of the silence can indicate the level of energy that will be released when eruption occurs.&nbsp;Longer quiet periods mean a bigger bang.

The team monitored a sequence of eruptions at the Telica Volcano in Nicaragua in 2011.

It is a so-called stratovolcano, with a classic-looking cone built up by many layers of lava and ash. They started monitoring Telica in 2009 with various instruments, and by 2011 they had a comprehensive network within 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) of the volcano`s summit. Of the 50 explosions that occurred, 35 had preceding quiet periods lasting 30 minutes or longer. 
 
Thirteen explosions were preceded by quiet intervals of at least five minutes. Only two of the 50 did not have any quiet period preceding the explosion.

&quot;It is the proverbial calm before the storm,&quot; remarked Roman. &quot;The icing on the cake is that we could also use these quiet periods to forecast the amount of energy released.&quot;

The research is published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 
 
(ANI)

This discovery could help predict volcanic activity and forecast the amount of energy to be released upon eruption

When it comes to volcanoes, silence can say a lot. A team of researchers has found that volcanoes go lull before they erupt - a finding that could give scientists a leg up on predicting blow-ups and saving lives. When dormant volcanoes are about to erupt, they show some predictive characteristics, but until now, there has not been a way to forecast eruptions of more restless volcanoes because of the constant seismic activity and gas and steam emissions. Carnegie volcanologist Diana Roman, working with a team of scientists from Penn State, Oxford University, the University of Iceland, and INETER, has shown that periods of seismic quiet occur immediately before eruptions, and can thus be used to forecast an impending eruption for restless volcanoes. The duration of the silence can indicate the level of energy that will be released when eruption occurs. Longer quiet periods mean a bigger bang. The team monitored a sequence of eruptions at the Telica Volcano in Nicaragua in 2011. It is a so-called stratovolcano, with a classic-looking cone built up by many layers of lava and ash. They started monitoring Telica in 2009 with various instruments, and by 2011 they had a comprehensive network within 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) of the volcano`s summit. Of the 50 explosions that occurred, 35 had preceding quiet periods lasting 30 minutes or longer. Thirteen explosions were preceded by quiet intervals of at least five minutes. Only two of the 50 did not have any quiet period preceding the explosion. "It is the proverbial calm before the storm," remarked Roman. "The icing on the cake is that we could also use these quiet periods to forecast the amount of energy released." The research is published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters. (ANI)

Volcanoes go silent before eruption

China wants to boost its domestic capacity to produce cutting-edge energy technologies in the next decade to challenge international energy majors in areas like offshore oil and gas exploration and building state-of-the-art thermal power plants. 
 
China lags behind competitors like Anglo-American oil majors or Japanese and German power turbine makers in the most advanced technologies for deepwater oil and gas production and the most efficient electric generation. But, as the world&#39;s biggest energy consumer, the country yearns to be at the forefront of these technologies to meet internal energy needs and to shift its export economy from less high-tech industries. 
 
A new catalogue, released this week by three ministries including the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), proposes increasing China&#39;s energy independence by 2025. The report also seeks export opportunities in technical areas such as deepwater drilling for oil and natural gas, highly efficient so-called ultra-super-critical thermal power plants, as well as renewable electric generation and storage technology. 
 
&quot;Our self-designed capacity is comparably weak, and the core technologies are not in our hands,&quot; said the plan. 
 
The report, led by the National Energy Administration, did not specify which companies would lead this development. But, in the oil and gas sector, China&#39;s state-owned companies including China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its listed subsidiary PetroChina, Sinopec Group, and China National Offshore Oil Corp will likely take leading roles. 
 
China Petroleum Technology and Development Corp, an equipment provider affiliated to CNPC, already has exports worth US$ 3.7 billion per year. 
 
&quot;In offshore oil drilling we&#39;d like to cut the reliance on imports by improving the self-sufficiency,&quot; said Yang Shuangquan, General Secretary of the China Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment Industrial Association (CPEIA). 
 
&quot;(The plan) draws up... major development projects for the oil industries in exploiting natural gas, shale gas and offshore oil. The latter two will remain as China&#39;s strategic moves to ensure energy supply,&quot; he added. 
 
In renewables, Goldwind is the leading Chinese wind turbine maker and likely to play a role. The biggest investors in thermal and gas power generation are the state-owned China Huaneng Group, China Datang Corporation, along with its listed renewable subsidiary, China Guodian Corp, China Huadian Group Corp, and China Power Investment Corp. 
 
