Indian companies gear up to face the carbon tariff challenge to be imposed in a few years

摘要

Suddenly, the tables seem to be turning for global economies which find themselves divided by the new defining parameter, i.e. carbon. With the North American quarters hinting at a possible "carbon tariff" that may be imposed in a few years on imports from developing nations, in particular China, a number of possibilities are being thrown up. India, however, feels that the country is not only preparing well for such an eventuality, but is also evaluating if this could put it at an advantage, with the spotlight currently pointing at China. China's greenhouse gas emissions are said to have surpassed that of US in 2006. It is an issue that China is addressing. In its own interest, India has a better record and leading companies are doing a lot to become efficient in energy use. The evidence lies in clean development mechanism of which the Indian industry has taken good advantage. Energy-intensive industries and automobiles are coming up with the 'best available technologies' and as India expands at over 8% GDP growth, more than 90% new assets will be credited by 2030. Efficient power plants, renewables will be the hallmarks of expansion with state-of-the-art technology infusion. Indian industry is preparing to convert the carbon challenges into opportunities to be a global solution provider. The power shortages force industry to generate diesel power, which costs over 40 US cents a unit. In order to be globally competitive industrial and commercial sectors are adopting energy-efficiency measures and installing renewable energy systems. China's greenhouse gas emissions have surpassed that of US in 2006, an issue that China is addressing.