Monday 29 August 2016

India’s hunt for developing a sustainable economy should not only involve the push towards renewable energy sources but also a firm commitment towards increasing in natural gas base, as also reflected in the statement of India’s Petroleum Minister. The efforts to this direction include increase cheaper LNG imports and reviving its gas pipeline diplomacy through undersea gas pipeline such as Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP).

Natural gas as a bridge fuel could address the uncertain nature of renewable energy sources, particularly with respect to financing capital cost and innovation. Natural gas can further compliment renewable energy by keeping the wholesale electricity prices low when renewables such as solar and wind are not producing optimally.

Though, the irony is that India, despite the appreciation of the fact that the share of natural gas in total energy mix has to be increased to curb emission, India has so far failed to do so. Resulting in falling domestic gas production and concurrent increase in its demand, India continues to move up in its trajectory of importing natural gas, which has now gone over 40 per cent of its total natural gas requirement.

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