FOCUS: Biomass, Biofuels and Waste-to-Energy

ENERGY BLI ZT

VOL-II ( AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSN 2249-2992

Advisory Board Dr. A. Jagadeesh | IndiaDr. Bhamy Shenoy | USAEr. Darshan Goswami | USAElizabeth H. Thompson | BarbadosPincas Jawetz | USA

Ediorial Board Salman Zafar | India

Editor & PublisherM. R. Menon

Business & MediaP. Roshini

Book DesignShamal Nath

Circulation ManagerAndrew Paul

Printed and Published byM.R.Menon at Midas Offset Printers, Kuthuparamba, Kerala

Editorial Office'Pallavi' KulapullyShoranur 679122, Kerala(E-Mail: editor.energyblitz@gmail.com)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the magazineare those of the authors and the Editorial team | energy blitzdoes not take responsibility for the contents and opinions.energy blitz will not be responsible for errors, omissions or comments made by writers, interviewers or Advertisers.Any part of this publication may be reproduced with acknowledgment to the author and magazine.

Registered and Editorial Office'Pallavi, Kulapully, Shoranur 679122,Kerala, IndiaTel: +91-466-2220852/9995081018E-mail: editor.energyblitz@gmail.com Web: energyblitz.webs.com

ENERGY IBL TZ

Ramanathan Menon

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2012

Mahatma Gandhi, in his vision for India, envisaged a system of devolved, self-sufficient communities, sustaining their needs from the local environment, and organising income generating ventures around co-operative structures. Sixty five years on, and Gandhi's vision of Swadeshi (self-sufficiency) for India, despite interpreted by some as a romantic and bucolic notion, is perhaps more urgent than ever. Diminishing forests, and a burgeoning, mainly rural biomass-dependent

population necessitates a coordinated effort of rural India to supply itself with a dependable and sustained source of energy.

Biogas technology may have the potential to short-circuit the 'energy transition' as Biogas technology is a particularly useful system in the Indian rural economy, and can fulfill several end uses. The gas is useful as a fuel substitute for firewood, dung, agricultural residues, petrol, diesel, and electricity, depending on the nature of the task. Biogas systems also provide a residue organic waste, after anaerobic digestion that has superior nutrient qualities over the usual organic fertilizer, cattle dung, as it is in the form of ammonia. Anaerobic digesters also function as a waste disposal system, particularly for human waste, and can, therefore, prevent potential sources of environmental contamination and the spread of pathogens. Small-scale industries are also made possible, from the sale of surplus gas to the provision of power for a rural-based industry, therefore, biogas may also provide the user with income generating opportunities. The gas can also be used to power engines, in a dual fuel mix with petrol and can aid in pumped irrigation systems.

Apart from the direct benefits gleaned from biogas systems, there are other, perhaps less tangible benefits associated with this renewable technology. By providing an alternative source of fuel, biogas can replace the traditional biomass based fuels, notably wood. Introduced on a significant scale, biogas may reduce the dependence on wood from forests, and create a vacuum in the market, at least for firewood. A clean and particulate-free source of energy also reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases that are associated with the indoor combustion of biomass-based fuels, such as respiratory infections, ailments of the lungs; bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, and increased severity of coronary artery disease. Benefits can also be scaled up, when the potential environmental impacts are also taken into account; significant reductions in emissions associated with the combustion of biofuels, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), total suspended particles (TSP's), and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's), are possible with the large-scale introduction of biogas technology.

Integral to biogas technology also, and the philosophy it represents, namely Swadeshi, is the requirement of devolved, and self-reliant communities to manage the systems. This may seem a rather obvious point to make, but necessary nonetheless. For biogas systems to be truly viable and workable in rural India, demands the technology to be preferably generated from within the community. As will be seen later, this may not always be possible logistically, amongst other reasons. If not actually produced from the community it is to serve, then the technology must be amenable and possible to manage and modify by individuals within the community, preferably the plant owner, and reliance on 'outside' assistance kept to a minimum. Without this basic requirement being fulfilled, biogas technology will not be a truly viable option for meeting India's rural energy demands.

