India has taken its first step toward better national energy management. Economic Times has reported that the government is considering a proposal to establish a National Energy Commission (NEC).
NEC would help India implement its energy policy, functioning as a coordinating agency among half a dozen ministries. And it would be similar in function to the Chinese state agency of the same name.
At present, the proposal forwarded by the NITI Aayog is pending clearance of the Prime Minister’s Office, ET reports.
“We are exploring the possibility of a central body that would break the silos between ministries and work with an integrated approach toward energy security of the country over a longer period,” ET quoted an unnamed NITI Aayog official as saying.
NITI Aayog has, in a paper, proposed the need to work toward developing energy-related infrastructure, human resource and enhanced use of technology for optimum utilization of available resources.
When the paper is approved by the PMO it will be placed for consultations with stakeholders in the process of shaping the new energy policy.
The Integrated Energy Policy of the previous government is presently in effect. It is being considered inadequate as the ministries have not worked together for national energy security although they did work toward achieving individual targets.
The government’s move to establish NEC should also give the required impetus to renewable energy sector. Such a coordinating agency should also facilitate speedier and effective implementation of renewable energy projects.
Ajith Kumar S