Letters: A solar mission

This refers to ‘Betting on the sun’ (August 21). The quote ‘it is better late than never’ aptly applies to the government’s initiative on the generation of solar energy. Thanks to its geographic location, India is blessed with a good amount of sunlight.

Close to two thirds of the nation get enough sunlight during the major part of the year. India has a daunting task of making a carbon reduction commitment in the Copenhagen Climate Summit, December 2009. Before the summit, India needs to finalise its plan for long-term power generation through different sources. The major challenge before the decision-makers will be to finalise the share of power to be generated through different sources like thermal, hydel, nuclear, wind and solar.

As compared to the other four sources, solar energy needs much more attention and effort as it is in its infancy. We also lack the technology needed for solar energy generation. The government should encourage the private sector to participate in the ‘solar mission’. To conclude, solar energy will not only help generating green power and reducing pollution but it will give India an edge in the climate summit negotiations on CO2 emissions.

Bhaskar Bhattacharya, on email

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