US, Russia, Saudi Arabia…what is this list in which India is going to be included after…
New Delhi: What comes as good news for India is that the country may become an exporter of clean energy in the next six to seven years. Currently, the country buys energy from other countries but will soon be capable of selling it. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that, expressing his confidence, that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is promoting clean energy like ethanol, biodiesel, electric vehicles and hydrogen for a better and greener future. The green energy will help in reducing pollution, simultaneously reducing the cost of transporting goods. The construction of new roads and changing fuel will reduce logistics costs.
It is to be noted that India imports a major part of its energy needs, such as petroleum and gas. This puts a tremendous economic burden on the country, making it vulnerable to the instability of the global markets. Notably, India is dependent on some countries to meet its energy needs. The countries include – Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and America.
Hydrogen – The Future Fuel
According to Gadkari the government is taking several steps regarding the energy program. Terming hydrogen as the fuel of future, he said that the central government is focusing on alternative fuel.
‘Today we are an importer of energy. But, within six to seven years we will become an exporter of energy,’ Gadkari said.
The Minister stated that switching fuels will lower both pollution levels and transportation costs, further improved by new road construction. Logistics costs will be reduced by building new roads and changing the fuel.
Low Logistics Cost
Gadkari expressed his confidence that alternative fuel options will lower the cost of logistics to 9 percent.
‘I am confident that by building new roads and changing fuel, your logistics cost will come down to single digit i.e. 9 percent, and this will happen by the end of this year,’ he said.
Gadkari said, ‘Today, the logistics cost in China is 8% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), in the US and European countries it is 12% and in India it is 16%, but now things are moving fast.’ This means that the cost of transporting goods in India is higher than in China, the US and Europe. But, now it is improving.
Appeal To People
The minister urged people to use alternative fuel, stating the it will save their money.
Gadkari said, ‘India is the fastest growing economy. We need to increase our exports. For this reason, we have to reduce the cost of raw materials.’
The central government is focusing on making India self-reliant in the energy sector. To achieve this goal, alternative fuel is being promoted. The green fuel will help reduce pollution levels that major cities across the country are currently struggling with.
Notably, the government has already started mixing ethanol with petrol in a very small quantity. However, in the coming years, ethanol and hydrogen will replace petrol and diesel. This will also reduce India’s dependency on foreign countries for its energy requirements.
News