An  International   Seminar   on 

"Energy   Sector   and   Sustainable   Development"

JICA Alumni Association of india (JAAI) in association with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organised an International Technical Seminar on ‘Energy Sector and Sustainable Development’ on 31st January, 2009 at India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi.  Mr. H. Irigaki, chief Representative, JICA India Office graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. About 90 members and other Invitees participated in the Seminar.  The subject for the seminar was selected keeping in mind its relevance in the current scenario.

Mr. R.K. Jaiswal, JAAI Secretary, welcomed the Chief Guest, the Speakers and the participants and gave a brief introduction. The Seminar began with the welcome address by Mr. Zakaria Khan Yusufzai, JAAI President.  He elaborated on the current state of environment and the need for sustainable development.  This was followed by address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Irigaki.  He appreciated the efforts of JAAI in organising seminar on important subject of current relevance.  After the inaugural session, people dispersed for a short tea-break. 

The inaugural Session was followed by technical session.  Four eminent speakers shared their expertise and experience with the audience.  The first speaker was Dr.( Mrs.) Malti Goel , who is a JAAI Member too.  She is the former advisor in the Ministry of Science & technology, Govt. Of India and a climate change expert.  At present, she is Convener Renewable/Environment Group , India Energy Forum. Her presentation was on ‘CO2 Reduction Technology in Industry Sector’. She elaborated on various environmental issues, their causes, implications, remedial measures and challenges before us. She also apprised the audience of the steps initiated to preserve the environment.

The next speaker was Dr. P.C. Maithani, Director in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. He has been working on different aspects of renewable energy programmes and policies. He recently authored the book, ‘Renewable Energy in the Global Context’. His analytical presentation covered picture of demand-supply gap in the energy sector, projections and forecast and potential of renewable energy sources. He emphasised on the need appropriate research & development to reduce the energy deficit.

The third eminent speaker at the seminar was Mr. Amit Ray. He is the Vice-President and Head of Solar PV Business in Sharp Business Systems (India) Ltd. He represented a nice blend of Indian and Japanese experiences in the energy sector. His presentation was on ‘Perspectives of Solar Energy’. He emphasised that the conventional sources of energy have their own limitations such as environmental impact, fast depleting limited reserves and so on. Dwelling on the cost-benefit analysis in environmental and financial terms, he stressed on the need to switch over from fossil fuels to alternate sources of energy such as solar energy.

Environmental impacts are trans-boundary in nature. To address the issue we had Mr. Keji Katai, Project Formulation Advisor at JICA India Office as next speaker. He holds a Master degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, USA as well as Master in Engineering from Kyoto University, Japan. His earlier assignments included Deputy Director, Development Assistance Department, Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC), Country Officer, South Asia Division, JICA etc. His presentation was on ‘Japanese Experience on Energy Efficiency Improvement and JICA’s Initiatives in India’. He apprised the audience about various JICA projects in the energy sector.

The knowledge-rich presentations were followed by Question & Answer session. The participants actively participated in this session and showed their eagerness to learn more on the subject. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks rendered by Mr. T.P.S. Oberoi, Joint Secretary of JAAI. This was followed by delicious lunch where participants freely interacted with the eminent speakers.