News clippings

News section has been developed after exhaustive scanning of about 14 national dailies regularly. The coverage of the news section include alternate and renewable energy, indigenous enegry technologies, biofuels, and energy efficiency with special reference to technology, policy, and breaking announcements focussing largely on India. Besides, interesting news items are also sourced from other relevant journals, newsletters, and the Internet.

January 2007

CFLs saving 10 MW in Delhi
Animal fat becoming key biodiesel ingredient
Generating power from municipal waste
Government to promote hydrogen-fuelled automobiles
Centre to encourage small hydro power projects in North-East

December 2006

Rabo India Finance to pump Rs 8000 billion in wind, hydel power
Profiting from the wind: Tamil Nadu
Alternative fuels: India looking at 10 p.c. target by 2010
Durables to get stricter energy norms
Rs 6000 rebate on installation of solar heating system
Punjab to use rice straw for power generation
Bio-fuel development board on the cards

November 2006

Solar vaccine refrigerator
Govt to install solar heaters in 3.5 million homes
Biofuels may account for 7% of global transport by 2030
Andhra hotel turns waste to gas, saves big
Harnessing cattle to generate power
TERI provides a boost to solar technology

October 2006

Bangalore and Pune top use of solar power heating water
Bigger is not necessarily better in hydrogen sources
Ministry of non-conventional energy sources renamed
Tax incentives on bio-fuels likely
Ethanol production from sweet sorghum

September 2006

Government funding for generation of clean energy projects
Solar lighting for 2 lakh Karnataka houses
Wind may yield 29% of global power by 2030
Ministry signs biomass pact with UNDP Fund, KfW
Power conservation made mandatory in Government institutions

August 2006

Solar power takes Rajasthan schools to IT highway
Traffic signals to run on solar power
Government sees power at the top of waste heap
Wind mapping station comes up in Vizag
Exclusive SEZ for green energy sought
Plan to increase renewable energy generation

July 2006

Delhi to produce 90 MW `green power'
ASTEC introduces new system in Guwahati
Suzlon net up 222% to Rs 1940 million

June 2006

Renewable energy will be mandatory
Fish waste as electricity?
IREDA to release Rs 4500 million for new projects
Indian firms bag green Oscars
India seeks FDI in renewable energy SEZ

May 2006

Solar water heater to get legal push
West Bengal gets CDM funding for rice husk power
Innovative building designs to save energy
MERC prepares approach paper on renewable energy
Centre sets target of 7000 MW power from urban waste

April 2006

GE to promote rural electrification
Wind energy: India ranks fourth in the world, leads in Asia
Global Wind Energy Council kicks off in India
1,000 MW targeted from indl wastes

March 2006

Distribution of solar kits launched
MMTC plans 50 MW wind plant
Solar lights at remote places
Solar power lights up Kolkata street
ADB plans major energy efficiency initiative
Suzlon Energy to invest $60-m in China

February 2006

BHEL solar plant in Sunderbans
Italy, India to sign green energy tech deal
NAC pushes for `biomass' rural energy security
BHEL sets up solar-diesel power plant in Lakshadweep
Plant to generate 8 MW power from waste

January 2006

Solar energy: government prepares roadmap
IIT to the aid of power-strapped Vidarbha farmers
Bengal plans green energy corp
India in six-nation clean energy initiative
Rajasthan aims to get Rs 5000 million in wind power
TERI to now extend focus to woman power plan
Hydrogen to fuel 1 million vehicles by 2020
National mission on bio-diesel gets Plan panel approval
Rainwater harvesting to be compulsory
Solar wind power

December 2005

Haryana to use renewable energy for power
Run your car on cow fuel
Green power for the `city of Taj' soon
Biodiesel fuel has a commercial launch in Maharashtra
MahaGenco to make foray into wind power

November 2005

Policy on bio diesel by early next year
Panel to promote jatropha cultivation
India ranks fourth in global wind power list
10% non-conventional power may be included in states' energy kitty
Maharashtra fund for alternate sources
Policy to boost renewable energy sector on anvil

October 2005

Inter Solar to set up 1000 water heating units
Yes Bank eyes jatropha cultivation in biofuel push
Wind power blows hot and hotter
Government to float bonds to fund small hydel power projects
Bio-diesel policy announced
BP-Toyota-TERI mull mega jatropha project
Himachal micro hydel projects on course
ONGC to set up wind power farms in Gujarat
BHEL bags international honour for solar modules
Moser Baer to develop solar technology

January 2007

CFLs saving 10 MW in Delhi
The Statesman, 3 January 2007

Use of energy-efficient CFLs promoted by BSES has led to saving of 10 MW in the Capital. BSES innovative energy conserving scheme, 'Buy one, get one free CEL' offer, has been extended till March 2007. Till now over 1.5 lakh-CFLs have been sold under the scheme. The data indicates west Delhiites by buying over 55,000 CFLs continued to lead the energy conservation programme of BSES. In south Delhi, 50,500 CFLs were sold, while over 33,700 and 10,700 CFLs were sold in east and central Delhi, respectively.

Animal fat becoming key biodiesel ingredient
Hindustan Times, 4 January 2007

Jerry Bagby is typical of the oil men who are prospecting for a fortune in the Midwestern biofuels boom. He is convinced there is oil in these hills - and he has found a well that no one else is using. Bagby and a longtime friend have cobbled together $5-million to build a new biodiesel plant on the lonely croplands outside this southeast Missouri town. They are betting they can 90 hit paydirt by exploiting a generally overlooked natural resource that is abundant in these parts - chicken fat. There is a virtual gusher of the stuff at a nearby Tyson Foods Inc. poultry plant. Currently, the low quality fat is shipped out of state to be rendered and used as a cheap ingredient in pet food, soap and other products. Bagby and his partner Harold Williams plan to refine the gooey substance, mix it with soybean oil and produce about 3 million gallons of biodiesel annually: Today, only a tiny fraction of US biodiesel is made from chicken fat, but that seems likely to change. The rising cost of soybean oil - which accounts for roughly 90% of all biodiesel fuel stock - is pushing the industry to exploit cheap and plentiful animal fats.

Generating power from municipal waste
The Hindu (Bangalore edition), 5 January 2007

Disposal of solid waste is a major problem that most cities in the country face. The municipal administrations are left with little choice when it comes to disposal of solid waste. Scientists at the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST) in Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have spent 400 man-hours to develop a gassifier that can be used to generate electricity from municipal waste. IISc along with help from the Chitradurga Municipal Council will set up a plant with 200 KW capacity, where electricity would be generated from bio-waste. The proposal is likely to be approved by the end of January. By the end of this year, the plant may be completely functional. The plant would be set up at a cost of Rs. 5.2 crore on a two-acre plot at the 35-acre landfill in Chitradurga. The production cost per unit would be Rs. 1.50. With the 15 tonnes of bio-waste that is generated in Chitradurga, the plant can easily produce 200 KW power. Of this, 50 KW would probably be used to run the plant and the rest would be added to the State grid.

Government to promote hydrogen-fuelled automobiles
The Statesman, 6 January 2007

In a bid to keep the environment clean and reduce dependence on imported oil for the transport sector, the government is planning to go in for hydrogen gas-based automobiles in a big way with large scale demonstration of such vehicles slated for the eleventh plan and commercialisation in the following five-year plan. `Benaras Hindu University has already tested 15 two-wheelers which use hydrogen as a fuel,' Dr S K Chopra, principal adviser and special secretary, ministry of non-conventional energy sources, said here. He said hydrogen energy-based vehicles are clean in comparison to current vehicles which produce polluting gases as waste.

Centre to encourage small hydro power projects in North-East
The Hindu Business Line, 23 January 2007

The government plans to promote the setting up of SHP (Small Hydro Power)projects in the North Eastern states through grant of subsidies and involvement of the private sector. Though as many as 492 SHP projects have been identified in Arunachal Pradesh, only 64 have been implemented, 48 were under construction and the remaining were still a long way from being brought under implementation, Minister of Development of North-Eastern Region, Mr Mani Shanker Aiyar said. Mr Aiyar said there was a need for restructuring SHP so that the level of subsidies ensure accelerated implementation of all identified SHP projects in the region.

December 2006

Rabo India Finance to pump Rs 8000 billion in wind, hydel power
Hindustan Times, 1 December 2006

Rabo India Finance has set aside around Rs 8000 billion for India to invest in wind and other renewable energy during the calendar year 2007. The bank, which has with roots in agriculture, has identified a number of projects based on wind and hydel power for generating 250-300 MW. It has financed over 5000 MW in wind energy worldwide. Rabo India will also raise private equity, act as advisors for companies that are already in the sector or for those new companies that are planning to enter the wind energy sector. Rabo bank's dedicated subsidiary Rabo Green bank will invest for the first time in India. The bank is also involved in emission trading with 50% stake in electronic trading platform `New Values' that facilitates trading renewable energy certificates. It has set a target to source 5-6 million carbon emission reduction increasing from the current 1.5 million in India.

Profiting from the wind: Tamil Nadu
The Financial Express, 11 December 2006

Tamil Nadu which leads the country in renewable energy installations and generation, especially from wind, is now moving towards the manufacture of machines, components and systems for renewable power. SEZs (Special economic zones)are taking shape in technical and financial collaboration with national and international investors. Foreign universities are expected to set up technology parks for research and development in the SEZs. In the next two to three years, investments worth over Rs 40 billion are expected in the sector in Tamil Nadu. Major wind turbine manufacturing companies are making investments to manufacture renewable energy equipment. Investments are taking place in solar energy, co-generation, biomass and biogas-based power projects, in addition to the more than Rs 100 billion spent on the installation of wind turbines by 2010.

