Bengal Development Evolution needs Green Solutions

            -          published in  “Your Health” an Indian Medical Association journal.

Global warming and the accelerating scarcity of resources require a change in the modes of production that drive the world economy . This transition must take account of the differences in the technological advancement as well as the economic development of the countries in general and states in particular. 

Simultaneously, we are closing the chapters of   “Global Financial meltdown”  and drafting the preface of “Global Climate Crisis”. This budding topic that has been the subject of many a deliberations- between countries (Kyoto Protocol, G20 Summit and WTO Trade Rounds) and within countries (project tenders and implementation plans for building renewable energies). It pleases me to bring to your awareness that India is among the top five largest investors in Renewable energy (the major facilitator of clean environment).

Clearly, India is ahead of its targets and has a humongous role to play in achieving global balance in clean climate. It could also be one of the major proponents for the shift of power to East from the West. India, one of the largest decentralized economies,  has a further tier  for implementation of any project-  the State. Hence, inorder to  make India a super power in global scenario the responsibilities lies not only on the centre but also on the state.  Every state has its share of targets, goals ,plans of implementation.

West Bengal is a dear state to me, it’s the source of my origin and even though I am an Indian, I am a Bengali at heart. The progress of my State, its contribution is crucial to me. There is a buzzing phrase – West Bengal has turned green after being red for decades. This indeed is a welcome change. But such a change has to transcend into concrete actions. Bengali’s and Bengal has to rise to the occasion and make our state a leading example of rapid progress and development. We have the potential and ‘Yes we can do it’. We need to act smart and act fast.

In this article, I wish to highlight West Bengal strengths and weakness in achieving Clean Environment and Development; via the channel – Renewable energy projects. A circular flow mechanism works in this domain. The more renewable energy projects are implemented- the cleaner the environment is – the more the state can trade its CDR’s (emission rights) with other states or countries – which increases is the inflow of capital – which enhances development and facilitates trade in goods , technology and others.

West Bengal has been a pioneer in the adoption and utilization of renewable energy for meeting its daily requirements of energy in general and electricity in particular in commercial way. It has shown ways for involving the community for the maintenance and management of renewable energy projects. The generation and supply of electricity in Sundarbans and Gosaba Islands through renewable energy are successful examples before us.

Given the ample sun shine in West Bengal, we have a great potential to become a hub of solar energy. India’s first megawatt-level solar photovoltaic power plant was working in the Asansol area for more than three months. We easily could and we should strengthen our solar energy plants.

As of 31 Dec 2010 the installed capacity of wind power in India was 13065.37MW, leading states being Tamil Nadu (4906.74 MW), Maharashtra (2077.70 MW). West Bengal's capacity is a paltry 1.1 MW. We should develop this further. Suzlon Energy Ltd plans to set up a large wind-power project in West Bengal Suzlon Energy Ltd is planning to set up a large wind-power project in West Bengal, for which it is looking at coastal Midnapore and South 24-Parganas district. Our proximity to Bay of Bengal should enable us the tap this resource further.

We are endowed with bountiful of rainfall which can be utilized to strengthen and increase hydro power and rain-water harvesting potential. Under UNFCC provisions 3 megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river small hydro power project shall be set upstream of the river Neora in Darjeeling, in order to export clean power to West Bengal State Electricity Board (WBSEB) grid.

Having briefly touched on the major sources of renewable energy in West Bengal, its evident that it is a potential hub of renewable energy. This is because of its magnificent geographic placement and the blessing of Maa Kali. We have to tap our resources correctly channelize our blessing. There’s an old adage – “you can only take a horse to a well, whether to drink or not is in the horses hand”. Similarly, the platform is set for West Bengal to shine. Whether it shines or not is in its hand.

As a specialist student of economics, I hereby propose some policy recommendations to facilitate the process of clean development in West Bengal

Policy Recommendation

At a time when governments around the world are in the process of liberalizing their electricity markets, the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy should lead to higher demand. Without political support, however, renewable energy remains at a disadvantage, marginalized by distortions in the world’s energy markets.

Developing renewable energy sources will, therefore, require strong political and economic support, especially through laws that guarantee stable tariffs over a period of up to 20 years. Political action is needed to create a level playing field. In the process, it would also contribute to sustainable economic growth, high quality jobs, technology development, global competitiveness and industrial and research leadership.

Actions on the following grounds could be undertaken:

• Enacting a renewable energy Law with time bound legal targets for Renewable energy uptake, both at the grid, and at stand alone level.

• The law should provide incentives for investment in RE technologies, such as offering potential tariffs, open transmission, as well as incentives for buying green energy.

• A shift from subsidiaries from fossil fuel to renewable energy.