CDM & Energy Efficiency issues and opportunities for Fuel Switch Projects using Biomass By G. Subramanyam

Woody Biofuels: Past, Present and Future By Dr. L. Ashok Kumar

A Glance at Major Waste-to-Energy Technologies By Salman Zafar

Nisargruna biogas plant for safe and meaningful disposal of biodegradable waste material By S. P. Kale, I. K. Saini and Rameshkumar

Stake Holding Capitalism To Reduce The Project Cost And One Full Project Equity To Execute Renewable Energy Projects In India By Praveen Kumar Kulkarni

S ola r p ower s t a t ion in S p a in t ha t works a t n ight too! !

BIOFUELS

Renewable energy deals on a fast track in developingnations

TECHNOLOGY:New MIT chip harvests energy from three sources

NEWS:

7

10

14

17

22

26

28

30

35

38

IN BETWEEN

Advisory Board Dr. A. Jagadeesh | IndiaDr. Bhamy Shenoy | USAEr. Darshan Goswami | USAElizabeth H. Thompson | BarbadosPincas Jawetz | USA

Ediorial Board Salman Zafar | India

Editor & PublisherM. R. Menon

Business & MediaP. Roshini

Book DesignShamal Nath

Circulation ManagerAndrew Paul

Printed and Published byM.R.Menon at Midas Offset Printers, Kuthuparamba, Kerala

Editorial Office'Pallavi' KulapullyShoranur 679122, Kerala(E-Mail: editor.energyblitz@gmail.com)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the magazineare those of the authors and the Editorial team | energy blitzdoes not take responsibility for the contents and opinions.energy blitz will not be responsible for errors, omissions or comments made by writers, interviewers or Advertisers.Any part of this publication may be reproduced with acknowledgment to the author and magazine.

Registered and Editorial Office'Pallavi, Kulapully, Shoranur 679122,Kerala, IndiaTel: +91-466-2220852/9995081018E-mail: editor.energyblitz@gmail.com Web: energyblitz.webs.com

ENERGY BLI ZT

Ramanathan Menon

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2012

Mahatma Gandhi, in his vision for India, envisaged a system of devolved, self-sufficient communities, sustaining their needs from the local environment, and organising income generating ventures around co-operative structures. Sixty five years on, and Gandhi's vision of Swadeshi (self-sufficiency) for India, despite interpreted by some as a romantic and bucolic notion, is perhaps more urgent than ever. Diminishing forests, and a burgeoning, mainly rural biomass-dependent

population necessitates a coordinated effort of rural India to supply itself with a dependable and sustained source of energy.

Biogas technology may have the potential to short-circuit the 'energy transition' as Biogas technology is a particularly useful system in the Indian rural economy, and can fulfill several end uses. The gas is useful as a fuel substitute for firewood, dung, agricultural residues, petrol, diesel, and electricity, depending on the nature of the task. Biogas systems also provide a residue organic waste, after anaerobic digestion that has superior nutrient qualities over the usual organic fertilizer, cattle dung, as it is in the form of ammonia. Anaerobic digesters also function as a waste disposal system, particularly for human waste, and can, therefore, prevent potential sources of environmental contamination and the spread of pathogens. Small-scale industries are also made possible, from the sale of surplus gas to the provision of power for a rural-based industry, therefore, biogas may also provide the user with income generating opportunities. The gas can also be used to power engines, in a dual fuel mix with petrol and can aid in pumped irrigation systems.

Apart from the direct benefits gleaned from biogas systems, there are other, perhaps less tangible benefits associated with this renewable technology. By providing an alternative source of fuel, biogas can replace the traditional biomass based fuels, notably wood. Introduced on a significant scale, biogas may reduce the dependence on wood from forests, and create a vacuum in the market, at least for firewood. A clean and particulate-free source of energy also reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases that are associated with the indoor combustion of biomass-based fuels, such as respiratory infections, ailments of the lungs; bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, and increased severity of coronary artery disease. Benefits can also be scaled up, when the potential environmental impacts are also taken into account; significant reductions in emissions associated with the combustion of biofuels, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), total suspended particles (TSP's), and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's), are possible with the large-scale introduction of biogas technology.

