In many spheres, technologies that can affect major savings are already at hand. The Integrated Energy Policy prepared by the Planning Commission estimates that India can generate negawatts — watts saved — up to 15 per cent of its electricity consumption just by better demand management. In the same way, to continue with the example cited earlier, major savings in energy consumption can be affected by more thoughtful design of buildings. Similarly, the least expensive way for fixing carbon still remains forestation. It is necessary, therefore, that these better practices be pursued — through pricing, through enforcement, through introducing them in curricula: to continue the buildings example, for instance, through more thoughtful curricula in schools of architecture.

But it is just as evident that in many areas new technologies have to be developed — and that, what with its large and grossly underutilised technological manpower, there is a great opportunity for India to develop these technologies. India will be well-advised to set up national research missions to develop items such as the following:

• A cheaper and more efficient photovoltaic cell;

• Cheaper and more efficient wind turbines;

• The entire range of technologies and construction techniques that would enable us to set up off-shore wind farms along our extensive coast;

• Technologies to harness tidal power;

• An efficient hydrogen fuel cell;

• Clean coal processes;

• Desalination of sea water using solar and wind energies that are available in virtually endless supply along India’s long coastline;

... contd.