Yang said that no specified investment figures had yet been published, but that the ministry of finance would come up with follow-up strategies for implementation soon, without mentioning a specific time-frame. 
 
To make breakthroughs in these key technologies, the government wants to showcase live projects by 2020, leading to the formation of new, internationally competitive production chains by 2025. 
 
The plan also bolsters government efforts to shift away from less technologically advanced industries such as coal and steel and into more complex sectors. 
 
This includes increasing renewable technology usage, but also employing ultra-super-critical coal power generators, modern natural gas turbines, and large nuclear power plants. 
 
For renewables, China wants to build offshore wind turbines that can produce 10 megawatts (MW) of electricity, beyond the current technology at 7 MW, and modern solar cells. 
(Reuters)

As the world's biggest energy consumer, China yearns to be at the forefront of energy-sector technologies to meet internal needs

China wants to boost its domestic capacity to produce cutting-edge energy technologies in the next decade to challenge international energy majors in areas like offshore oil and gas exploration and building state-of-the-art thermal power plants. China lags behind competitors like Anglo-American oil majors or Japanese and German power turbine makers in the most advanced technologies for deepwater oil and gas production and the most efficient electric generation. But, as the world's biggest energy consumer, the country yearns to be at the forefront of these technologies to meet internal energy needs and to shift its export economy from less high-tech industries. A new catalogue, released this week by three ministries including the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), proposes increasing China's energy independence by 2025. The report also seeks export opportunities in technical areas such as deepwater drilling for oil and natural gas, highly efficient so-called ultra-super-critical thermal power plants, as well as renewable electric generation and storage technology. "Our self-designed capacity is comparably weak, and the core technologies are not in our hands," said the plan. The report, led by the National Energy Administration, did not specify which companies would lead this development. But, in the oil and gas sector, China's state-owned companies including China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its listed subsidiary PetroChina, Sinopec Group, and China National Offshore Oil Corp will likely take leading roles. China Petroleum Technology and Development Corp, an equipment provider affiliated to CNPC, already has exports worth US$ 3.7 billion per year. "In offshore oil drilling we'd like to cut the reliance on imports by improving the self-sufficiency," said Yang Shuangquan, General Secretary of the China Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment Industrial Association (CPEIA). "(The plan) draws up... major development projects for the oil industries in exploiting natural gas, shale gas and offshore oil. The latter two will remain as China's strategic moves to ensure energy supply," he added. In renewables, Goldwind is the leading Chinese wind turbine maker and likely to play a role. The biggest investors in thermal and gas power generation are the state-owned China Huaneng Group, China Datang Corporation, along with its listed renewable subsidiary, China Guodian Corp, China Huadian Group Corp, and China Power Investment Corp. Yang said that no specified investment figures had yet been published, but that the ministry of finance would come up with follow-up strategies for implementation soon, without mentioning a specific time-frame. To make breakthroughs in these key technologies, the government wants to showcase live projects by 2020, leading to the formation of new, internationally competitive production chains by 2025. The plan also bolsters government efforts to shift away from less technologically advanced industries such as coal and steel and into more complex sectors. This includes increasing renewable technology usage, but also employing ultra-super-critical coal power generators, modern natural gas turbines, and large nuclear power plants. For renewables, China wants to build offshore wind turbines that can produce 10 megawatts (MW) of electricity, beyond the current technology at 7 MW, and modern solar cells. (Reuters)

China plans to boost energy-sector technology capacity over next decade

To meet their ever-growing energy needs, countries in South Asia are focussing on renewable energy in the long run. Some are also turning to nuclear power to bridge existing energy deficits in the short run. 
 
India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the three biggest economies of South Asia, are all on a growth trajectory. They grew by 7.3, 4.24 and 6.5 per cent respectively in 2015 (World Bank). The International Monetary Fund estimated that the world&rsquo;s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.1 per cent in the corresponding period. Since sustained economic growth is inextricably linked to energy security, these countries need to take urgent measures to increase power generation, expand grid mapping and to check transmission losses. India and Pakistan have embarked on ambitious programmes of meeting their energy security needs by reducing dependence on conventional (fossil fuel dependent: oil, coal, gas) energy. And both New Delhi and Islamabad have placed the emphasis on tapping renewable and nuclear energy to achieve their goals. Bangladesh has modest renewable energy plans. It has steered clear of nuclear energy thus far. This is the way to go. 
 
