Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Government is framing a new Bio-energy policy with assistance from the Indian School of Business (ISB), according to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The decision was taken at a meeting between Sukhu and representatives of ISB.
The official said the ISB would assist the state with policy suggestions and research collaboration in the emerging bio-energy sector for policy formulation.
During the interaction, the state showed its keeness to start a pilot project for bio-energy production from pine leaves and bamboo. “Coniferous forests are available in abundance in the state and there is immense potential for bamboo production,” the official said.
“The income of the locals can be increased through the project with their participation.” The chief minister informed the representative.
He said alternatives to fossil fuels are being explored to reduce emissions from several sectors such as thermal power, cement and steel. In such a situation, fuel made from pine leaves will be included as a possible alternative, as its calorific value is high.
He said this would also pave the way for strengthening the rural economy.
ISB would provide a business model and appropriate technology to ensure the success of this project with the state government providing all possible support.
He said that ISB would also provide a suitable market for the industry through cooperation and buyers. Sukhu said that the government has set a target to make Himachal a green energy state by 2025. The percentage of ethanol in petrol has been increased by the government from 10 to 20 percent.
He said that ISB would also undertake the work of making ethanol, compressed biogas fertilizer from bamboo. Ethanol residues are widely used as feedstock for the production of compressed biogas and bio-fertilisers.
Emphasising the importance of community forest ownership, Sukhu said through this, encouragement is given for the protection and sustainable management of forests.
He said that community forest ownership is associated with larger social responsibilities and this gives further impetus to the conservation of forests. He said that this helps in better management of environmental, social and administrative matters and thus will attract industrial partners and private investment as well.
Executive Director, Indian School of Business, Prof. Ashwani Chhatre and Policy Director Dr. Arushi Jain informed about the projects of ISB.Secretary to Chief Minister Abhishek Jain and OSD Gopal Sharma were also present in the meeting.
