Energy is top most in the agenda for all countries. Let us make an informed, non-political decision in the interests of our country.
Our 70% dependency on imported oil mainly from Middle East is sticking our neck on the line. So far so good. But oil is becoming a political weapon. China beats us in big deals. We might not be able to source it at all at any price. Opec says there are enough supplies. The crux of the matter is wheher we have reached a point of diminishing returns on oil production. That will mean ever sky rocketing prices as the oil supply decreases. There is already talk that Opec wants to hide the recoverable data,to stall any initiatives for other renewable sources. Iran pipeline looks to be a pipe dream, especially as it coarces through Afganistan & Pakistan!
The renewables are a real bet for us. Solar energy can be the new horizon as the graph of rising oil will meet solar costs soon. The research is on in Europe, Singapore etc but the govt should encourage private initiatives through tax breaks. Solar is ever renewable, raw material for the silcon wafers is our abundant sand. More production when we want it, in summer! It is free once the silicon panels are in place.
Jatropha is another promising source which can provide huge employment from non arable land!
So let us put our heads together to think ahead, not on narrow party lines! We have to exercise the options and solve the problems without creating enemies in the process. We need all.