Alternative fuels: India looking at 10 p.c. target by 2010
The Hindu, 14 December 2006

The race to find alternatives to fossil fuels and reduce dependence on petrol and diesel is hotting up, and India is ahead of others in the region. However, Thailand tops in renewable energy with 17% of the fuel consumption being drawn from alternative sources, while India is looking at reaching a 10% target by 2010. Bangladesh's new national energy policy has decided to levy a cess of two takas on petrol to discourage its consumption. It is also going ahead with exploration of its vast reserves of CNG and LNG, something that India is keen to import. As land is at a premium in Bangladesh, growing jatropha or pongamia is not an option. Sri Lanka has a road map to achieve 20% share of biofuels of the fuel consumption by 2020, and is exploring the use of surplus coconut oil as a source.

Durables to get stricter energy norms
The Economic Times, 15 December 2006

The government may soon introduce more stringent standards for all electronic gadgets and make the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency)ratings mandatory for manufacturing electrical appliances. As of now the scheme is being operationalised on a voluntary basis. Samsung, LG, Wipro, Phillips, Surya and Osram have already applied for ratings offered by BEE and air-conditioner and motor manufacturers like Voltas and Bluestar may be next in line. BEE is an arm of the power ministry. BEE ratings are a measure of how energy efficient an electronic gadget is. A clause under the Energy Conservation Act 2005 allows the government to issue directions to all electrical appliance manufacturers to display energy consumption on the gadget. Enforcement of the programme will depend on the consumer's response to the system. To device BEE ratings, the methodologies for testing tube blubs and frost-free refrigerators are already in place. BEE has constituted a working group to devise a testing methodology for air-conditioners and motors.

Rs 6000 rebate on installation of solar heating system
Hindustan Times, 19 December 2006

The Delhi Cabinet gave its approval to a scheme for grant of rebate of Rs 6000 on installation of SWHS (Solar Water Heating System) to replace electric geyser for residential use. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided by Delhi Chief Minister Mrs Sheila Dikshit. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mrs Dikshit said it has been decided to provide lump sum incentive/rebate of Rs 6000 to each domestic consumer only for installation of the SWHS from the approved and authorized manufacturers either by way of availing loan from approved banks and financial institutions of center or from its own finance. Officials, however, point out that the high cost of SWHS is a major deterrent and the subsidy of Rs 6000 might not motivate people to switch over to this system. The approximate cost of 100 litre SWHS is between Rs 18,000 and Rs 20,000.

Punjab to use rice straw for power generation
Business Standard, 20 December 2006

After Alwar Power Company decided to get up a power plant based on mustard residues in Rajasthan, Punjab will soon have nine power projects based on rice straw. The projects will have an accumulated capacity of 108 MW. The projects will be implemented on a build-operate-own basis by Punjab Biomass Power Ltd, a joint venture of Bermaco Energy Systems Ltd, Mumbai, Gammon Infrastructure Projects Ltd, Mumbai, and Archean Granites Private Ltd, Chennai. It will take about four years for the completion of these sites. The company would invest about Rs 600 million per site and would break even in six to seven years.

Bio-fuel development board on the cards
The Economic Times, 26 December 2006

The government is formulating a national policy to promote bio-fuels. A host of fiscal incentives is on the cards. The aim is to ensure sustainable production, conversion and application of bio-fuels. As per a proposal before the Cabinet by the ministry of new and renewable energy, a national bio- fuel development board will be set up. The board's mandate, according to a senior government official, is to partly replace petrol and diesel for transport and other applications. The policy will lay emphasis on research and development for production, processing and commercialisation of bio- fuels like ethanol and jatropha. The objective is to reduce the increasing and worrisome onus of crude oil imports on the fisc through gradual limited replacement of petroleum products with bio-fuels. The fiscal sops for the bio-fuel sector could include excise and sales tax/Vat exemption. There will be a plan of action to use waste and degraded land for cultivation of jatropha. In some states like Uttar Pradesh, large-scale jatropha cultivation has already begun. This will be expanded in scope by providing economies of scale. Oil extracted from jatropha seed can be used as biodiesel. As for ethanol, a certain mix of it with gasoline is an alternative, eco friendly auto fuel.

November 2006

Solar vaccine refrigerator
The Hindu, 2 November 2006

President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam acquired the first environment-friendly Solarchill vaccine refrigerator. It was installed at the President's estate clinic in the presence of Dr Kalam. The Solarchill was conceived as a vaccine cooler for remote areas in developing countries where access to power supply is difficult. Powered by three 60-watt photovoltaic panels, it stores the energy of the sun in ice instead of batteries. In place of the chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone depleting and global warming substances, Solarchill relies on ozone and climate-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerants. It offers many practical benefits also as it can be used where electricity lines are non-existent or unreliable, it is safer than the kerosene vaccine coolers now used in remote areas, and it is 50 to 60% cheaper than the currently available battery-operated solar vaccine coolers.

Govt to install solar heaters in 3.5 million homes
The Financial Express, 3 November 2006

The government is all set to give solar water heating business in the country a major boost, through installation of 10 million sq metre of solar collectors in the 11th Plan. It is also projecting a major scale-up from the current installation in 1.5 million sq metre. The proposed installation plan would involve solar heaters in about 3.5 million homes and installations expected in industry and in commercial establishments like hotels, hospitals, guest houses. Government intends to expand the renewable energy programmes through various financial and fiscal incentives and changes in building by-laws.

Biofuels may account for 7% of global transport by 2030
The Financial Express, 8 November 2006

The biofuels may account for 7% of the global transportation energy by 2030, from 1% today, provided governments implement IEA's (International Energy Agency)policies to promote alternatives to oil, IEA said. Adhering to the IEA's "alternative policy scenario" may expand global farm land devoted to biofuel production to an area equivalent to all of Asia-Pacific's members in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the IEA said in its "World Energy Outlook 2006" report. Ethanol production in the US rose to a record in August because of increasing demand for the grain-based fuel as an additive to gasoline. Rising food demand, which competes with biofuels for farm land, may cut output of the clean fuel, the Paris-based IEA said in the report. IEA's `alternative policy scenario' assumes that countries implement all planned energy security and emission policies. The `reference scenario' assumes the absence of government action. In that case, the IEA projects biofuels will account for 4% of global road-fuel demand by 2030 and the amount of land needed for ethanol production will exceed the size of France and Spain.

Andhra hotel turns waste to gas, saves big
The Asian Age, 21 November 2006

A hotel owner in the hinterland of Andhra Pradesh is producing cooking gas from waste from his own restaurant. Bandi Satyanarayana of Sri Datta Sai Restaurant at Divili-Chandramampalli village of AP's East Godavari saves about Rs 150 a day on gas bills. The hotel gets about 800 customers a day and is situated on the main road of the village, about 40 km from Kakinada. The NEDCAP (Non Conventional Energy Development Corporation of AP)has acknowledged it as a pioneering effort and is encouraging others to follow the hotel owner.

Harnessing cattle to generate power
Deccan Herald, 27 November 2006

The KREDL (Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd) is promoting a non-conventional energy generation device that uses `animal power'. Under the system, a pair of bullocks (buffaloes, donkeys and horses could also be used)would be made to rotate around the power generator carrying a shaft on their backs. The shaft would be attached to the generating wheel of the device. The movement of animals results in rotation of the generating wheel, and electricity is produced whenever the animals move around. The length of the shaft and the connecting links to the generating wheel are designed in such a manner that three rotations by the animals would result in 1600 rotations by the generating wheel, explains KREDL Managing Director Dr B Shivalingaiah. The power thus generated would be stored in a battery and could be used according to household requirements.

TERI provides a boost to solar technology
The Hindu (Bangalore edition), 30 November 2006

India, being a tropical country, has enormous potential for growth of systems that use solar energy but has low market penetration of solar technology. The reason is the lack of technicians and engineers with adequate practical skills in areas of planning, design, installation and maintenance of high-performance systems. There are just no specialised courses. To close this gap, sixty trainees from solar industries, renewable energy institutions, nodal agencies energy studies and industrial training institutes from across the country were trained at TERI in Bangalore for the past two weeks. Those who partnered with TERI in this effort include three European institutions under the EU-India Cross Cultural Programme, from Germany and Belgium. Experts from SIJ-Germany, a renowned institute in solar technology, and two leading craftsmen training institutes, HWK-Germany and ZAWM-Belgium, provided faculty support.

October 2006

Bangalore and Pune top use of solar power heating water
The Economic Times, 9 October 2006

Bangalore and Pune top the list when it comes to using solar power for heating water. The two cities are the largest consumers of eco-friendly SWH (solar water heating) systems covering over 65% of domestic households and industrial units. State government policies in Maharashtra and Karnataka have been the catalysts in bringing this change. Every household with SWH systems gets a rebate of 50 paise per unit in these states. This is however not the sole reason why Bangalore and Pune lead in the consumption of SWH systems. There is high consumption of hot water in Bangalore and Pune because of the climate peculiar to these regions. Most of the manufacturers of SWH systems are situated in Bangalore. As a result, companies like BHEL and Tata BP Solar have seen - significant growth in sales of SWH systems. BHEL has seen a 20% increase in sales of SWH systems in the regions of Bangalore and Pune over the last year. While the domestic usage has been the most, hotels and guesthouses have picked up this trend over the last year.

