‘Energy is as important as tea, water, and sleep; need a unique India model’

NEWDELHI: Oil and gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan says India needs its own unique energy model, one that will emit less carbon and use the country’s own raw materials. That can be achieved only through technology, and only if youngsters apply their mind to it and form startups. Excerpts from an interview: in double digits. So energy consumption will only grow from here as we move from a being a developing to a developed country. Given our natural resources, it will not be possible for us to become selfsufficient in fossil fuel. So our policies in the last two years have reflected our focus on newer sources of energy, and welcoming research and innovation. We understand the risks involved in exploration and production of hydrocarbons. ONGC has already earmarked ₹100 crore for this. The others will follow soon. I am hopeful that the kitty will grow to ₹300 crore to ₹400 crore soon. The idea is to convert innovation and scientific research towards energy efficiency into a viable business proposal. The role of the state-run companies will be to handhold startups. The energy needs of different strata of people are different, their purchasing power is also different. Did the big companies like Shell, Exxon and British Petroleum start the shale gas revolution? As we move to endorse COP 21 on October 2, we need to reduce our carbon footprint. This can only be possible when bright youngsters of the country innovate.