Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore speaking in New Delhi said that India can lead the way for alternative energy research, implementation and adoption — even while pragmatic individuals from all around the world are adopting Do It Yourself (DIY) methods to adopt alternative energy, save the planet and cut down costs amid the economic downturn.

Download DIY Green Energy Guide“India has a tremendous opportunity to lead the world in energy-efficient solutions and in effecting a rapid shift to use of alternative energy like wind and solar,” Mr. Gore said at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit. Favouring the use of photovoltaic technology for converting solar energy into electric current, he said greater use of such devices would spur research in the field and help lower the cost.

“In the long run, solar energy is the most important of these remedial options as it comes in many forms like water heaters and lanterns,” Mr. Gore said. A greater demand for this technology could also spur growth of companies and research opportunities in countries such as Germany, Taiwan and India.