The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a Discussion Forum on “Power since Paris” from 10:30 a.m. on 1st April, 2016 at The Park, Kolkata. Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), delivered a Special Address on “Cop 21: Impact on India”. Dr. Mathur was the spokesperson for the Indian Delegation at the U.N. Climate Change Conference of Parties in Paris.

Among other issues, Dr. Mathur mentioned about significance of economics, policies, legal framework and business models to make the commitments made in the Paris Convention a reality. He shared his appreciation for the Government of France for organizing the Convention and engaging the Policy Makers to achieve the best each country may offer. He emphasized that with suitable policy level intervention and developing appropriate business models, the set target of producing 175 GW of renewable energy is achievable as the commitment has been made voluntarily by the country keeping in consideration all aspects. The same is relevant for the other major negotiators as well.

Dr. Mathur’s Address was followed by a Panel Discussion on ‘India’s Power Realities – from Generation to Consumers’. Mr. Sanjay Seth, Secretary, Bureau of Energy Efficiency moderated the Panel Discussion. The Panelists included Mr. Prithviraj Nath, Policy Analyst and Head, CUTS International, Kolkata; Mr. A K Goswami, Director, India Power Corporation Limited and Mr. A Mandal, President - Business Development, Techno Electric and Engineering Company Limited. The Panel observed loss of power as a major challenge in the current scenario. Consumers’ aspects included assurance and quality power. It was highlighted that there is a gap in connectivity and availability of power.

The programme was attended by over 150 participants including senior representatives from industry, academia, development agencies and Consulates. French Consul General Mr. Damien Syed was also present apart from Mr. Jonathan Ward, Principal Commercial Officer of the United States in Kolkata.