Q & A

Technology Transfer at Affordable Cost

Posted on 28 January, 2010 | Tags:

M S Unnikrishnan, Managing Director, Thermax expresses his views on recently revised targets to reduce carbon footprint.

What will be the impact of 20-25 percent targeted emission reductions by 2020 on the Indian process industry?
It is a big challenge.  While we are focusing on the improvement of infrastructure, with the urgent need to generate additional power, we also need to keep in mind the targets we have decided as a nation for reducing carbon emissions.   This will lead to the wide spread use of devices and methodologies for efficiency improvement, renewable energy installations and generation of power from solar and other renewable sources.
More and more process industries will opt for improving their efficiencies and reducing energy intensities. While a mix of incentives and policy measures can give the desired push, companies that aim for economies of scale, will find the move profitable both from an operational perspective and for improving their reputations and brand value.
 
Which areas should the industries focus upon to curb emissions?
Industrial plants have ample scope to slash internal energy use through a focused audit and the introduction of energy efficient systems. For their production processes, they can bring in energy efficient alternatives such as cogeneration and CHPC (Combined Heating, Cooling and Power).  Waste heat from processes or gensets has to be harnessed for their energy needs, saving on both energy costs and fossil fuel. They can also go in for hybrid systems that tap renewable energy such as solar and also the use of biomass for energy generation. 

Regulations to control emissions have always been there however implementation has taken a back seat. May we have your comment?
First of all, we need to differentiate between willful neglect and the non availability of technology. There are industries that would like to get away with tardy implementation of technologies available at a price for emission control and there are instances where pollution control bodies are lax in implementing the norms.  Stringent regulations managed with better implementation, informed public opinion, a vigilant media and the realization within industry itself that being clean also means being more efficient and profitable, these can alter the situation.
However, when we speak of clean technologies in the context of development and climate change, the real challenge is in sourcing affordable technology.   When technology becomes a bottleneck, industries will find it difficult to perform and in such a situation, focusing on mere regulation could be counterproductive.  We need technology transfer at a viable price.  

What is the scope for adoption of clean technologies by SMEs?
For SMEs the main task is of managing the business and it is difficult to source and invest in clean technologies.  In recent times, common facilities have been tried for effluent treatment and also for power generation for the benefit of small and medium industries. However, even if resources are pooled, getting the right technology at the right price continues to be extremely difficult.

What are the incentives that the industry looks to adopt clean technologies?
Transfer of technology at an affordable cost is the incentive that really matters.  For the magnitude of the task before us, rapid growth with environmental sanity, this issue can be addressed at the governmental level, through negotiations with other nations that can provide the necessary technology.

What is the emerging trend of environment management solutions in India?
We are going to see a tremendous growth in this area. Apart from regulations that are becoming more stringent, as environment management solutions also deliver better resource productivity, industry is realizing that being green is being efficient and more profitable. From climate change to the basic health of people, the very basics of public life are affected by the quality of our air and water. Technologies that help to preserve, protect and keep clean our air and water are going to be in demand.