Bigger is not necessarily better in hydrogen sources
The Hindu, 19 October 2006

Fuel cells, which run on hydrogen and oxygen, are a potentially environmentally friendly way to power vehicles, producing only water as a waste product. One of the problems with hydrogen is safe storage for cars to cover a reasonable distance before their supplies must be replenished. One possible solution is to pack hydrogen into porous materials, which soak up the gas like a sponge. University of Nottingham scientists have made a breakthrough, which could help in the development of the next generation of environment-friendly cars. In research published in the journal "Angewandte Chemie", and featured in "Nature and Chemistry World", they studied materials that have a porous sponge-like structure in which to store hydrogen - and found that bigger is not necessarily better. Bigger pores, they found, don't necessarily store the most hydrogen fuel, according to a University of Nottingham press release. Professor Martin Schr?der and his colleagues have been investigating so-called metal organic frameworks - molecular scaffolding filled with tiny cylindrical pores that hydrogen gas can be forced into.
Links

Ministry of non-conventional energy sources renamed
The Economic Times, 23 October 2006

The government has rechristened the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. `The new name gives a more positive outlook to the ministry as compared to the earlier name,' a petroleum and natural gas ministry official said. A notification has been issued by the cabinet secretary to change the name of the ministry, the official said. The industry had been demanding a change in name for the ministry for a long time on the grounds that the earlier name gave out a negative message.

Tax incentives on bio-fuels likely
Business Standard, 24 October 2006

The government is mulling giving incentives like excise and import duty exemption to promote the use of biodiesel and ethanol in auto fuels so as to cut down on India's import dependence to meet its fuel needs. The ministry of non-conventional energy sources, now re-christened as ministry of new and renewable energy, in the draft National Policy on Biofuels has suggested a slew of fiscal incentives and a National Biofuel Development Board headed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to promote doping of petrol with ethanol and diesel with non-edible oil. The ministry's draft note for the Cabinet proposes excise duty exemption for biofuels in pure as well as blended form up to a certain percentage, with a view to lowering price of biofuels for the end user. It also proposed Customs and excise duty exemption for plant and machinery used for process oil seeds for biofuel production. Besides, excise duty exemption to biodiesel blended with duty-paid diesel, similar to the concessions given for ethanol blended petrol, is proposed to be provided.

Ethanol production from sweet sorghum
The Financial Express, 26 October 2006

ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics)in association with Rusni Distillery has initiated a first of its kind project to convert juice from sweet sorghum stalk into bio-ethanol. ICRISAT commissioned the 40,000-liter per day fuel ethanol and extra-neutral alcohol re-distillation plant at Mohammed Shahpur village in Medak district, Andhra Pradesh. With the commissioning of the distillery costing $7 million, ICRISAT is the first institute in the world that has facilitated a project that links a distillery producing ethanol from sweet sorghum to the poor and the marginal farmers of the semi-arid tropics, William Dar, Director General, ICRISAT said in a release. With the fuel prices skyrocketing, there is an increasing demand for bio-fuels like ethanol, an alternative fuel for blending with petroleum products in many countries. Sweet sorghum, being a water-efficient crop grown in the semi-arid tropics, can serve, as an excellent source for ethanol while still meeting the food, feed and fodder needs of the small farmers. According to Dar, the project succeeds in using ICRISAT's ability in breeding varieties of sorghum that have a higher content of sugar in their stalk. Through the Agri-Business Incubator, the technology commercialisation arm of ICRISAT, the institute built a successful partnership with Rusni Distillery to produce ethanol from sweet sorghum.

September 2006

Government funding for generation of clean energy projects
The Economic Times, 1 September 2006

The MNES (ministry of non-conventional energy sources)plans to launch various programmes for installation of co-generation projects based on biomass and industrial wastes. MNES will provide financial assistance to encourage setting up of such projects, non-conventional energy sources minister Mr Vilas Muttemwar said. Core industries such as pulp and paper, breweries, textile mills, rice mills, and solvent extraction units have a potential of 15,000 MW for power co-generation. If fully utilized, this will bring about energy efficiency and significant reduction in GHG emissions. In addition, it will also help to cut down transmission and distribution losses.

Solar lighting for 2 lakh Karnataka houses
The Financial Express, 18 September 2006

Solar lighting and cooking systems will be installed in two lakh houses in Karnataka by 2010 under a project implemented with financial aid from banks. Selco Solar Light Pvt Ltd has provided 65,000 solar lighting systems and proposed to provide 8500 more during the year, managing director Mr Harish Hande said.

Wind may yield 29% of global power by 2030
Hindustan Times, 21 September 2006

Wind power could generate almost 29 percent of the world's electricity by 2030 and was growing faster than any other clean energy source. `At good locations wind can compete with the cost of both coal and gas-fired power,' the GWEC (Global Wind Energy Council)and Greenpeace said in a study, "Global Wind energy Outlook 2006". The two said that wind, which now accounts for 0.8% of the world's electricity supply, was expanding faster than other renewable energies such as solar, geothermal or tidal power in a shift from fossil fuels. `Wind energy could provide as much as 29% of the world's electricity needs by 2030, given the political will to promote its large-scale development paired with far-reaching energy efficiency measures,' the report said. GWEC said it represented more than 1500 companies and other groups in more than 50 nations. Its corporate members include General Electric, Shell, Vestas and Siemens. Many countries are seeking non-polluting energy sources because of high oil prices and concerns about global warming, widely blamed on burning fossil fuels in power plants, factories and cars.

Ministry signs biomass pact with UNDP Fund, KfW
The Hindu Business Line, 26 September 2006

The Ministry of Non-onventional Energy Sources has signed a $39.15 million project with UNDPGEF (UNDP Global Environment Fund)and German financial institution KfW to develop projects for harnessing biomass energy resources in the country. The three-year project would be financed by UNDPGEF to the tune of $5.65 million and co-financed by the Ministry, which will chip in with $5.24 million, while KfW would leverage finances of the order of $24.82 million. The financial institutions/private entities that are expected to join the project would contribute an amount of around $3.44 million, a Ministry statement said. The project aims at removal of barriers to the development of such projects, sustained supply of biomass, technology upgradation, equipment supply and development of standards for biomass energy projects. It is also expected to contribute in exploiting the potential for setting up power projects based on biomass and co-generation, providing solutions to eliminate impediments such as supply of raw material, appropriate technology and the latest quality equipments.

Power conservation made mandatory in Government institutions
The Statesman, 30 September 2006

Keeping in view the increasing demand of power, a notification has been issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency making it mandatory for government institutions to promote energy and power conservation. In terms of the power conferred on the state government under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, government of Delhi has issued directions under Section 18 of the Act for mandatory use of Solar Water heating System, CFL and electronic chokes in government buildings, government aided institutions, boards and corporations. To achieve the goal, Delhi government through the designated nodal agency, Delhi Transco Ltd, would like to promote the use of solar energy, CFL and energy-efficient lights by making its use mandatory in government departments, buildings, hospitals and jails.

August 2006

Solar power takes Rajasthan schools to IT highway
The Indian Express, 1 August 2006

The government school - Rajakiya Uchch Prathmik Vidyalaya - in Dhund, a small village on the Jaipur-Delhi Highway, is like most others in Rajasthan except for one difference. In other schools the computers installed, as part of the CALP (Computer Aided Learning Programme), seldom work. In Dhund's school, they always do. The reason: solar panels. In a state where power cut is more of a norm than an exception, particularly in rural areas, the CALP under the REI (Rajasthan Education Initiative)is facing serious roadblocks. For, no power means computers cannot run. Complaints about power shortage have been flooding the authorities from all sides - not just from the school authorities but also from representatives of the big corporates who are partners in the REI and have set up computer labs in more than 1000 schools. Realising the problem, the state education department decided to generate power through solar panels to run computers and included the Dhund's school in its pilot project. Now, happy with the success, the department is all set to install similar panels across 514 schools in all 32 districts by February-end. The REIL (Rajasthan Electronics Instruments Ltd)has provided the solar panels and the cost incurred is supported by the funds provided under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan by the Central Government. While the REIL will maintain them for three years, the battery comes with a 10-year free maintenance warranty. The solar panels store the power generated in a battery bank, which in attached to the computers. The bank has enough power to run three computers for a duration of four hours each.

Traffic signals to run on solar power
The Indian Express, 20 August 2006

The Delhi Traffic Police is all set to convert to energy-saving techniques for its 600 traffic lights in the Capital. After a recent meeting of senior traffic police and power department officials of the Delhi Government, the police is now developing a proposal to run traffic lights in the city on solar panels. The proposal for use of solar energy has been jointly drawn up and that the power department of the Delhi Government has already written to the Home Department recommending the allocation of funds worth Rs 50 million to fund the project for the traffic police. In the first phase, all 600 traffic lights will be converted to LED mode instead of the 100 watt bulbs. The second phase will invovle installing solar panels.

Government sees power at the top of waste heap
The Economic Times, 23 August 2006

The ministry of non-conventional energy sources has estimated that the country's power potential from urban waste may touch 2900 MW in 2007, which could go up to 5650 MW in 2017. In order to realise the potential, the ministry has asked the state governments to develop proposals for setting up power projects fuelled by urban wastes, according to a government official. The increase in generation of solid and liquid wastes in various cities and towns has led the government to project an increase in the country's power potential from urban waste. In 2002, it was projected at 1925 MW.

Wind mapping station comes up in Vizag
The Hindu, 24 August 2006

Visakhapatnam and Medak are the two districts selected for a latest feasibility study for wind power in Andhra Pradesh. A team from CWET (Centre for Wind Energy Technology)headquartered in Chennai has conducted a preliminary survey in 18 districts of the State and selected the two districts for 2005/06. CWET is an autonomous research and development institute working under the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources of the Central Government. The most important part of the feasibility study is to identify a site with potential for wind energy to set up a wind mapping station. Wind speed will be studied for two years at the identified site. The main parameter is that the average annual wind speed should be more than 12 km per hour. Speed between 12 km and 15 km is considered average, between 15 km and 18 km. good and above 18 km excellent.

