A roundtable discussion on 'Energy transition, Decarbonisation and Climate Change' was organised by The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with Birla Institute of Technology Old Students’ Association (BITOSA) Kolkata Chapter. The event touched upon topics like renewable energy, green hydrogen, advanced battery and fuel cells.
The discussion on climate change was brought about by the increasing threat that it (climate change) is posing for the world. In this context, the process of energy transition, which entails decarbonising the energy system in a way that nearly no greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted, is crucial.
Subir Chakraborty, president, Bengal Chamber and managing director and CEO, Exide Industries Limited, said, “Sustainability comes with a cost which needs to be prioritised. Development is needed with sustainability."
Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels can be stopped with the help of a mix of different renewable energy-generation technologies. Transitioning to alternative base materials like carbon, hydrogen and waste materials can also be an effective solution for industrial sectors.
Sourav Daspatnaik, managing director, Swach Environment Pvt Ltd and director, Haldia Water Services Pvt Ltd. & Nangloi Water Services Pvt Ltd, Chair UK India Smart Water Working Group said, “Based on the deliberations of the roundtable, the over-arching message was clear — limiting warming to 1.5°C is still within reach but requires immediate and drastic action."
The lead speaker at the event was Derek M Shah, senior vice-president, Head Green Manufacturing & Development, L&T Energy, Larsen and Toubro Ltd. He said, “Globally there is a major shift of consumer preference for green components. In India, the energy demand will increase so fast, all the sources of energy will coexist for some time but renewable energy (RE) will go ahead. Green hydrogen economy would be the next big thing."
Ashim Kumar Goswami, regional executive director, eastern region, NTPC Ltd, said, “Atmanirbhar Bharat would be a major facilitator for renewable energy implementation. Manufacturing mechanisms and capacity for design are needed. Policies for competitive manufacturing and promoting renewable energy investments will also help."
Other dignitaries who attended were Vijay Burman, chairman and managing director, Indo Bell Insulations Ltd & managing committee member, BIT Mesra Alumni Association and past president, BITOSA Kolkata Chapter; Mr Avik Roy, director-Industrial, Exide Industries Limited; Neha Agrawal, director and head corporate strategy - business planning & control, Vikram Solar Limited.
