MyVoice: Views of our readers 5th November 2026
In Short
While solar energy is abundant, most panels and key components are imported from China, making the sector costlier and strategically vulnerable.
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MyVoice: Views of our readers 5th November 2026
Phase out fossil fuel gradually
Thisrefers to the editorial, ‘ Don’t ignore fossil...’ (Nov 4). True fossil foul sources cannot be ignored all at once and needs to be phased out in due course. India’s present installed renewable capacity is around 258 GW, including large hydro, which places us third in the world. China leads with over 1,400 GW and the USA follows with around 450 GW. Nearly 50 per cent of our energy needs are still met from fossil fuels. This dependence is problematic on two counts. Coal reserves are depleting and becoming costlier, and continued reliance on fossil fuels goes against our commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Among renewables, our focus is largely on solar power. While solar energy is abundant, most panels and key components are imported from China, making the sector costlier and strategically vulnerable. Newer, low-wind models of wind turbines suitable for domestic and decentralised use should be promoted more widely. Industries must be mandated to meet a part of their power requirement through captive renewable plants. Tidal power also holds great potential in our coastal areas and deserves promotion. At the household level, the present process of availing subsidy and installing rooftop solar is complicated and dealer driven. Simplifying procedures and enhancing the subsidy component will attract more users.
A G Rajmohan,Anantapur-515004
Energy security requires well-blended transition
Apropos,“Don’t ignore fossil fuels while promoting clean energy” (THI, Nov 4). Energy security requires a transition that is both ambitious and carefully sequenced. India cannot replace imported oil overnight, nor can it allow dependence on volatile international markets to dictate domestic priorities. Renewable capacity must expand, but reliable storage, stronger transmission networks and flexible generation are equally important. At the same time, continued investment in fossil fuels should not become a pretext for delaying cleaner alternatives or locking the country into high-carbon infrastructure. Public support for conventional energy must be selective, transparent and consistent with a credible emissions pathway. Strategic reserves, diversified suppliers, efficient refineries and exploration can reduce vulnerability, while better public transport and energy efficiency can curb demand. The real test is not in choosing one source over another; it is ensuring affordable, dependable energy while steadily reducing environmental costs.
A Myilsami,Coimbatore–641402
Pragmatic energy security
Thisis with reference to “Don’t ignore fossil fuels while promoting clean energy”. While India’s remarkable strides in solar and renewable energy are commendable, the editorial rightly highlights our critical vulnerability, the nearly 90 per cent dependence on imported oil. Adding to this perspective achieving true energy autonomy requires accelerating domestic green hydrogen initiatives and grid-scale battery storage to cushion against volatile geopolitical shocks. While transitioning toward renewables is imperative, a sudden shift without safeguarding conventional energy sectors risks severe industrial inflation. Policymakers must simultaneously foster robust private-sector participation in domestic exploration and strengthen strategic petroleum reserves. Balancing aggressive climate goals with pragmatic fossil fuel management is vital for sustained economic stability.
A C Vineeth Kumar,Thrissur-680651
