BCCI holds pre-climate change meet in Kolkata – Times of India

KOLKATA: The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry is preparing to participate in COP26 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) which will take place in Glasgow, United Kingdom from November 1 to November 12, 2021.
The 13th edition of Environment and Energy Conclave on “Inclusive Growth with Resource Efficiency “ on Wednesday and Thursday was presented as precursor to COP26.
The session on Thursday was on e-mobility. It is one of the four key focus areas of COP26—Clean Growth. Electric mobility will be a key thematic area on which countries, cities and businesses will showcase their ambition at COP 26.
Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, state power minister, welcomed Libby Green, head of prosperity (climate, energy, urban, ease of doing business, financial services) representing British High Commission New Delhi for taking up and addressing the issues of Sunderban.
“In West Bengal the Solar Generation Capacity has increased to 30 MW and within an year it will be 300 MW. Under the leadership of our Chief Minister, West Bengal has taken up hydro electric generation project in Purulia. He also mentioned about the 1000 MW of hydro power generation capacity of Tulga Project. He said Bengal has already started using electric vehicle for the public and it is for the first time in India, a state government is using e-vehicle for public transport.
Debashis Sen, chairman, Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, was also present, showcasing the e-mobility success in New Town in presence of COP26 leadership. He said “Kolkata has got a platinum rating as a Green City from India Green Building Council (IGBCTh)”.
Prabhat Kumar Mishra, principal secretary, state transport department, said, “There are 80 buses and 77 charging stations are put up. Among them 20 is high power quick charging station” Buses are plying 2.5 lac km in a month.
The Bengal Chamber, along with British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, is engaging closely with the stakeholders of e-mobility ecosphere including policy makers and businesses from UK and India to accelerate the e-mobility growth in Kolkata, said Deb A Mukherjee, president designate, The Bengal Chamber.
Kolkata has been the first city to feature in the report of International Energy Agency (IEA), Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organization established in the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, on success of e-buses.
“With quality power by utility providers, e-fleets may be well supported by charging infrastructure.” said Gautam Ray, Chairperson, Energy and Environment Committee, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Executive Director (HR & Admin.) – CESC Limited & President (HR) – Power Group, RPSG
By establishing a substantial presence for EVs, their affordability, and supporting charging infrastructure, EESL is working to trigger an industrial and consumer switch to EVs. “We have signed agreements with various PSUs, Government departments and the Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana for deploying e-cars.”, said S Gopal Managing Director, Energy Efficiency Services Limited.