Think India Foundation

Reform villages, Kalam urges youth on Facebook

New Delhi : Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s missile man, on Friday urged the nation’s youth to target reforming villages in the country as “vibrant engines of growth”. Dr Kalam interacted with an enthusiastic group of young men and women on the social networking website Facebook.

Organised by Penguin Books India to promote Dr Kalam’s latest book, Target 3 Billion, the Facebook chat attracted a large number of users hooking onto their screen in wait of his response to their questions. Read more

Source : asianage.com

US firm plans to light up rural homes through solar energy

Mangalore : Duron Solar has announced its plans to expand into rural markets by serving families which have no access or have partial access to electricity.

After having conducted pilot tests for over one and half year in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, the Company has decided to set up service network in rural areas of Mangalore, Udupi, Shimoga, Dakshina Kannada, Uttar Kannada and Kodagu. The Company is now all set to spread its operations in five new States- Tamilnadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar and Rajasthan. Read more

Source : deccanherald.com

Wind to energise investments in Gadag

HUBLI: Money is blowing in the winds of Gadag. Read on to know how to catch it. The region - prone to natural calamities like drought and floods - is a suitable location for setting up wind mills.

In fact, according to the data available with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), roughly 19,347 mw power could be generated through renewable energy sources - and wind energy can contribute around 60 per cent of it. Read more

Source : articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com

Share of N-power in India is set to rise

MANGALORE: The current share of nuclear power in India is about 3%. But it has received major fillip in recent years and is poised to grow steadily. The key to capacity building in nuclear power sector critically depends on development of reliable nuclear power stations and an integrated system encompassing the complete fuel cycle, waste management and fissile fuel breeding, according to Srikumar Banerjee, chairman of Atomic Energy Commission ( AEC).

Delivering the convocation address at the 30th convocation of Mangalore University here on Thursday, he said India has already developed adequate core competence in all aspects of nuclear energy, and its roadmap for three-stage nuclear programme provides a blueprint for achieving sustainable energy security. The first stage utilises natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator in indigenously-developed pressurized heavy-water reactors.The second stage of the programme is based on fast breeder reactors (FBRs) which are fuelled by plutonium obtained by reprocessing of spent fuel of thermal reactors. The prototype FBR of 500MWe is currently under construction at Kalpakkam. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Plan for Biogas Plants at State Institutions in Chandigarh, India

Chandigarh is a city and union territory in India that serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana is to implement a Master Plan that will see the construction of a large number of food waste to biogas facilities.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Rufous

According to a report in The Times of India, the plan calls for most of the city's hotels and a number of government buildings including college campuses, medical research centres and a hospital will generate their own energy through biogas plants. Read more

Source : waste-management-world.com

Rajasthan Amongst World's Best Locations for Solar Energy

"The conditions in Rajasthan are so favourable, that it will be amongst the most logical places in the world to implement photovoltaic solar power," says Edwin Koot, CEO of Solarplaza.

With India's highest solar radiation in western Rajasthan, half of India's solar power capacity in 2022 could come from this state, says Satya Kumar, managing director of Shri Shakti Alternative Energy Ltd. Read more

Source : evwind.es

TERI lighting up millions of lives in a greener, eco-sustainable way

In 2007, The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) undertook a bold, first-of-its-kind initiative-the organisation pledged to illuminate a million lives in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner, thereby ushering in an era of green energy in rural India. And if that was not ambitious enough, the organisation soon expanded its target to a billion from the earlier million, spawning the 'Lighting a Billion Lives' programme. 

TERI's initiative could hardly come at a better time. Today, even as urban India is embracing greener technologies with enthusiasm, as many as 61 million families in the rural countryside still rely on kerosene and wick lamps for illumination. In addition to being a highly restrictive means of lighting, these traditional lamps spew close to 5.5 million tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. And as the world wakes up to the need to monitor and control these polluting emissions, cutting down on the use of these lamps is undoubtedly a good way to ingrain sustainability into the rural framework. Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com 

Proposed power tariff hike faces stiff opposition

INDORE: The 25% hike in power tariff sought by the MP Western Region Distribution Company was strongly opposed by the people at a hearing organised by the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) on Wednesday.