According to the Indian Ministry of Renewable Energy, the country has plans to increase the contribution of nuclear power to overall electricity generation capacity (also called installed capacity) from 3.0 per cent to 9 per cent by 2035. New Delhi aims to draw 25 per cent of its total electricity supply from its nuclear power plants by 2050. India&rsquo;s nuclear power generation is by and large dependent on imported uranium. But due to earlier sanctions and lack of substantial uranium reserves, it has put a lot of resources to develop a unique nuclear fuel cycle to exploit its copious thorium deposits. However, the reactor is an experimental one and it will be a long while before it can be scaled up. 
 
India targets to achieve 40 per cent of total power generation capacity from renewable sources, mainly solar and wind, by 2030. This would translate to around 3,50,000 Megawatts by 2030. Clearly, in the long run, the Indians are hedging their bets on the renewable path. 
 
The picture is strikingly similar in Pakistan which grapples with six to eight hours daily power outages in its cities. Islamabad plans to construct 32 nuclear power plants by 2050. The Nuclear Vision 2050 document states generation of more than 40,000 Megawatts of nuclear power by 2050 which translates into 15 per cent of the projected capacity. 
 
The last Pakistan government in power announced that by 2030, almost 50 per cent of the country&rsquo;s installed capacity would come from renewable sources. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Plant which is being built with Chinese help has been a step in the right direction. The largest solar project in the world, as Ecowatch calls it, started selling electricity to the grid in 2015. When completed in 2017, its installed capacity will touch 1000 Megawatts, according to China Dialogue. 
 
Bangladesh has set a target of getting 3168 Megawatts of renewable energy installed by 2021 which will account for 10 per cent of its total capacity, according to the country&rsquo;s Power Ministry. 
On the surface, it is surprising for countries, ranked medium to low in terms of human development indices and per capita GDP, to opt for the expensive renewable highway. Renewable power projects are many times costlier to build than nuclear ones. 
 
The cheapest power station to build are the ones which run on coal, oil and gas. But their operational costs are the highest and vary according to price fluctuations in international crude and coal markets. It is unsustainable in the long run and does not help in reducing carbon emission. 
 
Nuclear plants are many times expensive than those running on fossil fuels. But they are several times cheaper than solar or wind energy stations and require less space. 
 
But its operational cost in countries like India and Pakistan is not nominal as the reactors use expensive fuel such as uranium or plutonium which need to be imported. Alongside, nuclear plants require the most rigorous safety and maintenance standards which involve high costs. 
 
And in case of an accident at the plant in a country as densely populated like India, the financial and humanitarian cost may assume monumental proportions. The passing of the Nuclear Liability Act by the Indian Parliament in 2010 effectively absolved the reactor-selling nations such as Russia, France or the US of any liability in case of an accident. This is a gambit that goes horribly wrong when it does. 
 
There was widespread opposition to ratification of the Nuclear Liability Act. Protests even spread to rural pockets leading to clashes between agitators and policemen. But India&rsquo;s energy demand doubled between 1991 and 2011 and the government pushed the pedal. 
 
Renewable energy projects cost a bomb but are the cheapest to run. They have zero raw material costs, negligible maintenance costs and zero carbon emission. And last but not the least, in case of any critical failure, they do not endanger the lives and livelihoods of thousands or pose a threat to the natural environment. 
As technology advances and economies of scale kick in, and they are scaling rapidly, the costs will come down. 
 
Ideally, countries in South Asia must collaborate, taking into account each other&rsquo;s strong points to offset the high costs of renewable power projects. For example, cement and other construction materials in Pakistan are cheaper than India. In technology components, India enjoys a cost advantage because of the economies of scale. The countries in the region are already discussing buying from and selling electricity to each other. It would be a good idea to involve Nepal and Bhutan as well. The point is to take the &lsquo;power&rsquo; equation in the region to the next level.

