The Forum for Global Studies, New Delhi, and a multidisciplinary global think tank organized an exclusive interview with special guest, Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, on the theme, “India’s Energy Security: New Trends and Challenges”, held on 9th January 2022. The programme started with the welcome speech delivered by FGS Founding President Dr Sandeep Tripathi. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest, Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, Professor at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Brand Ambassador of Solar Energy of Madhya Pradesh Government.
After the warm welcome, the session was taken over by Mr Don Mclain Gill, Director, Research at Forum for Global Studies and Fellow at the International Development and Security Cooperation, Philippines. The discussion vastly focused on the achieving goal of solar energy and how the current pandemic has slowed down the process. The discussion began with a positive note by highlighting the overall target of India to attain 450 GW by 2030. To which Prof. Solanki argued is achievable by enlarging solar energy installations. Prof. Solanki further highlighted in context to climate change, we need to rethink and redesign our energy system. He stated we need to follow certain fundamentals and the most important one is to understand that our planet is fixed in terms of resources. It means that we live in finite ecosystem which leads to finite consumption. He also mentions that it is the need of the hour to question our energy requirements and consumption growth.
Prof. Solanki during the discussion stated a serious problem of energy and climate change being directly correlated. According to him, its not advisable to grow more energy consumption as we are already experiencing the impact of climate change. Therefore, Prof. Solanki proposed a solution for energy consumption, that is, “AMG” route, wherein A stands for avoids use of energy, M stands for minimise use of energy, and G stands for generation. He reiterates the benefits of efficient use of energy. The last section of the discussion focused on the challenges that India will face for renewable energy. Prof. Solanki suggests a change in the whole paradigm, that is, shifting towards generating own electricity and fulfilling own energy uses. He believes the advancement in technology will allow us to do that. It also means to recalibrate our mindsets beyond traditional regimes and move towards significant degree of energy security. In the end, Prof. Solanki strongly recommends to reduce and limit the consumption as it will benefit in reducing import and hence save foreign exchange for India. The programme was moderated by Mr Don Mclain Gill, who highlighted the role of energy security and its challenges complimenting the view of Prof. Solanki and thanked him for the beautiful insights and for gracing FGS with his presence for the interview.