People from different walks of life argued in unison that hike in power tariff would lead to power thefts. Projected loss by the company, for which tariff hike is proposed, can be mitigated by reducing the distribution losses, recovery of outstanding dues and controlling the establishment costs of the distribution company, they point out. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

New Cities summit from May 14 in Paris

The New Cities Foundation (NCF), a Swiss non-profit organisation working on the field of urban innovation in 21st century cities, will hold the inaugural New Cities Summit from May 14-16, 2012 in Paris.

The annual summit is the centrepiece of the Foundation’s work. It aims to be the leading annual global event on 21st century urbanization, with a unique focus on urbanisation in fast-growing economies in Asia, the Middle-East and Latin America. Read more

Source : indianexpress.com

Firozabad seeking better infrastructure, education to stem migration

Firozabad (ANI): With four of seven phases of polling over in Uttar Pradesh, residents of Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad city, the state's famed glassmaking hub, have to contend with a lack of water, power supply and education, which is fuelling the migration of its residents to other cities, as well as abroad. 

Speaking about the acute water problem, social activist Waqaruddin Ahmed said apart from the receding water table, the paucity of power often forced people to walk long distances to fetch water. Read more

Source : newstrackindia.com

SCMS Group setting up centre on water technology in Kochi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The SCMS Group of Kochi is setting up an Indo-German Centre for Water Technology and Management. It will shortly become operational at the SCMS School of Engineering and Technology (SSET).

Germany is way ahead in the field of water technology, conservation and management. This will be the first international research project undertaken by the SSET Centre for Research Consultancy and Innovation in Engineering and Technology, the research division of SCMS Engineering College. Read more

Source : thehindubusinessline.com

Poverty not declining in Bihar, despite high growth

Patna : Bihar has been changing and developing fast but its poverty is not declining, warned Planning Commission member Abhijit Sen here.

"It is a matter of serious concern that there is no decline in poverty in Bihar despite a high growth rate and development," Abhijit Sen, who is here to attend a three-day global meet on changing Bihar, told IANS. Read more

Source : prokerala.com

Delhi Jal Board wants cheaper power

NEW DELHI : Approaches Appellate Tribunal for Electricity for recourse

The city's water supplier, the Delhi Jal Board, wants its electricity charges rationalised. After complaining that it is being asked to pay a “high and unreasonable” tariff, the DJB has gone to the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity for recourse and is also seeking a go-ahead from the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission for opting for open access to purchase cheaper power for its installations.

In the financial year 2011-12, the DJB paid Rs. 320 crore as electricity charges. The water utility claims this amount could have been much lower had the DERC not fixed its electricity charges much higher than even the industry, which is charged the highest per unit rate. Read more

Source : thehindu.com

Solar energy in India

India is yet to utilise its solar potential; at present, solar power (photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal power) contributes a mere 0.4 per cent of the total power generation.

Not so long ago, nuclear power was destined to save a country from energy drought by providing cheap and abundant power for centuries to come. Great political capital was expended, contracts signed. But, despite claims of being near perfect safety, damage did occur. Under unprecedented public pressure after the Fukushima incident especially, state and national governments have started to swear off nuclear power, making way for other renewable sources such as wind energy and solar power. Read more

Source : evwind.es

Let children enjoy learning, says Abdul Kalam

COIMBATORE : "Inspired by ‘India Vision 2020’, the youth are now thinking in terms of what they can do for the nation. I have met 12 million youth in a decade and I can say there is a marked change in their thinking process", former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said here on Monday.