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries must work with each other to offset the high costs of renewable power projects

To meet their ever-growing energy needs, countries in South Asia are focussing on renewable energy in the long run. Some are also turning to nuclear power to bridge existing energy deficits in the short run. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the three biggest economies of South Asia, are all on a growth trajectory. They grew by 7.3, 4.24 and 6.5 per cent respectively in 2015 (World Bank). The International Monetary Fund estimated that the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.1 per cent in the corresponding period. Since sustained economic growth is inextricably linked to energy security, these countries need to take urgent measures to increase power generation, expand grid mapping and to check transmission losses. India and Pakistan have embarked on ambitious programmes of meeting their energy security needs by reducing dependence on conventional (fossil fuel dependent: oil, coal, gas) energy. And both New Delhi and Islamabad have placed the emphasis on tapping renewable and nuclear energy to achieve their goals. Bangladesh has modest renewable energy plans. It has steered clear of nuclear energy thus far. This is the way to go. According to the Indian Ministry of Renewable Energy, the country has plans to increase the contribution of nuclear power to overall electricity generation capacity (also called installed capacity) from 3.0 per cent to 9 per cent by 2035. New Delhi aims to draw 25 per cent of its total electricity supply from its nuclear power plants by 2050. India’s nuclear power generation is by and large dependent on imported uranium. But due to earlier sanctions and lack of substantial uranium reserves, it has put a lot of resources to develop a unique nuclear fuel cycle to exploit its copious thorium deposits. However, the reactor is an experimental one and it will be a long while before it can be scaled up. India targets to achieve 40 per cent of total power generation capacity from renewable sources, mainly solar and wind, by 2030. This would translate to around 3,50,000 Megawatts by 2030. Clearly, in the long run, the Indians are hedging their bets on the renewable path. The picture is strikingly similar in Pakistan which grapples with six to eight hours daily power outages in its cities. Islamabad plans to construct 32 nuclear power plants by 2050. The Nuclear Vision 2050 document states generation of more than 40,000 Megawatts of nuclear power by 2050 which translates into 15 per cent of the projected capacity. The last Pakistan government in power announced that by 2030, almost 50 per cent of the country’s installed capacity would come from renewable sources. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Plant which is being built with Chinese help has been a step in the right direction. The largest solar project in the world, as Ecowatch calls it, started selling electricity to the grid in 2015. When completed in 2017, its installed capacity will touch 1000 Megawatts, according to China Dialogue. Bangladesh has set a target of getting 3168 Megawatts of renewable energy installed by 2021 which will account for 10 per cent of its total capacity, according to the country’s Power Ministry. On the surface, it is surprising for countries, ranked medium to low in terms of human development indices and per capita GDP, to opt for the expensive renewable highway. Renewable power projects are many times costlier to build than nuclear ones. The cheapest power station to build are the ones which run on coal, oil and gas. But their operational costs are the highest and vary according to price fluctuations in international crude and coal markets. It is unsustainable in the long run and does not help in reducing carbon emission. Nuclear plants are many times expensive than those running on fossil fuels. But they are several times cheaper than solar or wind energy stations and require less space. But its operational cost in countries like India and Pakistan is not nominal as the reactors use expensive fuel such as uranium or plutonium which need to be imported. Alongside, nuclear plants require the most rigorous safety and maintenance standards which involve high costs. And in case of an accident at the plant in a country as densely populated like India, the financial and humanitarian cost may assume monumental proportions. The passing of the Nuclear Liability Act by the Indian Parliament in 2010 effectively absolved the reactor-selling nations such as Russia, France or the US of any liability in case of an accident. This is a gambit that goes horribly wrong when it does. There was widespread opposition to ratification of the Nuclear Liability Act. Protests even spread to rural pockets leading to clashes between agitators and policemen. But India’s energy demand doubled between 1991 and 2011 and the government pushed the pedal. Renewable energy projects cost a bomb but are the cheapest to run. They have zero raw material costs, negligible maintenance costs and zero carbon emission. And last but not the least, in case of any critical failure, they do not endanger the lives and livelihoods of thousands or pose a threat to the natural environment. As technology advances and economies of scale kick in, and they are scaling rapidly, the costs will come down. Ideally, countries in South Asia must collaborate, taking into account each other’s strong points to offset the high costs of renewable power projects. For example, cement and other construction materials in Pakistan are cheaper than India. In technology components, India enjoys a cost advantage because of the economies of scale. The countries in the region are already discussing buying from and selling electricity to each other. It would be a good idea to involve Nepal and Bhutan as well. The point is to take the ‘power’ equation in the region to the next level.

South Asian mandate to renewable energy for sustainable growth

energy

Energy, News on Energy, stories on Energy, articles on Energy, Energy stories at Wion, Energy news, Energy latest news