The Hindu Business Line : Experts moot coal-to-oil conversion to meet fuel needs

Leading fuel experts have suggested coal to oil conversion to reduce the country's dependence on imported oil. Such conversion, it is felt, will help the country achieve self-sufficiency in energy needs.

Endorsing the experts' point of view, the Chief engineer of OIL Ltd, Mr U.C. Bora, said here at a national conference on energy security, "India imported 75 per cent of its required oil in 2004-05, which is expected to rise to 94 per cent by 2030, costing $2,000 billion a year."

The country would continue to depend on imported oil because India has only 0.8 per cent of the global oil and gas reserves as against its share of 17 per cent of the world's population.

Prof A.K. Ghose, former Director of Indian School of Mines said, "India's oil reserves will be exhausted within the next 20 years. In such a scenario, the country has to enhance its dependence on coal, which is abundantly available."

Mr Bora said OIL plans technical tie-ups with a South African company, Sasol Ltd, and Shenhua Coal Liquefaction Corporation of China for establishing coal-to-oil conversion plants in the country.

Alternative resources

However, given the environmental concerns over carbon dioxide emissions, the use of nuclear, hydel and other renewable energy resources would provide a distinct advantage, the experts felt. At present, coal and lignite account for 59 per cent of India's energy production while nuclear power accounts for only 2.5 per cent. Demand for alternative energy is expected to grow in the coming years, according to a report published by the Paris-based International Energy Agency.

"Fossil-based fuels would account for almost 90 per cent of the total demand in 2010."

Mr Sunil Mitra, Principal Secretary, Power, Government of West Bengal, said, "West Bengal is recording tremendous growth in the hydroelectric, solar and wind energy sectors. We are closely monitoring the Sundarban coastal area for developing wind energy and are also utilising rice-husk to develop energy."

More Stories on : Petroleum | Coal | Non-conventional Energy

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page