Students greeting former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as he arrives for an interface with them at PSG College of Arts and Science in the city on Monday. Photo: M. Periasamy

At an interface with students of PSG Institutions at PSG College of Arts and Science, he said youth were now ready to contribute to the development of the country. This confidence of the 600 million youth of India was the greatest asset that no other country had. Read more

Source : thehindu.com

IIT Bombay students go green

Mumbai : Contrary to the popular perception that IITians do not give enough back to society, students at IIT Bombay have come up with their own unique way of spreading environmental awareness.

With the backing of an institute that boasts of momentous research in the development of eco-friendly technology, these students are willing to step beyond mere academic pursuits. The IIT Bombay Green Campus Initiative was launched a year ago with the objective of transforming the institution of world-class repute into a futuristic model of ecological sustainability and energy efficiency. Read more

Source : dnaindia.com

Companies must fight climate change

Leaders from across the world gathered in Durban in December last year to find common ground on what is currently the most important challenge facing humanity: climate change. With virtually no headway made since the Kyoto Protocol, there is precious little time left for all nations to act before we reach the point of no return. Governments across the world must give a clear signal that they are committed to a legal deal on climate change that puts the world on track to a low-carbon economy. 

While both developed and developing nations put forth their arguments keeping in mind their respective economic interests, it is important to note that businesses can, and must, play a vital role in building a greener world. Today, businesses across the world are committed to green growth and building a 'sustainable' global economy as it will ensure their future growth. There is a unique opportunity for businesses from developed and developing nations to collaborate and develop low-carbon technologies and business models. Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

Going green, with a large side order of mercury

Despite the growing popularity of energy-saving fluorescent lamps, little has been done to address the issue of the safe disposal of the dangerous waste they generate.

A shop keeper displays the new generation energy saving compact fluorescent lamps at Parsh electrical appliances store on the electrical and sanitary street of Troop Bazar in Hyderabad. File photo: Mohammed Yousuf

Steady release of mercury into the air, soil and water poses a significant health risk. But, it appears, not for policymakers in India. Annually, a large amount of this toxic, complex metal is simply dumped into municipal landfills or released into the air from a “green” source — the millions of fluorescent lamps that are at the forefront of efforts to reduce power demand and carbon emissions. Read more

Source : thehindu.com

Power T&D sector needs service tax relief in Budget: KEC MD

Indian Power sector is in crises. It is not only a sectoral challenge but now has become a national challenge. The Shunglu Committee has said that Discom (distribution companies) losses are over Rs 100,000 crore and largely funded by the banks, so even the banks will have an issue.

Most of us are discussing about generation and coal availability. But even the more serious problem is of under investment in the transmission and distribution (T&D) sector. The transmission lines are loaded 90% as against the world standard of 60-65%. Read more

Source : moneycontrol.com

Problem solving, Bangalore-style

Three stories from the city illustrate how innovation and originality can be harnessed to ease India’s longstanding issues 

Last week, Bangalore had three of its citizens singled out for global honour. The work that the three individuals and their institutions are doing is quite matchless. Using original thinking and technological innovation, the three are attempting to solve the city’s and country’s intricate, enormous problems in three diverse areas. Read more

Source : indianexpress.com

Foreign aid cash spent tackling climate change

Nearly £1.5 billion has been spent tackling man-made climate change by Government department responsible for fighting poverty abroad, it can be revealed.

Dfid is one of only two departments not affected by the Government's austerity drive Photo: PA

The Department for International Development (Dfid) has spent the total on projects which they say will either reduce carbon emissions abroad or attempt to deal with the effects of predicted changes in the earth's climate.

In the past four years Dfid has spent £900 million on climate change projects with nearly two thirds of that being spent in the past financial year under the Coalition. A further £533 million has already been committed up to 2013. Read more

Source : telegraph.co.uk

After wind and sun, Gujarat turns to tides for power

GANDHINAGAR : After pioneering in the solar and wind power generation, the state government is now likely to come out with a tidal power generation policy soon, given the huge potential of the state since it has the longest coastline in the country.