Exclusive SEZ for green energy sought
The Economic Times, 27 August 2006

Non-conventional equipment manufacturing companies from the US and Germany have expressed interest in investing Rs 100 billion in a proposed SEZ for manufacture of renewable energy devices. It is estimated that a minimum area of 1000 hectares would be required for the proposed SEZ. Speaking at the sixth renewable energy summit, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, minister ministry of non-conventional energy sources said the government is evaluating proposals for setting up a series of SEZs for manufacturing equipment and systems for non-conventional energy. And the interest is not limited to foreign companies alone. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh have also evinced interest in participating in the SEZ. Besides tax breaks, this kind of a SEZ would enable reduced cost of manufacturing on account of comprehensive infrastructure facilities including power, banking, etc in the region.

Plan to increase renewable energy generation
The Hindu Business Line, 30 August 2006

The MNES (Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources)is working towards stepping up the country's energy generation from renewable energy sources from the current 8,000 MW to around 17,000/18,000 MW during the 11th Plan period. Bulk of this additional capacity building would come from co-generation from sugar mills as the Ministry expects this capacity to rise from the present 900 MW to about 5,000 MW. Encouraged by the prospects of the projects under wastes to energy programme implementation across the country, the Ministry is hoping to end the 10th Plan period with a cumulative generation capacity from non-conventional energy sources at around 10,000 MW, according to Mr V Subramanian, Secretary, MNES. Commissioning the country's first commercial model of grid-interfacing power plant based on poultry litter at Goundampalayam village, in Tamil Nadu, Mr Subramanian said MNES' twin strategy is to generate more power from renewable sources and to conserve more of non-renewable energy sources. The plant was developed by Subhashri Bio Energies Pvt Ltd, a local firm, at a cost of Rs 40 crore. Of the 8300 MW capacity realised under the non-conventional energy route, Tamil Nadu has come on top among the States having built 3000 MW renewable energy capacity.

July 2006

Delhi to produce 90 MW 'green power'
The Statesman, 8 July 2006

Delhi government has given green signal for setting up of power generation projects from municipal waste. The commissioning of projects at Timarpur, Okhla, Gazipur, Dwarka, Coronation Pillar, Rithala, Kesopur and Nilothi have been suggested which would altogether consume around 6000 metric tonne municipal solid waste and 700 MGD sewage to produce 90 MW green power with no loss to environment. Apart from this the projects would produce treated water to be diverted to river Yamuna. Each project would generate around 8-10 MW power. Setting up of projects at different locations would also help in disposal of entire garbage at the nearest place, hence, huge saving of transportation cost of taking garbage up to landfill sites. The concept of development of landfill sites would automatically become irrelevant after commissioning of green power projects. Mrs Dikshit has instructed concerned agencies to gradually make these projects functional, which would go a long way in disposal of garbage at nearest sites. The DJB, DDA, MCD and other agencies would provide land on least for 25 years to these projects.

ASTEC introduces new system in Guwahati
The Assam Tribune, 14 July 2006

The ASTEC (Assam Science, Technology and Environment Council)is installing a plasma pyrolysis system in a city hospital for disposal of bio-medical wastes. The system converts electrical energy to a plasma stream with temperatures over 10,000 degree and thus causes disintegration in the waste molecules. The FCIPT (Facilitation Centre for Industrial Plasma Technologies)of the Institute for Plasma Research of the Union Government's Department of Atomic Energy has developed this system for safe destruction of medical wastes. The Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council has collaborated with the FCIPT in the venture. Pyrolysis converts waste into Carbon Monoxide, Methane and Hydrogen with a composition, which is superior to gas produced in biomass gasification. Superthermal pyrolysis, which is possible with high temperature plasma jet, results in efficient production of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen. The controlled quantity of the steam introduced into the system reduces the soot particulate by 20% to 50% and increases the concentration of Carbon Monoxide and water vapour, which is clean fuel with high calorific value, said the June, 2006 Newsletter of the Nuclear India. According to ASTEC sources here, pyrolysis technology is being adapted for safe disposal of plastic carry bags for ecologically sensitive locations like the Andamans and Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, Goa and Himachal Pradesh under a Union Department of Science and Technology -sponsored scheme. Some more systems are also being installed at Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura. Bhaba Atomic Research Centre and Institute of Plasma Research, Gujarat are collaborating to adopt pyrolysis technology for low-level nuclear-active waste destruction. The ASTEC is now awaiting the approval of the DST to install the system in a demonstrative basis. The system can be availed from DST for trial purposes free- of- cost. The system efficacy will be examined for one year. If it is found suitable, the hospitals of the State will be able to procure the system from the authorities concerned.

Suzlon net up 222% to Rs 1940 million
Business Standard, 31 July 2006

Suzlon Energy has posted a rise of 221.91% in net profit to Rs 1936 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2006 as compared with Rs 601.4 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2005. Total income has increased by 199.94% to Rs 9467 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2006, compared with Rs 3156.2 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2005. The company, as a part of its long-term plans of having independent manufacturing units for various components of a Wind Turbine Generator has realigned its operations and has commended sale of tubular towers through one of its wholly owned subsidiaries.

June 2006

Renewable energy will be mandatory
DNA, 5 June 2006

The CERC plans to fix minimum purchase quotas for electricity generated from sun, wind and water in order to promote the use of renewable sources of energy. Electricity distributors will have to buy certain minimum percentage of their requirements from such sources, depending on the availability of energy in a region and its impact on retail tariffs. The central electricity regulator will be fixing tariffs for such power by the year-end. A 10% minimum purchase norm from renewable sources was being contemplated. States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa and Maharashtra have already made provisions to this effect. Electricity from renewable sources is costlier than conventional power. However, the government has decided to grant them preferential tariffs in order to encourage their use. Distribution companies will not, however lose out since the CERC is likely to stipulate that the price paid for such power should not exceed the highest tariffs paid to other suppliers.

Fish waste as electricity?
The Asian Age, 10 June 2006

In what could be a first of-its-kind project within the Indian sea food industry, methane-forming anaerobic bacteria will soon be used to convert fish waste water (with high levels of dissolved fish proteins)into electricity. Gadre Marine Export Private Limited, manufactures and exporters of seafood in Ratnagiri, were initially planning only to recycle their effluent waste water to reduce in-house water consumption. "We use 12-15 lakh litres of water per day in making fish paste and unlike other effluents, fish wastewater does not contain sulphur, hence, it is ideal for anaerobic-aerobic digestion. By using indigenous technology, the organic waste water is decomposed by methane forming anaerobic bacteria to produce methane," informed Mr Deepak Gadre, director, Gadre Marine. The methane is then used to replace furnace oil in boilers and generate electricity. "The pilot project has undergone a three-year trial period and we will commission the Rs 40 million effluent treatment plant in September this year. We hope to generate 0.8 MW of power. While our captive requirements are close to 2.25 MW, we could also be looking to generate 1.5 MW from hydel energy by June next year," added Mr Gadre.

IREDA to release Rs 4500 million for new projects
The Financial Express , 13 June 2006

IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency)Ltd will release Rs 4500 million in 2006-07 for financing renewable energy projects that can sustain in the present power scenario. Mr Debashish Majumdar, managing director of IREDA, said the agency disbursed Rs 3000 million in 2005-06 for extending loans to renewable power projects. He added that there were plans to increase the amount this year as captive renewable projects were getting a boost owing to increased cost of power from conventional sources. IREDA has received projections of 10,000 MW non-conventional power within the tenth plan period, of which 4000-4500 MW would be from wind energy.

Indian firms bag green Oscars
The Hindustan Times, 19 June 2006

At this year's "Green Oscars" that go by the official name of Ashden Awards Indian enterprises have bagged two of the five awards for sustainable energy. While the Pune-based AARTI (Appropriate Technology Institute)has won the award, which carry a cash prize of £30,000 each, for its design of a revolutionary biogas system,the IDEI's (International Development Enterprises of India)was awarded for its treadle pumps. AARTI's biogas system generates cooling gas from food waste and other sugary and starchy material. The treadle pumps, which the IDEI manufactures and distributes, is a simple device that uses human power to pump water from wells, streams, and lakes into fields allowing farmers to grow crops all year round.

India seeks FDI in renewable energy SEZ
The Financial Express, 27 June 2006

India is looking for FDI (foreign direct investment)flow in the proposed SEZ (special economic zone)dedicated exclusively for manufacturing renewable energy equipment and devices. The ministry for non-conventional energy sources has decided to finalise a draft policy on new and renewable sources of energy by the end of this year. The proposed policy aims at a long-term strategic vision for the development of non-conventional sources of energy as a viable substitute for fossil fuels. It also aims at generation of power from non-conventional sources to progressively add to the power generation capacity of the nation. The government has set a target of installing 15% of the additional power generation capacity in the country through grid-interactive renewable power by 2012. About 15,000 MW power is expected to be generated from renewable sources in the 11th Plan period for this purpose. By the year 2030, the target is to generate 20% to 30% of power from renewable sources.

May 2006

Solar water heater to get legal push
The Statesman, 1 May 2006

With the skyrocketing prices of crude oil in the international market and increasing demand for power in urban and rural areas, 11 states have agreed in principle to amend building by-laws to make use of solar water heaters mandatory. A written submission in this regard ha already been given by the state governments to the ministry of non-conventional energy sources while replying to the recommendations suggested by the Union government to promote harness of renewable sources of energy. The states endorsed the view that the savings in terms of electricity will bring immense benefits to users and the society.