Integral to biogas technology also, and the philosophy it represents, namely Swadeshi, is the requirement of devolved, and self-reliant communities to manage the systems. This may seem a rather obvious point to make, but necessary nonetheless. For biogas systems to be truly viable and workable in rural India, demands the technology to be preferably generated from within the community. As will be seen later, this may not always be possible logistically, amongst other reasons. If not actually produced from the community it is to serve, then the technology must be amenable and possible to manage and modify by individuals within the community, preferably the plant owner, and reliance on 'outside' assistance kept to a minimum. Without this basic requirement being fulfilled, biogas technology will not be a truly viable option for meeting India's rural energy demands.

CDM & Energy Efficiency issues and opportunities for Fuel Switch Projects using Biomass By G. Subramanyam

Woody Biofuels: Past, Present and Future By Dr. L. Ashok Kumar

A Glance at Major Waste-to-Energy Technologies By Salman Zafar

Nisargruna biogas plant for safe and meaningful disposal of biodegradable waste material By S. P. Kale, I. K. Saini and Rameshkumar

Stake Holding Capitalism To Reduce The Project Cost And One Full Project Equity To Execute Renewable Energy Projects In India By Praveen Kumar Kulkarni

S ola r p ower s t a t ion in S p a in t ha t works a t n ight too! !

BIOFUELS

Renewable energy deals on a fast track in developingnations

TECHNOLOGY:New MIT chip harvests energy from three sources

NEWS:

7

10

14

17

22

26

28

30

35

38

IN BETWEEN

Abstract:

In the year 1990 the GHG emissions of Annex 1 countries alone estimated to be 10412 MMTCO . Projected emissions in the year 2010 would be 2

about 10737 MMTCO , an increase of about 3.1% in 20 2

years. To meet the Kyoto commitment the Annex-I countries need to reduce GHG emissions to the tune of 866 MMTCO . 2

Options existing for Annex-1 countries to meet this legally binding obligation include domestic mitigation measures, Introduction:development of carbon sinks, trade credits from economies in transition, trade of credits from

CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) projects.

renewables. Yet many Energy efficiency projects are figured the list of registered CDM projects, due to

Climate change is a reality now and has become one of the inherent problems and those issues needs to be greatest environmental threat to our planet. Global warming, addressed. rise in sea levels and floods are some of the ill effects that already started facing. To address these problems the Clean Annex I countries emissions:Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of Kyoto protocol flexibility mechanisms that allows industrialized countries to So far more than 140 countries have ratified the Kyoto meet their emission reduction targets by paying for green Protocol, The Annex I countries among them represent nearly house gas emission reduction in developed countries. Now 62% of the CO emissions. The EU's share is 24.2%, and 2the CDM has become popular and around 3889 CDM Russia is responsible for 17.4% of the global 1990 CO 2projects ( as on Feb'12) are already registered. The emissions. The United States is responsible for 36.1%, the estimated revenues under CDM would be around 26 Billion worlds largest CO pollutant, withdrew from the Kyoto 2USD and by 2030 it may touch 100 Billion USD. In this

Protocol in early 2001. paper, it is tried to analyze the potential for CDM projects in India, in particular Energy Efficiency projects associated with fuel switch. By addressing some of the barriers, and considering use of fuel switch with biomass, Biogas etc, one can expect more CDM projects under Energy Efficiency in India.

