‘Unstable power, a big barrier in India’: 

‘Unstable power, a big barrier in India’: 

Context:

Japan said unstable power supply was among the biggest investment barriers in India.

Introduction:

• The comment comes ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s India visit next month during which bilateral discussions on cooperation in energy sector would get priority.
• Japanese Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu, said “Japan had committed to develop mega-industrial corridors and high-speed rail network in India through financial aid and technology transfer.
• He was speaking at the inauguration of a solar power plant at Neemrana in Rajasthan.
• The plant is part of the $1000 billion-Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project.
• The plant is set up with the Japanese government’s help.
• The DMIC is an initiative under the ‘Japan-India Special Strategic Partnership’
•   These projects would require uninterruptible power supply

Key points:

• Hiramatsu cited the example of Mikul Corporation (a Japanese company) operating in Neemrana and manufacturing critical auto-components that directly affect automobile’s performance and safety.

Background:

• The problem of unstable power grid is one of the biggest   investment barriers in India.
• Japanese system using solar cells and micro-grid control technology could provide solution this problem

Focus areas:

• Both the countries can cooperate in areas such as environmental equipment for coal thermal power plant, grid stabilization, and pump up storage hydropower, smart telecommunication tower, solar irrigation pumps and bio-fuels.
• Japan also wants Japanese solar cells to be used on rooftop of building in India’s densely populated areas.
• Efforts are on to expedite the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor-being developed with Japanese help.
• “As part of the Japanese Industrial zones, work is on to set up townships with residential accommodation, educational institutes, playgrounds, hospitals, and other necessary social infrastructure for the Japanese” , the Ambassador said.