West Bengal gets CDM funding for rice husk power
The Hindu, 10 May 2006

West Bengal has become the first State to get funding under the CDM (clean development mechanism)of the Kyoto Protocol from an overseas body. A consortium of 33 rice mills will receive about Rs 150 million from a Swedish company for substituting greenhouse gas emitting fuel sources in favour of rice husk - a green power that is a waste product for these mills. Mr S P Gonchowdhury, director of the WBREDA (West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency), the State's nodal agency for renewable energy promotion, said the agreement for funding against carbon trading was signed on 5 May. The WBREDA had partnered the rice-millers body `Green Power Consortium,' which had forayed into this area in 2002. Now there were 61 such rice mills, which had stopped using the highly-polluting diesel generating sets to set up gasifiers to generate a total of 30 MW at a cost of Rs 200 million. These mills were concentrated in the State's rice bowl - Burdwan and Hooghly - but were also located in Birbhum and West Midnapore, Mr Gonchowdhury said. West Bengal, being the country's largest rice producer, generates a sizable quantum of rice husk and companies are now queuing up to buy these from the smaller mills and use it to produce power. Amrit Bio Energy and Industries, which has a ferro alloy unit here, is one such company. Among the bigger ones, Hindustan Motors had shown interest in a rice husk based power project.

Innovative building designs to save energy
The Pioneer, 10 May 2006

The Power Corporation of Uttar Pradesh has taken up slew of measures on the recommendation of state's energy conservation committee. If approved, it may bring respite to the state that has been grappling with the acute power shortage for the past few days. The suggestions mainly focussed on to the steps that reduces power consumption drastically by using solar geyser fitted on the roof of the multiplexes, shopping malls and the government installations. The design of the buildings will be such that power consumption would be curbed significantly. According to the convenor of energy conservation committee, Shailendra Dubey the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida are on way to becoming model towns that also inspire the adjoining cities of the state. The energy conservation act of 2001 that prescribes the norms and guidelines for effective and efficient power consumption and first it was implemented in the Rashtrapati Bhavan that ensured 40% less power consumption for the same. Even in the rural areas CFL (compact florescent lamp)could be used for minimising the consumption. For the pumping sets capacitor back could be used and subsequently energy consumption level could be less with a habit of conservation among the consumers.In peak hours the innovative designs of the buildings could save the energy consumption upto 700 MW.

MERC prepares approach paper on renewable energy
The Financial Express, 15 May 2005

In a significant move, the MERC (Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission)has prepared an approach paper for tapping 7000 MW through development of renewable energy. Currently, the capacity of 1002.96 MW, comprising wind (703 MW), small hydro (206.33 MW), co-generation (73.5 MW), biomass (14 MW)and industrial waste (6.13 MW)has been developed. MERC's move comes at a time when Maharashtra is facing a daily power shortfall of 4500 MW, which is expected to touch over 10,000 MW in 2012. MERC has proposed renewable purchase specification for minimum percentage for power procurement from renewable energy sources. This was necessitated as per Section 86 (1)(e)of the Electricity Act 2003, National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy. The target of renewable energy procurement of 8615 million units under RPS policy, over the policy tenure, translates to percentage specification of 9.17%, based on projected energy input procurement by all licensees for 2006/07 at 93,925 m.u.

Centre sets target of 7000 MW power from urban waste
The Financial Express, 18 May 2006

The government has set a target of 15,000 MW power cogeneration in core industries. It has also planned 7000 MW power cogeneration from urban wastes by 2017. The industries like sugar, fertilisers, distilleries, paper and pulp, rice mills have the potential to produce 15,000 mw through co-generation while industrial and urban wastes could generate about 2,700 mw which would increase to 7000 MW by 2017, he said. The project on `Development of High Rate Biomethanation Processes', as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was implemented by the ministry, with partial financial support from United Nations Development Programme, and Global Environment Facility. As part of this project 14 full-scale demonstration projects from variety of wastes have been set up in the country. The 14 demonstration projects covered state-of-the-art biomethanation technologies for treatment of wastes from leather industry, slaughter houses, pulp and paper mills, vegetable markets, sewage and animal wastes. Their implementation has helped in indigenisation of know-how for application of biomethanation technologies. both in terms of hard ware and human resource development.

April 2006

GE to promote rural electrification
The Financial Express, 1 April 2006

Indian villages are all set to leverage American know-how in rural electrification. USAID (US Agency for International Development), in alliance with GE (General Electricals), have identified several villages in India for promoting rural electrification, using renewable energy technologies like biogas. The consortium has already started conducting the feasibility analysis of a bio gas plant in a remote village in Tamil Nadu called Gandhigram. Some sites in Maharashtra and Karnataka have also been taken under consideration. USAID hopes to identify three more potential sites within a few months. USAID officials are heavily counting on the electricity generation from the biogas, as there would be no power wheeling costs in the process. The plant capacities would be from 330 kw and above, depending on the needs and location of the villages. USAID will contribute up to $6 lakh to the programme, while GE and its worldwide network of experts and partners will invest up to $27 lakh in direct and indirect funding.

Wind energy: India ranks fourth in the world, leads in Asia
The Hindu Business Line, 16 April 2006

The WWEA (World Wind Energy Association)is of the view that India continues to be the leader among Asian countries in the area of generating wind power. India now ranks fourth in the world in wind power, both in terms of overall capacity (4430 MW)and additions (1430 MW). The WWEA is confident that the next world wind energy conference, to be held in November 2006 in New Delhi, will give an additional boost to the Indian wind energy sector and strengthen the industrial capacities as well as contribute to a further increase of wind energy's share in the Indian electricity generation portfolio. Among Asian countries, China graduated from 10th position in 2004 (764 MW)to 8th in 2005 (1260 MW), while in terms of installations, it has already reached the sixth position worldwide. Following the world wind energy conference in Beijing in 2004, the Chinese Government adopted a renewable energy law in early 2005 with the objective of strengthening its manufacturing industry so that it can produce an increased number of turbines to meet its future requirement.

Global Wind Energy Council kicks off in India
The Financial Express, 20 April 2006

Non-conventional energy minister Mr Vilas Muttemwar has launched the GWEC (Global Wind Energy Council)in India, at a function held in the Capital recently. The GWEC, according to its chairman Arthouros Zervos, will bring together the major national and continental wind energy companies, and help India in achieving its potential of producing wind energy. The GWEC, he added, has a combined membership of over 1500 organisations involved in hardware manufacture, project development, power generation, finance, consultancy and research. Director general of Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, Dr Sunil Motiwal said the Indian wind energy sector is growing at the rate of 47% annually. India has the potential to produce as much as 65,000 MW of wind power, he added. However, Dr Motiwal said, joint efforts would be needed to realise the wind energy potential.

1,000 MW targeted from indl wastes
The Hindu Business Line, 29 April 2006

The Union Government is targeting to add 1000 MW of power from industrial and commercial wastes in the next 10 years. Addressing a seminar in Hyderabad, Mr R C Tiwari, Director at Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, said the potential for renewable energy from this segment was pegged at 1287 MW by the end of 2007 as against the capacity of 1022 for 2001. The seminar on Recovery of energy from industrial waste and effluents was organized by Non-conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh.

March 2006

Distribution of solar kits launched
The Hindu, 25 February 2006

Tamil Nadu's Electricity Minister, Mr R Viswanathan, launched the distribution of solar educational kit to 430 government high and higher secondary schools in the state. At the head office of the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency, Mr Viswanathan handed over the first set of the kit to the Chief Educational Officer (Chennai) Mr D Rajendran. Comprising a solar power panel, voltmeter, ammeter and battery for storage of power, the kit includes devices such as calculator, transistor radio, torchlight, a far and a calling bell.

MMTC plans 50 MW wind plant
The Economic Times, 6 March 2006

MMTC is joining the renewables bandwagon with plan to set up a 50 MW wind-energy project. MMTC will set up the wind farm in the phases. The first phase of 50 MW generation capacity is expected to come up by June this year. The entire project could be entail an investment of about Rs 2500 million. The PSU is currently in the process of identifying a proper location and selecting equipment supplier for the project. The company would shortly appoint consultants who would prepare the feasibility report and also monitor the installation of machinery and implementation of project.

Solar lights at remote places
The Hindu, 6 March 2006

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation has decided to install 774 solar lights in the remote places falling in the Tribal Sub-Plan region by providing subsidies to the Scheduled Tribe families living below poverty line as part of the Rural Electrification Programme. The move will benefit the areas which have not been electrified so far. The Tribal Area Development Department has provided additional financial assistance to the corporation for carrying out the task of lightning the area inhabited by the tribal population. The biggest number of 258 lights will be installed in Banswara district, followed by 255 in Udaipur, 169 in Dungapur, 64 in Chittaurgarh and 28 in Sirohi.

Solar power lights up Kolkata street
The Hindu, 9 March 2006

Kolkata has become the first metropolis in the country to have solar-powered streetlights. A pair of high-efficient compact fluorescent lamps of 36 watts each sits on both arms of lamp-posts set up every 30 metres along a one km-stretch of Jessore Road in the northern part of the city. This will be extended to three km. Plans are also being drawn up to illuminate similarly certain stretches of the highways passing through the state as well as some streets in Siliguri in northern Bengal, Director, WBREDA (West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency), Mr S P Gon Chaudhury said. The programme is being jointly finance by the ministry of non-conventional energy and the state government. The WBREDA has set itself a target of providing solar power to 31 out of the 53 islands having human settlements in the Sunderbans in the southeastern tip of the state by 2008.

