Critical strategies, geopolitical aspects for energy security vital
- Deputy Minister Neomal Perera
By Naalir Jamaldeen
Modern economy depends on securing economical and reliable energy
resources. The power crisis is a major challenge many countries across
the world face today. Energy security has become a threat to global
politics and human life as well , External Affairs Deputy Minister
G.J.L. Neomal Perera said.
"I believe that to develop a country is a fundamental right. Today
Asia has created conditions for rapid economic growth and that has
lifted millions of people from poverty. Scarcity of energy resources
would be a hindrance to development and may even bring development to a
halt. The challenges in this regard are not unique and exclusive.
Everyone should work in collaboration to overcome energy- related
issues", Perera said.
While addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 4th Asia Energy
Security Summit at Taj Samudra Hotel Colombo organised by the
Independent Power Producers Association of India (IPPAI), Perera said
that in the 1995s Sri Lanka mainly depended on hydro power and now it
gradually shifts to alternative power generation. Hydro power generation
has reduced to 35 percent. The Summit was held for three days.
The 4th Asia Energy Security Summit was a Track II Diplomacy
Initiative where energy experts from across the globe and Asian
countries gathered and discussed about the critical strategies, policies
and geopolitical aspects related to energy security for the region. The
Summit focused on Geopolitics of Energy, Energy Security, Transnational
Electricity Trade and Security of Energy Infrastructure.
Sri Lanka faces severe challenges in the energy sector. Sri Lanka
spends a large amount of money on the imports of fossil fuel for the
generation of thermal power, he said
"I am proud to note that Ministry of Power and Energy of Sri Lanka
which realised the necessity of renewable energy sources set up the
Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka in 2007", the Deputy Minister
said. "Sri Lanka Government has launched a major initiative to look at
Renewable Energy (RE) sector. Nearly half of our energy comes now from
RE. Nations like Sri Lanka need to be encouraged towards renewable
energy", Perera said. He said that with the emerging economic
challenges, Sri Lanka will achieve sustainable high economic growth with
greater equality.
After the elimination of terrorism and restoration of peace in the
country, the Government has paid much attention towards developing the
North and East. Several major infrastructure development projects are
underway in the both provinces, according to Deputy Minister. The
Government has taken all efforts to achieve high level of economic
growth without causing damage to the environment, he said.
Some of the key topics which were included in the discussion were
Food, Water and Energy Nexus, Global impact of Shale gas extraction and
America's declining oil import appetite, The economic dynamics of China
and its impact on China's appetite for energy, Harmonizing institutional
and policy framework to address ASEAN energy requirements and
Transnational trade of electricity- connecting Tajikistan to Singapore,
Central Asia -Energy dynamics of a land locked region, Pipeline and
pipelines politics-Role of Russia and its inevitable dominance,
Geopolitical developments in 2013 (Syria, Iran, Iraq) and their impact
on Asia energy security, Role of coal in Asia's Energy mix, Rising
threat of terrorism to Asia's energy assets and Security of Energy
Infrastructure and energy transfers through sea lanes.
"Post conflict development in Sri Lanka was successful, the economy
of the country grows fast. Sri Lanka and India have long bilateral ties.
Energy intensive sectors account for 70% of the industrial energy use.
Engagement in energy relations is an important part of Sri Lanka India
relations", while addressing the inaugural session of 4th Asia Energy
Security Summit 2014, High Commissioner of India for Sri Lanka Y.K.
Sinha said.
"National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) of India along with the
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has commenced a 500MW coal power plant
project in Sampur, Trincomalee in September 2011. India has extended USD
200 million credit facility to this project. A 240 km long transmission
line will connect the plant with national grid by 2017", the High
Commissioner said.
"This project will also help Sri Lanka to export power to India. I am
confident that this project which incorporates best practices globally
and has learnt a lot from previous mistakes, will silence those who made
baseless allegations," Sinha said.
"The Government of India is building housing 50,000 houses in
Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka", he said said.
"In petroleum, Lanka IOC has made phased investments in Sri Lanka. It
is the only foreign company that operates in the Sri Lanka's retail
market. In oil and gas exploration, ONGC Videsh has been discussing with
the Government of Sri Lanka. Cairn Lanka has discovered petroleum
reserves in 2 blocks in the Mannar Basin", he said.
"Prvate sector industries of India such as Ankur Scientific and
Suzlon are successfully functioning in Sri Lanka", Sinha said.
While addressing the Summit Ranjith Gunawardana, Additional Secretary
of the Power and Energy Ministry said that Sri Lanka has witnessed a
remarkable economic growth. Energy demand has also increased along with
the increase of investments.
The strain on the environment has also increased. While every country
can pursue its own energy security, greater regional cooperation can
help all countries. Suitable policy frameworks are required achieve the
target. Technology sector and RE should be promoted. Missions to improve
energy efficiency can help to reduce emissions and green house gases.
Efforts are required in many areas. Transparency, efficiency are
required in the energy sector, he said.
Nuclear energy is also required. Sustainable development is also
required. Our interaction shouldn't remain limited to exchange of ideas
but should also produce implantable results, according to Gunawardana.
The Asia Energy Security Summit was an annual Track ii diplomacy
initiative organized by IPPAI, where Government and Industry Leaders,
Regulators, Policymakers, Academicians, and think tanks, from across
Asia have participated and discussed and debated the issues relating to
the entire energy spectrum, particularly, the emerging issues and
challenges related to geopolitics and emerging trends in the Energy
landscape of Asia.
The summit also looked at the security of Critical Energy
infrastructure and deliberates interconnectivity of electricity grids
visualizing connectivity from Tajikistan to Singapore.
The proceeding from the previous conclave are carried forward for
review and discussion.
The summit also discussed trends in global energy markets which can
help business houses to strategise their operations in the region while
also networking with the decision makers both in the Governments as well
as the industry. |
