Power generation firms need to improve efficiency: Shinde

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) Power generation firms need to improve efficiency to meet growing demands and reduce dependence on coal and gas supply, Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said Thursday.

Addressing a seminar on energy conservation, the minister said improvement in efficiency would also reduce green house gas emissions.

"If efficiency is increased then carbon dioxide gas emissions would be reduced and there will be no need for storage of gas which is to be avoided because of the Bhopal gas tragedy," Shinde said.

The seminar on "Energy Conservation and Energy Security" was organised by Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation here.

Shinde pointed out that several legislations have been changed to facilitate investments in power sector and boost growth.

Addressing the seminar, Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said even though India would continue to rely on coal for energy needs, the emphasis should be on environment friendly sources.

"Energy has become an important resource and there is need to conserve it otherwise it could lead to imbalance. The challenge facing the country now is how are we to manage to realise a self-sufficiency in conservation of resources which is important," said Sunil Shastri, president, Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation.