Date:04/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/04/stories/2005020401270700.htm

Back Indian eco initiatives a big draw at Gulf expo

Vimala Vasan

Abu Dhabi , Feb. 3

INDIAN firms are participating, for the first time, in the Environment 2005 international exhibition and conference, which opened in Abu Dhabi recently.

Indian expertise in the field of disposal of hazardous wastes and energy saving initiatives are on offer at the expo that has drawn 338 exhibitors from 41 countries.

Mr Sudhir Vyas, Indian Ambassador, told Business Line that this is the beginning of a positive involvement by Indian environmental consultants in the Gulf. India has succeeded in several environmental initiatives, particularly in urban energy management and the oil and gas sector that could be of particular use to clients in the Gulf.

The Petroleum Conservation Research Association under theMinistry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is offering its expertise on energy audit or energy efficiency improvement, Mr Raju D. Advani, Regional Coordinator, said.

The association ventured overseas for the first time recently with an energy audit programme for Oman Refinery that will get under way in June. The association plans to interact with more Gulf States to offer its expertise in the field of energy audit, he said. The measures could help refineries improve energy efficiency in the range of 5-35per cent and also reduce environmental problems, he explained.

The association also plans to invite Gulf refinery representatives to the Energium 2005 conference to be held in Goa in December this year. The conference, to be organised in co-operation with PII, will discuss various energy saving methods that could be adopted in the oil and gas sector. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is also participating in the expo.