SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 4: Experts from various parts of the country have identified energy as a crucial element in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
During the inaugural function of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) student chapter, held at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre of IIT ISM Dhanbad, the experts discussed the need to balance increasing energy consumption with developmental requirements.
O.P. Singh, Director of Technology and Field Services at ONGC, inaugurated the event. The discussion featured notable participants, including IIT ISM Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Lars Nydahl Jørgensen, Regional Director of IADC, Denmark; Niladri Mitra, Chief Advisor of McDermott International Ltd; and Arul Karle, President of Askara Group.
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Sustainable energy consumption
Prof. Sukumar Mishra emphasised that per capita energy consumption is a key indicator of development. “As we increase our activities according to development requirements, the per capita energy consumption is bound to increase, but we have to do it sustainably so that it doesn’t impact our next generation,” he stated.
To achieve the SDGs, he highlighted the necessity of adhering to the goals defined by the UN and the Paris Agreement. “Energy is one of the most important factors, and the challenge lies in migrating from conventional energy, which creates CO2, to some other energy which does not generate CO2,” he added.
Addressing location challenges
The IIT ISM Director noted that a significant factor in the energy sector is the proximity of sources to consumers. “If both are located at the same place or near, around 99% of the problems will be solved,” he remarked.
However, in the Indian context, he pointed out that population density is much higher than in the US or any European country, which limits the ability to provide energy to more than 20–30% of the population.
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Insights from industry leaders
Lars Jørgensen elaborated on the role of IADC, describing it as a trade organisation for the worldwide drilling industry, which comprises 800 companies. He noted that around 80% of all oil wells, both onshore and offshore, are drilled by IADC member companies.
O.P. Singh, Niladri Mitra, and Arul Karle also shared their insights during the inaugural function.
Prof. Keka Ojha, Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the challenges faced by the oil sector.