Clean Development Climate change is a reality now, impacting both the

Mechanism (developed and the developing countries. The countries should, therefore, take into account the adverse impacts of

The CDM was launched in November 2001, the first project climate change across various sectors of their economies, and

was registered about three years later, and the first CERs were try to build in appropriate redressal measures so as to

issued in October 2005. CERs can be issued for verified minimize the losses. Multilateral environment agreements stemission reductions achieved since 1 January 2000. India provide opportunities to catalyse such measures. For

signed Kyoto Protocol in December 1997 and ratified in example, the CDM (clean development mechanism) of the August 2002. India had an opportunity to host the Conference UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on of Parties (COP) 8 in October 2002. Realizing the potential Climate Change) is already in place, and several countries for CDM projects in India, National CDM authority was and industries have gained out of this mechanism by established in December 2003. implementing clean and environmentally sound

development practices.

The CDM is a global mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that enables project developers to receive carbon credits toward their green house gas (GHG) emission reduction Initiatives. India, being one of the Non-Annex I countries, the investors in this sector can additionally benefit from the CDM. The carbon market is growing in leaps and bounds. Indian industries are quite proactive in generating awareness amongst its customers and realising carbon credits, already more than 790 projects are registered from India out of 3889 CDM projects world wide. For Indian projects are going to get about 63 million CER's. Present CDM market potential is around 30 Billion USD, and we need to tap this potential. Though many CDM projects are registered, most of these projects are related to energy generation from non

CDM & Energy Efficiency issues and opportunities for Fuel Switch Projects using BiomassBy G. Subramanyam

7

Abstract:

In the year 1990 the GHG emissions of Annex 1 countries alone estimated to be 10412 MMTCO . Projected emissions in the year 2010 would be 2

about 10737 MMTCO , an increase of about 3.1% in 20 2

years. To meet the Kyoto commitment the Annex-I countries need to reduce GHG emissions to the tune of 866 MMTCO . 2

Options existing for Annex-1 countries to meet this legally binding obligation include domestic mitigation measures, Introduction:development of carbon sinks, trade credits from economies in transition, trade of credits from

CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) projects.

renewables. Yet many Energy efficiency projects are figured the list of registered CDM projects, due to

Climate change is a reality now and has become one of the inherent problems and those issues needs to be greatest environmental threat to our planet. Global warming, addressed. rise in sea levels and floods are some of the ill effects that already started facing. To address these problems the Clean Annex I countries emissions:Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of Kyoto protocol flexibility mechanisms that allows industrialized countries to So far more than 140 countries have ratified the Kyoto meet their emission reduction targets by paying for green Protocol, The Annex I countries among them represent nearly house gas emission reduction in developed countries. Now 62% of the CO emissions. The EU's share is 24.2%, and 2the CDM has become popular and around 3889 CDM Russia is responsible for 17.4% of the global 1990 CO 2projects ( as on Feb'12) are already registered. The emissions. The United States is responsible for 36.1%, the estimated revenues under CDM would be around 26 Billion worlds largest CO pollutant, withdrew from the Kyoto 2USD and by 2030 it may touch 100 Billion USD. In this

Protocol in early 2001. paper, it is tried to analyze the potential for CDM projects in India, in particular Energy Efficiency projects associated with fuel switch. By addressing some of the barriers, and considering use of fuel switch with biomass, Biogas etc, one can expect more CDM projects under Energy Efficiency in India.

Clean Development Climate change is a reality now, impacting both the

Mechanism (developed and the developing countries. The countries should, therefore, take into account the adverse impacts of

The CDM was launched in November 2001, the first project climate change across various sectors of their economies, and

was registered about three years later, and the first CERs were try to build in appropriate redressal measures so as to

issued in October 2005. CERs can be issued for verified minimize the losses. Multilateral environment agreements stemission reductions achieved since 1 January 2000. India provide opportunities to catalyse such measures. For

signed Kyoto Protocol in December 1997 and ratified in example, the CDM (clean development mechanism) of the August 2002. India had an opportunity to host the Conference UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on of Parties (COP) 8 in October 2002. Realizing the potential Climate Change) is already in place, and several countries for CDM projects in India, National CDM authority was and industries have gained out of this mechanism by established in December 2003. implementing clean and environmentally sound

development practices.