ADB plans major energy efficiency initiative
The Hindu Business Line, 10 March 2006

With a crisis in the energy sector looming large over developing countries in Asia, the ADB (Asian Development Bank) has decided to launch a major energy efficiency initiative of $1 billion. According to the ADB President, Mr Haruhiko Kuroda, given the exponential growth in demand, energy is going to be a major challenge in the coming years. The initiative is being launched to help growing economies in Asia meet their energy demands efficiently and minimise the impact on the environment. `A crisis in the energy sector will have an impact on the sector as well as the economy and environment,' Mr Kuroda said. Energy efficiency programme was one of the measures planned by the bank under the Kyoto protocol.

Suzlon Energy to invest $60-m in China
The Economic Times, 17 March 2006

Suzlon Energy Plants to invest $60 million to set up a wind turbine generator manufacturing unit in China, the company said. The factory in China's Tianjin's Hi-TECH Industrial Park, set to begin in July- September, would make wind turbine components worth a generation capacity of 600 megawatts, the company said. Suzlon Shares fell nearly half a percent to Rs 1291 on the Bombay stock Exchange.

February 2006

BHEL solar plant in Sunderbans
The Hindu Business Line, 3 February 2006

BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd)has commissioned a 110-kWp stand alone solar photovoltaic power plant in Sunderbans areas of West Bengal. The plant in Sagar Island, is the second solar project to be commissioned by BHEL against a contract for five such plants by WBREDA (West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency). BHEL would also commissioned three other plants by June 2006. The plant is equipped with a 150-watt photovoltaic modules and the power generated by it would e distributed to households through transmission lines.

Italy, India to sign green energy tech deal
The Asian Age, 6 February 2006

Italy and India will shortly clinch an exchange agreement for transfer of technology for tapping and harnessing the sources of non-conventional energy in areas of hydro, solar, tidal, bio-fuel and wind, said Dr Corradio Clini, director-general at the department for environmental R&D, ministry for environment and territory, Italy, at an interactive meeting on CDM cooperation between Italy and India. Italy which has been reducing the carbon contents from its skies at a marathon speed and the Indian ministry of environment and forests have been negotiating for bringing in the latter's clean technology for harnessing the sources of non-conventional energy. Italy could also supply the latest modern technology for small hydro power plants that India proposes to set up at various states of its federal set up, the application of which will bring about metamorphic changes in the Indian hydro sector. Talks are on for exchange of technology in this area also.

NAC pushes for `biomass' rural energy security
The Indian Express, 10 February 2006

The NAC (National Advisory Council) has asked the government to set up a national mission for achieving energy security in rural India by using biomass to generate power. The 10-year mission, expected to cost Rs 1350 crore in the first four years, would be in line with the UPA government's commitment in the National Common Minimum Programme `to enhance the country's energy security particularly in the area of oil.

BHEL sets up solar-diesel power plant in Lakshadweep
The Hindu Business Line, 21 February 2006

The Bangalore-based Electronics Division of BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd) has commissioned the country's largest solar-diesel hybrid power plant at Lakshadweep's tourist island of Bangaram. This will considerably reduce the consumption of high-speed diesel and conserve the ecology of the island that attracts a large number of tourists for energy-intensive water sports activities. Until now the island administration was totally dependent on diesel power plants which posed air and ground water pollution threat to the island. Transporting diesel from Kozhikode is costly and depends on sea conditions. The Electricity Department started with a 10-KW solar power plant and upgraded it to a 50-KW hybrid plant to ensure 24-hour supply. It now wants to replicate the system in all other islands. BHEL said solar power plants set up by it in eight other islands have added over 1 MW to the total capacity there.

Plant to generate 8 MW power from waste
The Hindu, 24 February 2006

The waste-to-energy plant at Mandur near Hoskote will be ready to take about 1000 tonnes of Bangalore city's 2200 tonnes of daily garbage from August. After completion, the plant, work on which is under progress, will be able to generate 8 MW of power. The BMP (Bangalore Mahanagar Palika) has entrusted the project to set up a scientific landfill, a processing plant and a power plant to Srinivasa Gayatri Resource Recovery Ltd on a `build-operate-transfer' basis for 33 years. Of the 135 acres of land allotted by the State Government for landfill, the facility to process waste and generate power out of it is coming up on 25 acres. The BMP will get a 2 per cent equity share in the project by the company as per the agreement signed. This will enable the BMP to purchase power produced at the plant at a later date, which can be used for streetlights.

January 2006

Solar energy: government prepares roadmap
Business Standard, 5 January 2006

After finalising a hydrogen energy roadmap, the government is now preparing a strategy to harness solar energy as part of its efforts to promote renewable energy sources in the country. The ministry of non-conventional energy sources is making a solar photovoltaic technology roadmap for the country up to 2022, in line with the 11th, 12th, and 13th five-year plans.

IIT to the aid of power-strapped Vidarbha farmers
Business Standard, 3 January 2006

IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), Delhi, has developed a novel technology for farmers in Vidarbha that will help them to generate electricity by using ox-driven machines. Working in association with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural industrialization, Wardha, IIT Delhi developed the technology as part of an initiative to put resources available in villages to better use. Power generated from ox-driven machines is being suggested as an alternative for running electric generators and pump sets. The technique of generating power through ox-driven machines is already being used in Andhra Pradesh and MGRI is keen on promoting it in other parts of the country. The technology being offered, has a bull-tied to a geared wooden peg and made to move on a circular path. The bull trudges on churning the peg three to four times a minute. Ordinarily, this would be of help only to grind food grains or to crush sugarcane. But an intricately designed gear system below the wooden peg enables the slow moving bull to generate enough energy to rotate a smaller gear into doing as many as 1500 rotations per minute, explained Prof. Prasad.

Bengal plans green energy corp
The Statesman, 4 January 2006

In a bold step to harness green energy, West Bengal will set up India's first renewable energy cooperation. The new company will target to produce at least 400 MW of power by harnessing wind, biomass, biodiesel and municipal waste, Mr S P Gon Chowdhuri, Director of WBREDA (West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency) has said. The decision was taken at a meeting of the power department keeping in view the Central Government's aim to provide electricity to every household by 2012. The new venture is likely to be christened as the West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation. Mr Gon Chowdhuri said a bio-mass plant would be set up in Burdwan district, a small-hydro tidal plant in Darjeeling district, and wind power plants in North and South 24 Paraganas adjoining Kolkata. With a generation of only 46 MW from renewable sources, green energy now accounts for only about one per cent of the total 4500 MW generation in West Bengal. 'The new corporation will deal with generation, transmission and distribution of grid-connected green energy.

India in six-nation clean energy initiative
The Hindu Business Line, 11 January 2006

A new partnership of six major Asia-Pacific nations aiming to deploy and commercialise cleaner energy technologies was launched on 11-12 January at the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate Change in Sydney, Australia. The voluntary initiative among Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the US is designed to accelerate the development and use of cleaner, more efficient technology in a way that promotes economic development and reduces poverty, said a statement. The new initiative is a complement, not an alternative, to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to that pact, it added. The US and Australia have not ratified the Kymto Protocol. Participating nations have formed task forces to study the following sectors: cleaner fossil energy, renewable energy and distributed generation, power generation and transmission, aluminium, steel, cement, buildings and appliances, and mining.

Rajasthan aims to get Rs 5000 million in wind power
Business Standard, 11 January 2006

The Rajasthan government is set to announce a policy for the promotion of wind power. With the help of the new policy, the state government was aiming at attracting Rs 5000 million and was looking at 300-400 Mw of wind power generation. The new policy will aim to
- Support wind power generation programmes based on wind resource studies and assessments, and attract investment in the state.
- The state government plans to offer a host of concessions and benefits to wind energy developers, including revising the power selling rate to around Rs 3.30 per unit-almost 70 paise higher than the prevailing rate.
- The farm developer and /or investor would be eligible to use the power produced for captive consumption, or to sell to a third party, or to the RVPN (Rajasthan Vidyut Prasaran Nigam), or any combination of the three options available. A power purchase agreement or wheeling agreement, or both, as the case may be, will be required to be entered into with RVPN or concerned power companies. In the case of power sold to the RVPN, or power companies, the RVPN will pay a rate of Rs 3.30 per unit for power supplied, which shall be increased at a simple rate of 2-3% every year.
- The state government will select the site and it will provide land for the proposed wind farm at a subsidised rates.

TERI to now extend focus to woman power plan
The Asian Age, 16 January 2006

In its efforts to take forward the solar lanterns to unelectrified villages, TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) is planning to further its project of encouraging solar woman entrepreneurs to Sagar, the largest island in the Sunderbans, West Bengal. TERI is looking at the feasibility of getting funded for the project from both national and international sources, for which it has prepared two proposals. With its US-funded pilot project - Women as Solar Power Enterpreneurs - nearing completion in the Kakdwip region of the Sunderbans, the institute is keen on replicating the success story of the solar woman entrepreneur power in Sagar too.

Hydrogen to fuel 1 million vehicles by 2020
The Financial Express, 17 January 2006

The government is planning to produce 1.1 MT of hydrogen fuel annually by 2020 for running at least one million vehicles. The estimated cost of setting up this capacity is Rs 250 billion. Decentralised hydrogen-based power generation of about 1000 MW aggregate capacity has been planned. The investment would be required for R&D, demonstration and creation of infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, transportation and distribution, for meeting the requirement of hydrogen, under Green Initiative for Future Transport and Green Initiative for Power Generation. Of the million vehicles likely to be converted, 750,000 will be two/three wheelers, 150,000 cars and 100,000 buses and vans. The decentralised hydrogen-based power generation would consist of 50 MW capacity small IC engine standalone generators, 50 MW capacity standalone fuel cell power packs and 900 MW capacity central plants.