It has also decided to allocate a special grant of Rs 25 crore in the upcoming Budget for the purpose. Read more

Source : expressindia.com

Budget 2012: Provide fiscal measures to solar industry, says FICCI

The policy framework put forth by the MNRE through the National Solar Mission has accelerated the growth of the solar industry in India. However, there are some challenges for the manufacturers and developers of solar energy and associated activities in India. 

While MNRE is taking active steps to address the technology and on-ground risk perceptions through knowledge management and sharing, there is a need to provide fiscal measures to the Indian solar industry to enable a strong solar manufacturing base to develop in India and act as a hub for solar energy to the world. Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

PIL against windmill work in Jaisalmer dismissed

JODHPUR/JAISALMER: The Rajasthan High Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking prohibition on setting up of windmills on pasture land in Jaisalmer. Terming the petition as frivolous, the court refused to consider the land referred to as pasture area.

Earlier on 24 December last year, the court while admitting the petition filed by an NGO, Libra India, had issued notices to revenue department, district collector, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC) and windmill companies with regard to the allotment of the common land, more specifically known as "Charagah" land for establishing windmills in the district and had stayed the setting up of the windmills on this land. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Indian government should scrap energy subsidies & raise energy efficiency says RK Pachauri, TERI

According to reports, the International Energy Agency has projected the possibility of oil prices reaching $150 per barrel by 2035. Oil price projections are fraught with uncertainties and complexities, which defy conventional analysis. It is entirely possible that the IEA’s projections will turn out to be off the mark.

But, fundamental changes in the global oil market suggest growing pressure on supply as a result of production capacity lagging behind quantity demanded. Read more

Source : panchabuta.com

Solar water pumps ideal for small & middle farmers, say PAU experts

The rate of electrification in India has not kept pace with expanding population, urbanisation and industrialisation, and has resulted in the increasing deficit between demand and supply of electricity, said experts of the Department of Soil and Water Engineering (SWE), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), here on Thursday.

Dr A K Jain, Head, SWE, pointed out, “There is a limited availability/access to grid power in rural areas and the farmers have to rely mostly on hand operated and diesel operated water lifting devices and pumps. However, they are expensive to run. The farmers often run out of money buying fuel to operate their pumps before the crop is ready for harvest. To overcome this problem, solar water pumping system is an answer to the Punjab farmer.” Read more

Source : indianexpress.com

Mandya chosen for pilot project to save power

Mandya : Rs 7 crore to be spent for RAPDRP

Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (Cesc) is implementing the pilot project of Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP) in order to reduce transmission losses and to provide quality electricity in Mandya.

The project is being carried out at an expenditure of Rs 7 crore and would be implemented in two stages. In the first phase, Rs 2.31 crore would be spent on computerisation and is expected to be completed by the end of May, said Cesc superintending engineer Ashwath Reddy. Read more

Source : deccanherald.com

How to slash power subsidies

The irrationality and waste in energy subsidies in India has been a perennial theme in analysis of the Indian economy and in reform prescriptions. Progress has, however, turned out to be elusive in the face of ground realities and feasible politics. 

The power ministry, after struggling for over a decade through repeated exhortations, had the satisfaction of getting a resolution in a Chief Ministers Conference in 2001 that free supply of electricity to farmers should be done away with. Nevertheless, 10 years later, the situation regarding free or, practically free, supply of electricity to farmers is practically the same. No chief minister seems inclined to touch the issue. Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

Changing climates of governance

Understanding real-world complexity and anticipating change are the key to global and local governance in the 21st century

The issue of global governance has acquired increasing salience in recent years. With the process of globalisation and the increasing interconnectedness of economies, issues that transcend national and regional boundaries have become progressively more important. These include non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in particular, nuclear weapons; cyber-security and the security of space-based assets; international terrorism, whether state-sponsored or perpetrated by non-state actors; international drug trafficking; and maritime security.

