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The Minister for Science & Technology and Ocean Development Shri Kapil Sibal has called for technological collaboration between India and Russia to explore and use gas hydrates as a source of energy. Gas hydrates are crystalline solids found at a depth of about a kilometer from the Ocean floor and contains methane gas. Inaugurating the 10th Technology summit and Technology Platform here today, Shri Sibal said that gas hydrates could be the answer to the challenges faced by the country in the energy sector. He said that with the price of a barrel of crude oil touching 55 dollars, a significant chunk of our forex earning would be used up for importing crude oil.
Delving into the historical relationship between India and Russia, Shri Sibal said that both the countries have undergone major changes since 1987 when the Integrated Long Term programme was signed for technological collaborations between the two countries. Today the two countries face new challenges – Russia has moved towards a market economy and Indian companies are competing in the world market. In this context, cooperation between the two countries in research and development in high technology areas will be of significance and beneficial for the two countries. Shri Sibal proposed that Russia should transfer technology to India while retaining at the same time intellectual property rights.
Complimenting the CII which has collaborated with the Department of Science & Technology to host the Summit for the first time, Shri Sibal suggested greater involvement of industry in R&D for development of new products. “We have an active entrepreneurial base in India. We intend to collaborate with the upcoming entrepreneurs in Russia in Science & Technology to forge joint ventures for the advantage of both countries”, he said.
Delivering the keynote address the President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advance Science Research, Bangalore, Prof. C.N.R Rao said that there is no technology so far in the world to commercially exploit the gas hydrates which holds the promise of ameliorating the energy problem of the world. He said commercial exploitation of this unique source of energy will require high level of engineering and design and the two countries should come together to make it a reality.
Shri Sibal also inaugurated an Exhibition featuring various products and technological developments resulting from India- Russia collaboration. The two-day summit will provide a window to new ideas and symbiotic partnership in the technological arena.
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