Need to Reduce Carbon Emissions to Net Zero by 2070: Union Minister Manohar Lal

Chennai: Union Minister Mahar Lal on Saturday called for steps to reduce carbon emissions to meet commitment of achieving net zero target by 2070.

At present, focus is on solar and wind energy and all states were moving in this direction, Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister, said.

"We have to reduce carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2070," Mahar Lal told reporters after chairing a review meeting with officials of Tamil Nu Municipal ministration, TW, TUFIDCO, and power sector CPSEs, here.

"Today, I was on a tour of two states - Puducherry and Tamil Nu... We have requested that renewable energy plants be set up in all states," Minister said.

During review, certain demands like strengning transmission line under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and prepaid system in smart metering be done in phases, were raised. "Given se demands, if we have to make some changes in policy, we will do it," Mahar Lal said.

Union Minister reviewed power sector scenario of Tamil Nu along with state Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji, and or officials.

In his dress, Mahar Lal said his visit to state was important in understanding and in resolving issues in power sector in state and emphasised need to increase share of renewable sources of power generation.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

He commended state for efforts in improving Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses. He highlighted need for clearing outstanding Government department dues and timely settlement of bills through established mechanism at state level.

Minister called for reforms to improve financial performance of state including ACS-ARR (Aver Cost of Supply-Aver Revenue Realised) Gap.

Highlighting role that RDSS would play in improving electricity distribution sector, he vised state government to make all efforts for expeditious implementation of sanctioned works under RDSS. state should explore ways to reduce outstanding debt and losses, a release quoting Minister said.

Sincere efforts would go a long way in making state DISCOM financially viable and state power sector self-sufficient, he said and assured continued support and cooperation from Centre in overall development of state.

Balaji assured to take necessary measures to expeditiously implement works sanctioned for Tamil Nu under RDSS and improve financial performance of state.

1x800 MW rth Chennai rmal Power Project st III, currently underway in rth Chennai, first state of 2x660 MW Udangudi supercritical coal-based power project, and 2x660 MW Enre Supercritical coal-based power (Vayalur) project were discussed in detail.

meeting also deliberated on various works under Improved Power Distribution Scheme being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 8,932 crore to reduce power loss, a release from state government said. Ministers urged central and state officials to expedite projects.

With PTI Inputs