R&D Conclave on New and Renewable Energy-Prospects for Cross-Cutting Technologies

 

On 9-10th August, 2012, in an attempt to give a boost to new and innovative technologies in the field of new and renewable energy applications,MNRE headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah organized a two-day “R&D Conclave on New and Renewable Energy-Prospects for Cross-Cutting Technologies” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that the vision of MNRE Energy is to develop new and renewable energy technologies, process, materials, components, sub-systems, product and services at par with international specifications, standards and performance parameters, and deploy such indigenously developed and manufactured products and services in furtherance of the national goals of energy security and energy independence. A large broad-spectrum programme covering the entire range of new and renewable energies is implemented in the country.

On cost reduction, Dr.Chaidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India gave the example of polysilicon produced at economical cost will be critical to the development of solar power in India.

Shri B.K.Chaturvedi, Member (Energy), Planning Commission said that the Planning Commission is supporting faster development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the country. MNRE has sponsored about Rs 525 crore for 169 R&D projects in the area of solar energy, bio-energy and hydrogen and fuel cells. He said that renewables added 14,660 MW power during the 11th Plan and they will become more important in future.

Shri Gireesh Pradhan, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said that the outlay for R&D activities in the Ministry per year is presently around Rs.600 crore which is expected to be doubled in the 12th Five Year Plan. He was of the view that research should be directed towards application and deployment. Only then will renewable energy improve the lives of people.
The two-day Conclave provided an insight into possible projects to be taken up in the 12th Plan.
was attended by eminent Scientist and Technologists from all over the country.  In all, about 19 Scientists presented the outcomes and results of their projects. The discussion during the session focused on solar photovoltaic and solar thermal, new fuels and bio-energy technologies

 

The Conclave concluded with a panel discussion under the Chairmanship of Dr.R.Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The panelists commended the efforts of MNRE to promote R&D in new and renewable energy and the achievements thereof by the respective project investigators. They mentioned that the workshop was timely and recommended that R&D efforts need to be scaled up along with industry`s involvement. Dr.R. Chidambaram said to encourage the basic research while giving priority to directed research. Adding he also stated that R&D in storage technology should be vigorously pursued. The Secretary emphasised to prioritise the areas for directed research and partnership with industry in view of restricted supply of funds.

 

India’s Clean Energy Targets can get a Boost with very low expenditure

As we know that the India is the world’s fourth-biggest energy consumer and according to the panel of regulators India can increase renewable power purchase targets for distributors at minimal cost.

The state distribution companies and private operators Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. (RELI) and Tata Power Co. (TPWR)  would be allowed to buy as much as 11.4 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2017; this additional capacity will be added by the clean energy utilities such as wind and solar farms. This statement was given by government on the basis of a study by the top electricity regulators.

There would be an increment in the average cost of purchasing power by one paisa per kilowatt-hour in the first year and gradually drop by 2017, the Forum of Regulators said. The cost can “be easily accommodated” by distributors, and the state governments should focus on enforcing targets.

In the coming five years India can add as much as 40,659 MW of clean power capacity provided that if its power transmission and distribution infrastructure is upgraded. That would be half of the additional power capacity India needs to build by 2017, according to a January report by the government’s Planning Commission.

(Source: Bloomberg)

Government planning to level the solar field for domestic developers

Government is now moving to help out the local manufacturer from clutches of the imported solar equipments.

The government is expected to make changes in the equipment sourcing policy before the starting of bidding under JNNSM phase II, which is going to bring in investment of Rs 1.08 lacs crore.

According to sources the officials from ministries concerned such as MNRE, power and finance as well as the Planning Commission met last week to discuss changes in existing bidding guidelines for solar mission projects. The MNRE ministry may seek feedback from financial institutions, project developers and equipment manufacturers, besides NGOs on anticipated changes.

Although the share of thin film –PV is 12-13% but it is expected to be 60-70% in Indian context. Therefore the government is alarmed at the surge in demand of thin film technology equipments due to its comparatively lower efficiency, although at lower prices.

This is instep of levelling the field for domestic player. Already Moser Baer, the sole Indian manufacturer of thin film modules had shut down its plants. “Bringing thin-film solar modules under the domestic content requirement would help level the playing field for solar PV equipment manufacturers,” said Prasanth Sakhamuri, chairman, HHV Solar, a Bangalore-based company.

But according to Mr. Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary, MNRE “The government is likely to be neutral on technology for solar mission projects”.

 

(Author: Rochit)

(Source: Financial Express)