National mission on bio-diesel gets Plan panel approval
The Hindu Business Line, 19 January 2006

The National Mission on Biodiesel has got the in-principle nod of the Planning Commission. The Rural Development Ministry will be the nodal ministry for implementing the programme, which is expected to start in 2006/07. The Internal Finance Committee is expected to meet on January 25 to discuss the project structure. The National Mission on Bio-diesel is proposed to be implemented in two phases.
- The first phase will involve a demonstration stage for plantation of jatropha on four lakh hectares, and associated research activities for establishing the commercial viability of the fuel.
- Phase two will involve self-sustaining expansion of the bio-diesel programme.
The overall objective of the national mission is to promote the creation of national infrastructure for production of bio-diesel through cultivation of jatropha plant and processing of its oil.

Rainwater harvesting to be compulsory
The Hindu (Bangalore edition), 19 January 2006

Karnataka's Minister for Water Resources and Transport Mr Mallikarjuna Kharge said that a law to regulate extraction of groundwater in Karnataka is on the anvil to conserve precious groundwater. The Law Department is vetting the draft legislation and it will be brought before the legislature soon for ratification. The Minister said while rainwater harvesting has been made compulsory for all new buildings within Bangalore city limits, the same rules will be extended to all other urban local bodies. Stressing on the need for a master plan for artificial recharge of groundwater, Mr Kharge said 22 taluks in the State have come under "overexploited" category.

Solar wind power
The Economic Times, 27 January 2006

The MSC Solar-Wind Power plant is a multi system that maximizes the harvesting of solar and heat energy from the sun to generate the power and at the same time make potable drinking water. The structure of the MSC Solar Wind Power Plant is pyramid like with four side frames and is known as the Perpetual Pyramid Power Plant. Spread across 3 acres of land, the Pune plant will be set up with a capacity to generate 5 MW of electricity. The demo plant is expected to be functional by 15th August 2006. The company would be manufacturing and setting up the MSC P 4 solar wind power plants for their customers in India, of capacity 10, 18, and 36 MW. Around 9-12 months are required in setting up the plant after getting the possession of the site. World over the company is investing close to US $20 million in building the commercial prototypes of power plants in Malaysia, China and Thailand and for building power generation cum desalination plants in India and Sudan.

December 2005

Haryana to use renewable energy for power
The Financial Express, 5 December 2005

Haryana has introduced a policy for setting up power projects based on renewable energy sources to generate 500 MW additional power in the state. The policy draft has been finalised after going through policies and tariff orders on renewable energy projects issued by the regulatory commissions of some of states, like Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh also comment on various departments, including state power utilities and the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission as well as the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 and National Electricity Policy. The draft, which supercedes the earlier policy issued on February 10, 1998, aims at creating conditions conducive for private sector involvement and public-private participation, sources said. It also targets a minimum of 10% capacity addition, i.e. 500 MW of the total 5000 MW of conventional power to be generated through renewable energy sources by the year 2012, as enshrined in the policy of the Union government. The measures to be adopted included promotion of setting up of biomass-based power projects, co-generation power projects, small hydro projects, wind and solar energy-based power projects and projects based on urban, municipal and industrial wastes.

Run your car on cow fuel
The Hindu Business Line, 3 December 2005

A C$14 million (Rs 55.21 crore) factory near Montreal, Canada, started producing 'biodiesel' fuel from the bones, innards and other parts of farm animals such as cattle, pigs or chickens that Canadians do not eat. The company release said it is using animal waste to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company is also making biodiesel at the plant by recycling oil from fast food restaurants, like from the deep-fryers used to cook French fries. Biodiesel emits little of the smog of conventional gasoline or diesel fuel and almost none of the heat-trapping gases that most scientists say are driving up temperatures and could cause more floods, storms and rising sea levels in coming decades. At full capacity, the plant will produce 35 million litres of biodiesel a year, the greenhouse gas equivalent of removing 16,000 light trucks or 22,00 cars from the roads.

Green power for the `city of Taj' soon
Business Standard, 9 December 2005

With a view to checking the growing pollution level in the city of Agra that could have harmful effects on the monument (Taj Mahal), the Uttar Pradesh government has embarked upon an ambitious plan of providing Agra with pollution-free green power. The plan envisaged by the NEDA (Non-Conventional Energy Development Authority) is based on generating power through biomass. As the Supreme Court has already banned the use of diesel and kerosene run generators in order to keep the pollution level under check, alternative sources of power have become imperative with the grim power scenario making it impossible to supply of 200 MW uninterrupted power to Agra. In the first phase, green power could be used for meeting the shortfall in power supply and later to contribute in the grid to ensure pollution free power for Agra. According to estimates, with 110 sugar mills in the state, it has the potential of generating 1000 MW electricity. But primarily due to lack of awareness and paper industry providing a lucrative market for sugarcane waste, only 150 MW power is being generated.

Biodiesel fuel has a commercial launch in Maharashtra
The Indian Express, 12 December 2005

The country's first biodiesel fuel, extracted from karanja seeds, was commercially launched by Maharashtra Energy Development Agency in Pune. The work on biofuels started two years ago with installation of a pilot plant. Though the plant initially had a capacity of 100 litres per day, it was scaled up to 400 litres per day. The state will also set up a Rs 300 million plant at Chiplun, which will have a capacity of producing 5000 tonne of fuel per day. Plans are afoot to increase the capacity of the plant to 100,000 tonne within a period of four years.

MahaGenco to make foray into wind power
The Financial Express, 13 December 2005

The MahaGenco (Maharashtra State Power Generation Company)proposes to make foray into wind power generation. The company, which will soon engage consultant to draw a roadmap, plans to set up 250 MW of wind power project in the state. MahaGenco's proposed move would expand its presence in the rapidly changing power sector. The company, whose operations are dominated in coal-based power generation, has already announced its plan to explore option of nuclear power generation. Mahagenco has roped in TERI to prepare report on carbon trading. The company wants to seek carbon credits from Japan, European Union and the World Bank.

November 2005

Policy on bio diesel by early next year
The Economic Times, 1 November 2005

The Centre is likely to come up with a clear-cut bio-diesel policy by early next year, after the Energy Policy Committee submits its report to the government by 30 November. An in-principle approval is expected to be given by that time, which will later be worked into a formal bio-fuel policy. The report from the committee is expected to make specific proposals which will then be forwarded to the Energy Coordination Committee for final acceptance by the government. A detailed project report on a National Mission on Bio-diesel based on jatropha specifically was submitted by the rural development ministry to the Planning Commission for an in-principle approval. The commission has sought certain clarifications from the ministry which are expected soon. The in-principle approval is expected to be granted by the end of November this year. Experts have time and again pointed out that the prolonged lack of a clear-cut policy formulation on bio-fuels including incentives for private sector participation in a significant manner and easier land acquisition rules for bio-fuel projects--is obstructing a boost to the sector. Sugar companies, for instance, have been sitting on barrels of fuel-compatibility treated ethanol still to be picked up by oil companies despite contracts.

Panel to promote jatropha cultivation
The Hindu, 6 November 2005

The petroleum and Panchyati Raj Minister Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar announced that the Government would set up a committee to promote the cultivation of jatropha and other trees, which can be used for the production of bio-diesel. Delivering the valedictory address at a conclave on "Panchayats and Petroleum - towards bio-diesel economy", the Minister said the proposed committee would comprise the Petroleum Secretary, the Panchyati Raj Secretary, Planning commission consultant and representatives from stakeholders. He said the committee would work towards increasing the cultivation of jatropha tree by involving panchyats, which should encourage community cultivation of bio-diesel trees. Focusing on the need for bio-diesel, he said the country is importing crude oil worth Rs 1170 billion and bio-diesel production will help in saving foreign exchange. Mr Aiyar said that there were about 2.5 lakh panchyats in the country and if each of them cultivated Jetropha in 50 acres, the production will meet the growing demand for oil in the country. Mr Aiyar said the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme provided a major role to panchyats in creating assets in rural areas and its provisions should be utilised for the promotion of bio-diesel.

India ranks fourth in global wind power list
The Indian Express, 9 November 2005

India is now fourth in the world in wind power generation. Grid-connected power generation through wind energy in the country has crossed 4228 MW making India the 4th largest wind power generating country in the world after Germany, Spain and US, a government press release stated. Capacity addition in the sector grew four-fold from 2002/03 to 2004/05-from 242 MW in 2002-2003 to 615.2 MW in 2003/04 and 1111.7 MW in 2004/05. This year, 631.9 MW generation capacity from wind energy has been set up till 30 September. The leading states in this area are Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

10% non-conventional power may be included in states' energy kitty
The Financial Express, 12 November 2005

The government may soon make it obligatory on states to meet 10% of their total power needs from non-conventional energy sources, including hydroelectric power. The move is part of efforts to build a large consumer base for non-conventional energy sources that has so far failed to take off in the country. The Planning Commission has, in principle, given its nod to the proposal that will now form part of an integrated energy policy being framed by the energy coordination committee headed by Mr Kirit Parikh. Once approved by all states, the proposed regulation would require states to increase the share of power from non-conventional energy sources (up to 10%)in their total energy kitty. This could either be done by purchasing power from states having surplus capacities in the non-conventional space or increasing their own greenfield capacities. Despite the government's numerous initiatives, the popularity of non-conventional energy is low among consumers. The high cost of power from these sources is one of the main reasons for its low popularity. The proposed government initiative may also fix a fixed percentage within the 10% mark for non-conventional energy sources, excluding hydro power also. The move is expected to benefit West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh, where production from non-conventional sources is already high. These states could now become net exporters of power to other states once the regulation is put in place.

