Plan targets 20 pc energy intensity cut

Even as it consistently refuses to undertake emission reduction commitments under the pressure of developed countries...

Even as it consistently refuses to undertake emission reduction commitments under the pressure of developed countries, India has taken a major step towards fulfilling its climate change responsibilities by deciding to cut its energy intensity by 20 per cent over the next five years.

Energy intensity is the energy that goes into producing one dollar of GDP. Lower energy intensity means lesser consumption of energy for same amount of economic activity, and therefore lower emissions.

As of now, India consumes about 0.15 kg of oil equivalent (kgoe) per dollar of its GDP. Experts say it can be brought down to about 0.12 kgoe per dollar, making India one of the most energy-efficient countries in the world.

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“Areas of action by India (on climate change) include initiatives in clean energy including renewable energy and action to increase energy efficiency. In this context, one of the monitorable objectives of the Eleventh Plan is to reduce the energy intensity per unit of GDP by 20 per cent over the Plan period,” says the 11th Plan paper of the Planning Commission which was recently approved by the Cabinet.

The issue would now be put before the National Development Council meeting next week where chief ministers of all states would be present.

India’s energy intensity has been showing a declining trend over the years and the planned cut will accelerate the decline. Still, this move by the Government is extremely significant considering it is the first time that India is planning a targeted cut in its energy intensity.

The decision is also a strong message to the developed countries, who have failed to achieve their emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol, that India is not only serious about climate change but is also proactively taking steps to reduce its emissions even though it is not bound under the Kyoto Protocol to do so.

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The decision to make a targeted reduction in its energy intensity comes in the backdrop of an intense Government focus on the issue of climate change with the Prime Minister himself taking an active interest and constituting an expert advisory council to prepare a national action plan. This reduction in energy intensity is sought to be complemented by tapping more energy from cleaner and renewable sources.

The Plan paper also aims for a major increase in India’s forest cover, from the nearly 25 per cent of land area now to about 33 per cent, as another step to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.

“The monitorable target of the 11th Plan is to increase forest cover by 5 per cent of the total geographical area. However, the policy target is to have 33 per cent forest and tree cover ultimately,” it says.

On a post-Kyoto framework, which is currently being negotiated in the Indonesian city of Bali, the paper sticks to India’s long-held stand that developing countries need not take any emission cuts.