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Bengal to generate 2 MW solar power

23 June 2008, Financial Express

West Bengal becomes the first state in India to implement a megawatt-level grid connected solar power project with the Centre providing assistance to offset the entire loan given by the Power Finance Corp (PFC). West Bengal Green Energy Development Corp (WBDEDCL), a company formed by the West Bengal Power Development Corp, the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company and the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency, is implementing a 2 MW solar photovoltaic project at Jamuria in Burdwan. It entails an investment of Rs 400 million. While the PFC has extended a loan of Rs 309 million, DPSC Ltd has provided a little over 8 acres for the project. According to the power purchase agreement, WBGEDCL will buy the project's entire generation of around 3 million units per year at a cost of Rs 5 a unit.

 

MNRE Plans Solar Villages

22 June 2008

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed to launch a program on “Development of Solar Cities” to support urban local bodies to prepare a road map to guide their cities in becoming “green cities”. According to a recent concept paper, the action involves the framing of a city wise Master Plan which will provide total and sector-wise projections for energy demand and supply for next 10 years, and providing complete sector-wise base-line energy utilization and GHG emissions in the city. Further actions will include identifying year-wise targets for energy conservation, renewable energy addition and GHG abatement along potential sources of funding. According to MNRE, the Master Plan will set a goal of minimum 10 per cent reduction in projected total demand of conventional energy at the end of five years.

 

JREDA lights 447 villages

20 June 2008, The Pioneer

Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has electrified 447 remote forested tribal villages of the State using solar power. A population of 1,51,000 tribals of Jharkhand, covering above 37,761 households, has moved out of the dark age as a result. The electrification of eight more villages is in the offing. These villages were largely located in the thickly forested, hard to reach terrains. The 447 electrified villages are in the districts of Palamau, Dumka, Giridih, Bokaro, east Singbhum, West Singbhum, Saraikela- Kharsawan, Deoghar amongst others.

 

National action plan on climate change might be delayed

20 June 2008, Financial Express

The 22-experts part of the Prime Minister's committee on drafting the country's national action plan for dealing with adverse impact of climate change is still divided over the approach to be adopted for reduction of green house gas reduction. The action plan, which was supposed to be unveiled by the end of this month might be delayed. According to sources, the bone of contention is ways of means of adopting green technology particularly by mining, thermal power and cement industry without compromising on the economic growth. On one hand one group of experts have been insisting that the country should put in place a comprehensive mitigation strategy for reduction in carbon emission while the other group is pitching for a adaptation strategy by the industry to be in place first.

 

RPT-Entegra board okays 1-for-1 rights share issue

18 June 2008, Reuters News

Renewable energy services firm Entegra Ltd has approved a one-for-one rights share issue at the price of 25 rupees a share.

 

Tax sops mooted for solar water heaters in homes

13 June 2008, DNA - Daily News & Analysis

The ministry of new and renewable energy has mooted a proposal to provide income tax benefits to households that install solar water heaters in a bid to promote the use of alternative energy sources and conserve traditional energy sources. The proposal is to provide tax benefits to the extent of the cost of installing one such water heater per household. The proposal is currently under the consideration of the finance ministry. Currently, the ministry of new and renewable energy provides incentives such as low-cost loans at the rate of 2% to domestic users, at 3% to institutions, and at 5% to community users. It also provides Rs 100 per square metre of the area covered by such heaters as incentives.

 

DVC to go for green energy systems

10 June 2008, UNI (United News of India)

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Kolkata-based public sector Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) will deploy renewable energy systems and devices at the premises of DVC and bring down carbon dioxide emission levels. Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry and DVC in the presence of the Power Secretary, it was decided to deploy renewable energy systems at the premises, power plants and various establishments of DVC to conserve fossil and other fuels and augment energy generation through environment-friendly and sustainable renewable energy sources. The MoU will be valid for a period of five years. The Ministry will provide necessary technical assistance, examine the possibility of retro-fitting solar thermal systems in their power plants and feasibility of installation of suitable solar concentrating system.

 

Suzlon mulls making REpower a subsidiary

7 June 2008, DNA - Daily News & Analysis

Suzlon Energy tightened its control over REpower Systems, the German windmills major, by acquiring French nuclear energy giant Areva's 30% stake in the company for an estimated $690 million. The acquisition is according to an agreement signed between Areva and Suzlon last year. A Suzlon spokesperson said the company's auditors are now considering whether REpower can be made a subsidiary. The acquisition consolidates Suzlon's holding in REpower to approximately 66%. Suzlon also enjoys voting rights of approximately 89% through its voting pool agreement with Martifer SA of Portugal, the other major shareholder in REpower, subject to certain minority protection and other rights.

 

India unlikely to meet target for biofuel mix

2 June 2008, The Economic Times

The government is unlikely to meet its deadline of October 2008 for increasing the level of ethanol from 5% to 10% in the ethanol-petrol blend being tried out under the ethanol blending programme. Indications of the missed deadline are becoming clear with sugar industry watchers and experts estimating a dip in sugarcane output in the next sugar year (October 2008 to September 2009) by 20%-25%. What is likely to be a bigger worry for the government is that experts have projected that India could become a sugar importer by 2010-11. Sources from the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) have indicated a strong possibility of a slowdown in the ethanol blending program timeline and the extension of deadline for 10% blending.

 

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