No.PR-290 October 19, 2020 New Delhi
PHDCCI Pitches for India to be a Hub of “Sustainable Mobility”
The new Aatma Nirbhar Bharat has got to be up to scratch and, for being competitive with the world, we need to understand that mobility and vehicles need fuel on the go. Alternate fuels should be made available on the go as India’s time to lead in this segment has arrived now, Amb Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, Senior Indian Diplomat & India’s Former Ambassador to Nepal, European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg and the United Nations reflected on during the Session on “Way Forward for Making India, a Hub of Sustainable Mobility” in first-ever “AFT Virtual Virtual Expo & Conclave 2020” organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). AFT Virtual Expo & Conclave is being organised in association with Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC), Govt of Chhattisgarh; Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), GoI is the Partnering Ministry.
Amb Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri while giving a global perspective, mentioned that the world is moving away from fossil fuels implying that the industry needs to be aware of the global trends and needs to move in accordance with the global society. So, alternative fuels would become imperative and, industries need to start planning for it as it’s pivotal for the development of the sector and nation.
He shared that alternative fuels will be available in the multi used scenario and will be fuelling the economy. He highlighted that we need to decarbonize the generation of electric power and, we need to increase the use of electric power for industrial and transport purposes. The state governments should focus more on building the infrastructure and think about moving public transport to alternate fuels.
Mr. Sham Lal Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary & Resident Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra shared about the progressive initiatives undertaken by Maharashtra in solar, electric vehicles, promotion of alternative fuels and mentioned that we need to focus on solar and fossil fuel energy.
He suggested that there is need to shape the projects about the biofuels processing in rural areas. We can generate green waste by encouraging plantations that can increase farmers’ income and can produce biofuel that in return can reduce pollution as well. He also suggested that the government should come up with robust policies to promote the industries at the earliest.
Mr. Jyoti Kalash, Additional Chief Secretary & Principal Resident Commissioner, Government of Nagaland shared that Alternative Fuel Technology has huge potential in the northeastern states and, a lot of production is required for the adoption of these new technologies. He also shared that there needs to be a market for selling this and, we need to create opportunities for the same. He discussed the environment and cost-related benefits of AFTs.
Mr. Nikhil Moghe, Partner, KPMG in his presentation deliberated about the Indian Road transportation network that is one of the fastest-growing networks of the world with a focus on moving towards greater adoption of cleaner and greener fuels. Talking about the combination of new-age alternate fuels, he shared that the solution lies in diversity enabled by technology, network efficiencies, and sustainability. He discussed that India has the potential to increase its scope in terms of renewable energy in the coming years and electric vehicles need to be pushed in the country through the FAME scheme. He also discussed the scenario of bio-energy, bio-CNG, and hydrogen in India mentioned that the city gas distribution network is the backbone to CNG growth, and decarbonizing is the way ahead for a greener future.
Ms. Akanksha Sharma, Head-Social Impact & Sustainability, Sterlite Technologies Ltd shared a global perspective about the energy sector where many people don’t have access to clean fuel and fuels for cooking. Talking about SDGs, she mentioned that to make energy reach every part of the world, there is a need for rapid thought-through policies. She suggested that the institutions should come up with subsidizing schemes for encouraging industry to take up these alternative forms of energy.
Mr. Bishal Thapa, Managing Director, Saral Urja mentioned that technology is evolving and multiplying in many different ways and, we need to look at a diverse portfolio of fuels. We need to think about technology diversity and look at a variety of fuels at the same time catering to digital transformation. He discussed the potential of hydrogen and its application across different verticals. We need to think about the holistic and comprehensive energy sector for which alternative fuels in transportation play a vital role. While consumers are becoming conscious of the fuels and transportation for which we need to think about electric vehicles that will help in transforming the energy sector as well. He also mentioned that we need to look at motor shifts that can help in addressing the challenges we are facing in climate sustainability and other aspects.
Mr. Justin Lane, Business Analyst, InoBat Auto while sharing a global perspective shared that electrification of all modes of transport is gaining momentum driving increased EV adoption. He gave an in-depth understanding of the Standard Cell, Tailored Cell, Custom Cell, and Battery modules and packs.
Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, Chair, Power, Renewable & Alternate Energy Committee, PHDCCI shared that oil and gas are the core sectors in the economic development of the country which are contributing significantly to India’s GDP. He discussed the initiatives undertaken by the ministry in the promotion of alternative fuels that are giving a boost in the usage and production of these alternative fuels.
Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHDCCI in his concluding remarks reflected broadly on how in the last few years the government and industry in India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have taken the matter of clean energy and AFT seriously. In a bid to curb the urban pollution and attain the sustainable mobility, India can emerge as a global leader in this segment, added Mr. Sanyal.
The well-attended session was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Principal Director, PHDCCI.
Ends Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry