The Hindu Business Line : `US signing of Kyoto protocol will benefit India'

"The US, which accounts for 36 per cent of the total emission of green houses gases (GHG), has not yet signed the protocol. If it signs the protocol, it will be a great opportunity for India," Mr Suhas Inamdar, a senior faculty member of Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), said.

Addressing a seminar on `Clean development mechanism (CDM) and opportunities in energy efficiency projects' here on Monday, he said a new ozone hole found over Chile and Argentina causes serious concern world over. The seminar was organised by APITCO (Andhra Pradesh Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation) in association with IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Authority).

"CDM calls for investments by developed countries in projects in developing countries that would ultimately lead to emission reductions. In turn, they (developed countries) would receive credit for such investments," he said.

"This is an excellent opportunity for developing countries. They can turn their environmentally hazardous wastes into a business opportunity." "In the future, you may find advertisements calling for CDM projects in which companies from the developed world would like to invest," he said.

"All CDM projects must result in a net GHG reduction. CDM comprises renewable energy projects, solid waste management, advanced coal-based power generation, renovation and modernisation and industrial energy efficiency improvement." "Each tonne of carbon dioxide reduced through a CDM project is known as certified emission reduction. These points can be traded," he said.

However, the mechanism calls for certain specifications. "Emission reductions are expected to be real, measurable and long term. A project that is meant to meet the legal compliance of a state cannot be treated as a CDM project," Mr Inamdar pointed out.