Such cross-cutting issues can be economic and social. For example, climate change and energy security have a global dimension, where competitive action by states may result in adverse consequences for all stakeholders. There are public health challenges, such as Aids, avian flu pandemics, the eradication of polio or other epidemic diseases which have a global dimension. They share a common feature in that no state, however powerful, can tackle these challenges on its own. They require a common global platform, coordinated strategies and agreed preventive actions to safeguard both domestic and global interests. Domestic actions influence and, in turn, are influenced by global responses. Read more

Source : business-standard.com

UN: Soil erosion increasing global warming threat

Global warming will get worse as agricultural methods accelerate the rate of soil erosion, which depletes the amount of carbon the soil is able to store, a United Nations' Environment Programme report said today.

Soil contains huge quantities of carbon in the form of organic matter which provides nutrients for plant growth and improves soil fertility and water movement.

The top metre of soil alone stores around 2,200 billion tonnes of carbon, which is three times the level currently held in the atmosphere, said the UNEP Year Book 2012. Read more

Source : buenosairesherald.com

Don’t make light of it

India has come a long way since the early-90s in power sector growth and development. The last two decades have seen an accretion of power generation capacity from 69,352 MW to more than 185,000 MW — more than 150%. On paper, this looks impressive. But in practical terms, India has failed to bridge the demand-supply gap in these 20 years. Even now, it won’t be incorrect to label India as a power-starved State. 

To realise ambitious targets of economic development, India needs a modern and expansive infrastructure. Electrical power availability being the prime requisite for industrial activity, the need for building up the necessary infrastructure for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity can’t be over-emphasised. Against the target of an additional 78,000 MW power-generating capacity in the 11th Five Year Plan, India has achieved only about 50,000 MW till now. At the same time, an increase in demand during this period has neutralised the positive effect on the per capita availability of power. The demand-supply gap of electricity remains in the range of 6-7%. Read more

Source : hindustantimes.com

With 42 green buildings, Chennai leads the pack

CHENNAI: The state may be hobbled by a severe power shortage, but its capital is home to more green buildings than any other city in the country. Chennai is home to 42 of the 212 structures in India that are certified as eco-friendly by the Indian Green Building Council(IGBC). 

Chennai is followed by Mumbai, with 29 green buildings, and the National Capital Region (28), among cities awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by IGBC. Hyderabad and Bangalore are tied in fourth place with 24 each and Kolkata is sixth with eight. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

CM seeks central aid for distcoms

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday requested the Centre to sanction financial assistance under Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP) to the State-run Central Electricity Supply Utility (Cesu) and other private distribution companies (distcoms) in the State. The aid will improve their power distribution and transmission systems, he said.

“The Ministry of Power may take necessary steps to sanction financial assistance under R-APDRP scheme to Cesu without any further delay,” the Chief Minister said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Read more

Source : ibnlive.in.com

India gets a solar plant in 100 days

A 5 MW solar PV project has recently been commissioned in 100 days - in the Rawra village near Jodhpur, in India’s northern desert state of Rajasthan.

The project has been established by Mahindra Solar One, a leading solar power developer in the country and a joint venture between the US $14.4 billion Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) group, based in Mumbai, and Kiran Energy Solar Power Pvt. Ltd, also from Mumbai. Pursuing the foundation of over 100 MW of large grid-connected projects over the next 2 to 3 years, the company says it aims to be at the forefront of the solar revolution in India by playing a significant role in solar power generation.

The Rajasthan plant is part of the Indian Government’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and Mahindra Solar One has already won 50 MW of solar projects in JNNSM Phase 1B. Read more

Source : renewableenergyfocus.com

Uttarakhand to move SC on Tehri dam

New Delhi/ Dehradun : Uttarakhand has decided to move the Supreme Court for the transfer of its share in the multi-purpose 2,400-Mw Tehri hydel project which is being held by Uttar Pradesh.

