The Hindu Business Line : Seize the initiative in renewable energy sector, Kerala told

INDIA, in general, and Kerala in particular, with all their intelligent manpower and capacity to produce goods and services at prices cheaper than most other countries must now look at alternative energy initiatives as opportunity to develop enterprises and entrepreneurs, say experts.

Speaking at the National Conference on `Opportunities and Constraints of Entrepreneurship in the Renewable Energy Sector' here, Dr J.M.I. Sait, an expert, said that the world, being at energy cross roads, was already looking for alternatives to fossil fuels, such as solar and wind energy.

The production of such energy is still not adequate to meet the demand and the costs are being subsidised because the advantages of scale have not been available. A major reason for this is lack of awareness and lukewarm concern for an impending crisis.

With proper awareness, the market is bound to explode, he said. The Canadian example should set us thinking about the possibility of our developing similar systems for delivery to the west. The best relations and reputation enjoyed by India should help in our exploiting the market for such turnkey projects.

Even the oil-rich Arab countries are seriously thinking of using solar energy driven equipment, as they are richer in the supply of sunlight. Serious market research and appropriately trained entre- preneurs, adequately supported by the finance sector can make Kerala, with its intelligent manpower and good sunshine, ideal for such ventures.

With the imminent threat of depletion of fossil fuels, the need for alternate energy sources has become inevitable. Change of energy sources is certain to call for changes in the power generation methods; production processes, product designs and quality standards and even life styles and fashions.

Given the slow convertibility of the conventional businesses into the new processes and product lines, tremendous entrepreneurial opportunities will arise to meet the demand, Dr Sait said.

The two-day conference on July 30 and 31 was organised by the Institute of Small Enterprises Development (ISED) with the cooperation of Union Ministry of Non-conventional energy sources, IREDA, and the National Small Industries Corporation.

ISED has evolved a programme called Renewable Energy Enterprise Development, which has several components, such as research, training activities, demonstrative action programmes. The coverage of these activities extends the whole of South Asia, with special focus on India and Bangladesh, Dr P.M. Mathew, Director, ISED, said.

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