Won't allow 'red-tape' in new energy sector: Abdullah

The government today said that it will not allow "red-tape" in the new energy sector and was working to do away with difficulties faced by industry in the field.

"The Raj (red-tape), which existed here, that will not be allowed to happen and we are doing away with all the red-tape. No doors will be found locked," New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah said while addressing a seminar on wind energy here.

He added his ministry was working to do away with the hurdles faced by industry while investing in the renewable energy sector.

Asking industry to "think ahead", the minister said the country can't afford to rely on only one source of clean energy to meet its future energy needs.

"We need to integrate solar, wind and hydro energy and dovetail them for being used together," he said.

Abdullah said the clean energy industry should see that people are not getting into it just to benefit from government initiatives such as generation-based incentives but stay there for the long run and help in developing the country.

Terming clean energy as "essential" for fighting climate change, Prime Minister's Special Envoy on Climate Change Shyam Saran said, "By 2030-31, India will import around 90 per cent of its petroleum products and 2/3rd of its coal requirements. We will need clean and renewable energy including nuclear power to meet this situation."