Maharashtra fund for alternate sources
The Economic Times, 30 November 2005

The Mahrashtra government has set up a special corpus for encouraging non-conventional energy sources. Faced with a major power crisis, the Rs 4180 million fund will help widen the use of non-conventional energy sources, chief minister Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh said. The fund will be managed by a trust to be chaired by the minister for non-conventional energy sources along with the state's top bureaucrats. A major part of the contribution - Rs 2180 million - will come from MahaUrja, the state undertaking. It will fund activities in bagasse-based power generation, wind energy, solar energy and small hydel projects. Besides this, the trust will be allowed to raise Rs 1000 million each for the first two years from the market. The trust will be open to an investment of Rs 24 billion from the private sector to generate 1000 MW from non-conventional energy sources in three years. The proposed investor from the private sector will have his three nominees on the trust.

Policy to boost renewable energy sector on anvil
The Hindu Business Line, 30 November 2005

In a bid to provide an impetus to the renewable energy sector, the Government is drafting a comprehensive policy to promote installation of renewable energy capacities. The policy would attempt to streamline the process of awarding clearances for renewable energy installations across all States, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, Minister for Non-Conventional Energy Sources, said. He mentioned that of the total grid power capacity in the country, nearly 7% (around 7000 MW) came from renewable sources. Wind power alone contributes 4% with installed capacity touching 4225 MW in October 2005, making India the fourth largest wind energy player after Germany, the US and Spain.

October 2005

Inter Solar to set up 1000 water heating units
Business Standard, 4 October 2005

Chandigarh-based Inter Solar Systems Pvt Ltd, manufacturers of solar energy products, aim to install more than 1000 new solar thermal water heating system in the current fiscal year. Approaching winters, high price of heating fuels and an increase likely in electricity costs, are the main reasons behind this. The company is targeting households, commercial institutions like hotels, hospitals and industrial applications in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.

Yes Bank eyes jatropha cultivation in biofuel push
Business Standard, 5 October 2005

Yes Bank has discussed the possibilities of jatropha cultivation, a biofuel plant, with different state governments including Madya Pradesh, Chattisghar, and Rajastan. Once the project feasability is discussed and convinced, the bank will work on financing the jatropha fuel chain, said Mr Kalyan Chakravarthy, vice president, development and knowledge banking group, Yes Bank. In the wake of the crude oil price hike in the international market, most of the countries are exploring the possibility of biofuel production. India, one of the leading petroleum consuming countries, is also searching for an alternative. As part of promotional activities, Andra Pradesh government has guaranteed farmers an income of Rs 24,000 per annum. Haryana too has announced 25 per cent subsidy per acre of jatropha cultivation. Tamil Nadu along with forest department have offered to provide seedlings and technical assistance to farmers undertaking cultivation, said Mr Chakravarthy.

Wind power blows hot and hotter
The Economic Times, 7 October 2005

When it comes to renewable sources of energy, wind is the lead player, in terms of development, wind accounts for 85% of renewables, biomass accounts for 10% while solar 5%. In India, wind power generating units account for 3,600MW were added in 2004-05. Much of the expansion has taken place in the last two to three years. That would explain India's rise to the top 10 in the Ernst & Young's long term wind index. India has this summer made an entry at fourth place in the E & Y near-term onshore wind index. The E & Y Renewable Energy Country attractiveness Indices attributes this change of fortunes to firming support from authorities. Though the electricity Act, 2003 and national electricity polity stress on the role of renewables as an energy source, fact is that the Indian renewables industry is predominantly driven by state level regulations. For long wind power harnessing was the preserve of Tamil nadu-the state accounts for nearly half of India's total installed capacity at nearly 1,400 MW. But bow, even states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and West Bengal have entered the fray. In Rajasthan, there is a wind energy polity that allows power distribution companies to purchase 400 MW of power generated by wind energy. Maharashtra, despite recognizing the potential, hasn't had much success in increasing installed capacity. In 2004, it too came out with a wind energy polity. The state cabinet also cleared a proposal to raise money for green energy projects by imposing a cess on commercial and industrial consumers. The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency has identified 28 feasible locations for wind energy generation. It plans to commission 750 MW of wind power projects by 2007.

Government to float bonds to fund small hydel power projects
The Hindu Business Line, 14 October 2005

The Government is planning to float a mega bond issue to fund small hydel and renewable power projects that would be set up in the next five to seven years. The proposed Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Bonds issue is awaiting the Prime Minister's nod before it takes final shape and hits the market. The proposed issue will be placed in the market by the IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency), a non-banking financial company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy. Simultaneously, the Government is also considering shifting all hydro-electric projects up to 250 MW to the Non-conventional Energy Ministry, which currently handles hydel projects up to 25 MW only. Projects bigger than 25 MW are handled by the Power Ministry.

Bio-diesel policy announced
The Hindu, 14 October 2005

Beginning 1 January 2006, the public sector OMCs (oil marketing companies) will be purchasing bio-diesel (B100) at Rs 25 a litre for blending with diesel (HSD) to the extent of 20 per cent in phases. Unveiling the new bio-diesel purchase policy on 13 October, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar said that to start with, 5% of bio-diesel, a non-edible oil extracted from `Jatropha' and `Pongamia,' would be mixed with diesel during trial runs. At a later stage, in phases, the B100 blending with diesel is to be increased to 20%. Mr Aiyar noted that automobile engines would not require any modification for using diesel doped with 20% bio-diesel as fuel. Only those bio-diesel manufacturers who get their samples approved and certified by the oil companies and get registered as authorised suppliers will be eligible for assured purchase of product, the new policy statement said. Accordingly, starting 1 January 2006, the OMCs - IOC, BPCL and HPCL - would purchase, through select purchase centres, bio-diesel that meets the fuel quality standards prescribed by the BIS (Bureau of Industrial Standards).

BP-Toyota-TERI mull mega jatropha project
The Economic Times, 21 October 2005

Global oil major British Petroleum, auto giant Toyota and TERI have kicked off discussions to launch a mega biofuel project covering 16,000 hectares in jatropha farming in Andhra Pradesh. The biodiesel project, likely to prominently showcase private investment in the sector, is expected to jet propel alternative fuel projects, which thus far have been unable to excite big funding from commercial banks and financial institutions. As an end-to-end solution-providing project, the BP-Toyota-TERI venture is also expected to give further momentum to contract farming, and a fillip to commercial trans-esterification plants, which currently don't exist in the country. The proposed jatropha plantation project is in line with BP's global policy of investing in such projects worldwide. Once it takes off, the oil major's bio-diesel project would also pressurize the centre to come up with a clear policy on biofuels against a backdrop of upwardly spiraling global crude oil prices. The BP-led troika is currently understood to be talking to the state government to iron out the nitty-gritty of the project. The AP government, has, as part of its biofuel strategy, identified 10 rain shadow districts for jatropha plantation in 15 lakh hectares in the next four years. The initial target is to cover two lakh hectares. A TERI-BP study has estimated that Andhra Pradesh has some 43,96,310 hectares in wasteland for tree plantation.

Himachal micro hydel projects on course
The Financial Express, 24 October 2005

The Himachal Pradesh government, which signed a memorandum of understanding for 202 micro hydel projects with capacity of 465.35 MW, has received project reports for 168 projects. Of these, 102 projects have been appraised and had been given techno-economic clearance. Implementation agreements of 81 projects had already been signed with total capacity of 239.80 MW, while nine projects with potential of 22.20 MW assigned to private power developers had been commissioned.

ONGC to set up wind power farms in Gujarat
The Hindu Business Line, 25 October 2005

ONGC is in the advanced stages of finalizing the setting up of two wind farms of 50 MW in Gujarat by December. The project would cost close to Rs 4000 million ($88.88 million). The company has appointed MP Windfarms Ltd (a joint sector company promoted by Consolidated Energy Consultants Ltd, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency and MP Urja Vikas Nigam) as facilitator-cum-transaction advisor for setting up the 50-MW wind farm in Gujarat. Apart from Gujarat, ONGC is also looking to setting up wind farms in the South, including Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, where it has its production installations. While wind power will replace a part of the company's requirement of the costly conventional grid power leading to substantial savings, the idea is to create grids connecting the existing generation stations (supporting the rigs and other installations)both onshore and offshore.

BHEL bags international honour for solar modules
The Times of India, 25 October 2005

BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd)has received international certification for its solar photovoltaic modules of up to 150-watt rating that are used in solar power plants and rooftop systems. The certification was awarded after rigorous testing by the European Solar Test Installation, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, ISPRA, Italy. The certification was issued for conforming to stringent global standards, it said adding the recognition would enhance BHEL's edge in national and international markets.

Moser Baer to develop solar technology
The Economic Times, 27 October 2005

Rising oil prices combined with the need for alternative sources of energy is opening up new segments for Indian companies. Moser Baer, which specialises in high-tech manufacturing, is looking at manufacturing solar panels. The company is working on silicon wafer coated with chemicals which can help cut the price of producing energy from the sun. Currently, Moser Baer manufactures compact disks in different forms. Now, the company has identified solar panels as a target market. The rationale is based on the fact that it involves expertise of coating and material technology. Silicon wafers are coated with light sensitive chemicals to develop solar panels. Companies which are trying to cut the cost of these panels are looking at thinner wafers and thinner coatings, along with manufacturing techniques which can ensure mass production at shop floor level.