In his
inaugural address at PETROTECH 2019, the thirteenth edition of India’s flagship
hydrocarbon Conference in Noida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
congratulated His Excellency Dr. Sultan
Al Jaber for his contribution to the energy sector and vision for the future
and, laying great significance on energy in the development of a country’s
economy, said, “Several decades of public life have convinced me that energy is
a key driver of socio-economic growth. Suitably priced, stable and sustainable
energy supply, is essential for rapid growth of the economy. It also helps the
poor and deprived sections of society, to partake of economic benefits.
At the
macro level, the energy sector is a pivot and key enabler of growth.|
Energy
supply, energy sources and energy consumption patterns are changing. Perhaps,
this could be a historic transition.
There is a
shift in energy consumption from West to East.
The United
States has become the world’s largest oil and gas producer after the shale
revolution.
There are
signs of convergence, between cheaper renewable energy, technologies, and
digital applications. This may expedite the achievement of many sustainable
development goals.”
Pointing to
the efforts taken by countries to make energy available to their people, he
said, “We are entering an era of greater energy availability.
But more
than a billion people across the globe still do not have access to electricity.
Many more do not have access to clean cooking fuel. India has taken a lead
in addressing these issues of energy access.
India’s
contribution in the onset of an era based on energy justice is
significant.
Currently, India
is the fastest growing large economy in the world. Leading agencies such as IMF
and World Bank, project the same trend to continue in the coming
years.
India
remains an attractive market for energy companies with energy demand expected
to more than double by 2040, he added.
Calling energy justice is a key objective for his
government, he said, Electricity has reached all our rural areas, adding that
they aim to achieve hundred per cent electrification of households in India,
through a targeted programme called SAUBHAGYA.
He said, a Blue Flame Revolution is
under-way in the country and LPG connections have been given to over 64 million
house-holds in just three years under Ujjwala Scheme.
Achievements
are possible, he said, only with the involvement of the people. Government is
only an enabler in converting that belief into a reality. The Prime Minister also
touched upon vital issues in his comprehensive speech like Clean
Transportation, Gas pricing reforms, National Biofuel Policy, Engagement with International
organizations like International Energy Agency, and OPEC, Crude prices and
Climate Change. |