For this purpose, the hill state has hired top lawyers, including Gopal Subramanium, to file the petition on its behalf to get back 25 per cent of the equity. This is equal to approximately 350 Mw of power from the mega project on Bhagirathi river. The third phase of 1,000 Mw is currently under construction. Read more

Source : business-standard.com

Call to segregate waste at home

Chennai : The Germans and most other families in the developed world have four bins to segregate garbage at home — one is for glass, the second for metal, the third for paper and the fourth for organic waste.

In contrast, we continue to dump all garbage together, ignoring the repeated pleas from the civic administration and environmentalists to segregate waste between biodegradable and non-degradable by keeping just two separate bins at home. Read more

Source : deccanchronicle.com

In Delhi, Leaders Call for Sustainable Action Today, Not Promises for Tomorrow

As I traveled through Mumbai and Delhi over the past few days, I’ve been awed by the rapid growth taking place in Indian cities. Statistics about urbanization abound, but experiencing the dynamic, jammed-packed streets firsthand is much more revealing.

India’s leaders are committed to helping cities keep pace with this growth, but many do not stop there. They are also working to ensure that cities grow as sustainably as possible. Read more

Source : switchboard.nrdc.org

Centre raps JK for ‘sluggish’ power reforms

Jammu : Centre has reprimanded the Jammu and Kashmir government over the “slow implementation” of Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) in 30 identified towns of the state—the programme aims at to contain the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses by upgrading the power infrastructure.

Sources said Union Power Ministry had sanctioned nearly Rs 1700 crore to the government under R-APDRP in October last year, of which Rs 119 crore were released instantly as the first instalment to take up up-gradation of  the grid stations, transmission lines and feeders to cap the T&D losses. Read more

Source : greaterkashmir.com

Power cut looms as generation fall in MP

Indore: Threat of power cuts looms large as the state’s capacity has fallen by 650 mw after six units in Madhya Pradesh have shut down for maintenance. The western region power distribution company is somehow managing to maintain supply by overdrawing power from the national grid. However, if the crisis persists, power cut will be unavoidable, according to officers in the western region company.

“We are overdrawing from the national grid. Though it costs more to us, there is not other option to cope with the dip in supplies”, chief engineer (commercial), western region power distribution company, Sanjay Mohase told DNA. Read more

Source : daily.bhaskar.com

Orissa state banks on power import to cut off crisis

BHUBANESWAR: With demand for power gradually increasing with the rise in mercury levels, government mandarins are trying to get power from other states and step up hydro power generation to prevent a crisis.

The peak hour demand in the state at present is around 3000 mega watt and is expected to head north during the summer months, official sources said on Saturday. The average power demand is around 2400 MW. "We are somehow managing by regulating hydro power generation," a senior officer said. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Double renewable energy by 2030, EU tells developing nations

NEW DELHI: The EU wants countries meeting at a conference in June under the UN's Rio+20 mechanism to double their share of renewable energy by 2030 under an international obligation. It also wants countries like India to agree to double its energy efficiency levels under an international understanding.

World leaders are to gather in Rio de Janeiro in June for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio+20 in policy circles. A proposal for 'sustainable development goals' has been put on the table for the meeting which India has already opposed. But EU's climate commissioner Connie Hedergaard on Thursday backed the proposal saying it should be one of the deliverables from the meeting. She was speaking to media on a visit to Delhi. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

India’s Solar Power Revolution Could Have Global Effect

India has a Solar Mission to install 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022.Solar electricity is already cheaper than electricity produced with diesel generators.

 
These optimistic figures from India, the second most populated country in the world, has led the New Scientist magazine to write an in-depth article about it saying that India’s solar power revolution could have a ripple effect across the globe. Read more

Source : theenergycollective.com

Surf as you drive to the outback of Bangalore

BANGALORE: Soon, you will be able to send presentations to your office from your car, as you drive out of town. Green Field Expressways (GFE) is a new concept initiated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), which has pitched for five new expressways, with Bangalore as the pivotal point of three.

