THIRUMAYAM (TN): Observing that climate change has become an urgent concern across the globe, Prime Minister Manmohansingh on Friday said ways and means should be developed to reduce India's carbon footprint as it would be among the nations to be "most seriously" impacted.

"We need to develop ways and means to reduce our carbon footprint through technological innovation. In our country, more than 50% of power comes from coal-based generation, which is a major emitter of greenhouse gases," he said.

Dedicating to the nation public sector BHEL's Power Plant Piping Unit & Unit-II High Pressure Boiler Plant in this town near Tiruchirappalli, Singh expressed happiness over BHEL's initiatives for development of ultra super critical technology in line "with our mission for development of clean coal technologies."

He said the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar mission seeks to develop 20,000 mw of power generating capacity by the end of 13th five Year plan, adding its success has the potential of enhancing India's energy security, and "contributing handsomely to our efforts to combat climate change."

"I sincerely hope that BHELBSE -0.83 %, which is bestowed with engineering expertise, manufacturing prowess and a commendable human resource base, will not only take the lead in solar energy in terms of power generation but also in the development of solar power technology in India.

"This is a difficult commercial decision, but well worth taking in the long term interest of our country," he said.