New Delhi, March 26 (IANS): Vice President Hamid Ansari Wednesday released the book "The Political Economy of Energy and Growth" edited by Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, who is known for his expertise in the energy sector.

The book, published by Oxford University Press, covers a wide range of global energy debates, such as trends in oil markets, oil diplomacy, political economy of reforms, environmental concerns, interaction between macroeconomic policies and the energy sector, technology challenges, and innovations in oil industry, among others.

Jung has worked extensively on the energy sector and has been associated with the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, University of Oxford and the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.

Jung said: "I believe that the incisive essays on the vast issues ranging from the politics of oil and gas, energy, security, international issues, pricing, and the challenges for the future will add value to the existing knowledge on hydrocarbons, both for practitioners and for researchers on the energy sector".

Assessing the energy sector and its evolution, especially its significance for overall economic growth and development, the book also analyses India's national energy policy and its long term implications towards achieving energy security.

Outlining the contents of the book, Jung said, "This book honours Vijay Kelkar, whose contribution to the hydrocarbons sector in India continues to influence academics and practitioners associated with the energy sector." Kelkar too was present on the occasion.

Ansari spoke about the importance of the debate on energy in the Indian and global context and described the book as a "solid compendium" that covers a whole gamut of issues.