The first phase of this project, called the coordinated corridor of rural development (CORD) will cover Mangalore-Karwar-Panaji (400km). The second phase will take up Honnavar-Shimoga-Bangalore (325km), Chitradurga-Solapur (400km) and Bangalore-Mangalore (360km). The Bangalore-Coimbatore (402km) line will be taken up in the third phase. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

India, Norway to cooperate in renewable energy

India and Norway are looking to enhance cooperation in the field of renewable energy. India is taking active interest in setting up the proposed fund in collaboration with DFID, UK and Norway for promoting off-grid solutions in the field of renewable energy. 

Recently, Norwegian minister for environment and international cooperation, Erik Solheim had a meeting with Indian renewable energy minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah to discuss areas of cooperation for both the countries. Read more

Source : constructionweekonline.in

Cost efficiency drives Gujaratis towards energy-saving products

AHMEDABAD: Use of CFL and LED bulbs in households may generally be linked to increased awareness amongst citizens about environment-friendly and energy-efficient (EE) products. But a recent study points towards the fact that such usage may be closely linked with its cost-efficient quotient as well. The study also highlighted the fact that more than half the users of EE products are not happy with them due to various factors.

City-based Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction (VIKSAT) and Consumer Unity Trust Society (CUTS) International, a Jaipur-based NGO, conducted the study of demand side management of energy efficient products and renewable energy in states of West Bengal and Gujarat in 2011 and has recently come up with the results and analysis. Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

MWH donates USD 50,000 for solar lighting program in rural India

On January 31st, 2012, MWH Global (Broomfield, Colorado, U.S.) announced that it donated USD 50,000 to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to help bring solar lighting to rural areas in India. TERI is a non-profit research organization that focuses on finding solutions for critical energy, environmental and sustainable development issues.

TERI brings solar lighting to rural areas in India

The funding, which was made through the MWH Caring Foundation Inc., will directly support TERI’s Lighting a Billion Lives program that aims to bring light into the lives of rural communities through solar lighting. Read more

Source : solarserver.com

'836 mn Indians burn biomass for energy'

Washington As many as 836 million Indians still rely on traditional biomass for energy, a report has said, even as the US claimed that India along with China would account for half of global energy consumption by 2035.

"The largest populations that rely on traditional biomass for energy are in the developing regions of Asia, with 836 million in India alone," said a new research published by the Worldwatch Institute for its Vital Signs Online publication. Read more

Source : expressindia.com

Bangalore students make school eco-friendly

Bangalore : Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have set an example for others by making the school campus environment-friendly by preparing a rainwater harvesting system, groundwater recharge structures, waste management practices and a solar-powered lighting system, reportedly costing `7 lakh.

The project, conceived and implemented by TechnologyInformatics Design Endeavour (TIDE) with funding from ADOBE India, helped install eight components inside the school campus. Read more

Source : dnaindia.com

In 2 months, all-weather swimming pool in Panchkula

PANCHKULA: The residents of this township have something to cheer about as the much talked about all-weather swimming pool, an ambitious project of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda), coming up in Mansa Devi complex, is almost complete and final touches are being given to it.

The pool, which is a first of its kind in the state, has come up at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore. "Everything has been completed, but for a few things like fixing tiles in the pool, besides installation of the machinery. The pool would be ready for inauguration in two months time," said K L Pokhar, a senior HUDA official. "The best part of the first all-weather swimming pool of the state is its location in the foothills of the Shivaliks, surrounded by a 100 acre recreational park." Read more

Source : articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Indian firm working to make diesel out of plastic waste

Mumbai: Time seems not too far when diesel would be extracted from plastic waste in India.

A Mumbai-based firm has drawn up plans to set up a plant to convert plastic waste into light diesel, calorific value combustible gas and carbon pellets. Read more

Source: daily.bhaskar.com