Bio-diesel meet in New Delhi

[rgiridhar]

Hindu BusinessLine, Jan 18, 2008

A two-day convention on ‘Climate Change and Bio-diesel 2008’ will be held in New Delhi during February 1-2. Organised by the Bio-Diesel Association of India (BDAI) with the support of the Union Ministry of Rural Development, the convention will bring together various stakeholders in the bio-energy value chain with the objective of drawing up a broad roadmap for the future.

Guests of Honour who will share their perspective and policy initiatives, include Mr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development; Mr Vilas Muttemwar, Minister of State for Renewable Energy; and Mr Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. Dr Kirit Parikh, Member (Energy), Planning Commission, will deliver the keynote address.
Current issues

The meet will discuss in-depth current issues such as challenges and opportunities in feedstock production, including jatropha and similar bio-energy feedstock; models for building successful bio-diesel enterprises in India; role of stakeholders, including policymakers, feedstock producers, processors and consumers; and culminate with a debate on the theme of the convention by a high-profile panel representing various political interests.

Expert speakers will discuss technology for multi-feedstock process, financing/innovative funding, marketing challenges, and carbon credit and related issues. The event is supported by top Indian corporates (both public and private sector) in the energy sector.

Climate change and global warming are hot topics of the day. Renewable energy can play a significant role in fighting climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. “India has the potential to contribute to the fight against global warming if long-term policies for boosting the bio-diesel sector are put in place,” Mr Sandeep Chaturvedi, President of BDAI told Business Line.