Stable, sustainable energy policy need of the hour: Experts

BJP Energy Cell's National Convener Narendra Taneja suggested that setting up of a centre-state council will help in improving co-ordination and addressing issues

At a time when the country is grappling with multiple woes in the power sector, experts today stressed on the need for a stable and sustainable long-term energy policy.

Coal shortages, policy issues and hurdles at the state level are among the factors hurting the domestic power sector, experts viewed.

BJP Energy Cell's National Convener Narendra Taneja suggested that setting up of a centre-state council would help in improving co-ordination and addressing issues.

"It is time for us to create a new energy order... We need to have an integrated and holistic approach," Taneja said here.

Emphasising the need for having stability in energy policy, former Union Power Minister Suresh Prabhu said it should be "consistent, long-term and sustainable".

There is also a need to modernise the decision-making process, he noted.

Prabhu is also heading an advisory group for integrated development of power and coal sectors.

According to him, major policies could be discussed in Parliament and such a step will also bring in more transparency.

He was speaking at the 'Regulators & Policymakers Retreat 2014' organised by Independent Power Producers Association of India (IPPAI) here.

Talking about geopolitics of energy security, former Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said the country needs to have a multi-dimensional approach. "we cannot afford to have exclusivity in foreign policy," he added.

The discussions also touched upon the current situation in Iraq, among others.

Meanwhile, Prabhu also stressed on the need for attracting more foreign investments to bolster the country's infrastructure sector.