The CDM is a global mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that enables project developers to receive carbon credits toward their green house gas (GHG) emission reduction Initiatives. India, being one of the Non-Annex I countries, the investors in this sector can additionally benefit from the CDM. The carbon market is growing in leaps and bounds. Indian industries are quite proactive in generating awareness amongst its customers and realising carbon credits, already more than 790 projects are registered from India out of 3889 CDM projects world wide. For Indian projects are going to get about 63 million CER's. Present CDM market potential is around 30 Billion USD, and we need to tap this potential. Though many CDM projects are registered, most of these projects are related to energy generation from non

CDM & Energy Efficiency issues and opportunities for Fuel Switch Projects using BiomassBy G. Subramanyam

7

creation while reducing environmental impacts. Annual Investments in CDM projects

Based on the estimates, CDM is going to generate investments to the tune of 26 billion USD. Most of these investments are through unilateral projects; unilateral projects are those for which the project proponent in the developing country bears all costs before selling the CERs. India is the home for most of the unilateral projects and is being implemented by all private investors followed by China, Brazil and Mexico. It means investments of about 13 billion USD are expected to come from private investors. The expected investments through CDM by the year 2030 would be around 100 Billion USD/year.

India is the sixth largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), contributing about 1228 MMTCO i.e. 2% of 2

Globally already around 3889 CDM projects are registered global emissions, which is equivalent to 1.3 tonnes per capita with the Executive Board of UNFCCC as of February 2012, emissions. The largest share of 61% in India is contributed by and this list is increasing every day. Out of the total the energy sector, followed by the agriculture sector at 28%, registered projects, India has the share of 20.34%, next to industrial processes at 8%, municipal solid waste at 2% and China (47.24%) and Brazil 5.17%. From the present emissions from Land Use and Land Use Change & Forestry registered projects, the issued CER's amounts to 572 Million. (LULUCF) are 1%. The expected CER's from the registered projects until 2012 would be 2700 Million. The Indian projects contribution is The electricity sector is a prime candidate for CDM about 63 Million CER's/ year amounting to 11%, whereas projects. Electricity generation in India is largely based China is going to have CER's of 366 million/annum with a on coal, which is one of the largest contributors to GHG

emissions. The total investment potential for CDM projects in this sector has been estimated to be about Rs. 628 billion (US$14.6 bn).

Energy efficiency improvement programs in the Indian industry could qualify as potential CDM projects on account of the environmental benefits that accrue as a result of avoided generation from fossil fuels. The possible high potential industries include Aluminium, Cement, Caustic Soda, Copper, Fertiliser, Iron and Steel, Pulp and Paper, Sugar, Textiles and Zinc. The following table gives the CDM potential in various sectors like Power, Energy Efficiency, agriculture, Forestry etc. The assessed potential is about 243 Million CER's. The cumulative potential in India, till 2010 in these sectors amounts to 40 Billion US Dollars

share of 64%. Thus the CDM has become “China Development Mechanism.” Following figures 1 & 2 give the Potential for CDM in Energy Efficiency: share of registered projects by the developed countries and the CER's they are going to generate from the registered The investment potential for Energy Efficiency projects in projects.different Energy Intensive sectors amounts to Rs. 48.8

Billion or Rs.4880 crores. The Following table gives the The number of projects registered under CDM are mostly break up of investment potential in various sectors.related to Non-Renewable energy (64.32%), followed by waste disposal (15.92%), Agriculture (4.14%). In addition to The rate of growth in GHG emissions is more than double the 2600 already registered projects, another 5600 projects are world average i.e. 4.6%. Thus, India is going to be an in pipeline. It is expected by 2012 about 4000-4500 projects important player in global climate change in the decades to would be registered under CDM.come. Global efforts are underway to address the threat of

climate change. India is taking advantage of these efforts to address climate change and through which trying to increase direct foreign investment, technology transfer and job

Present Status of CDM Market in India:

India's share in CDM

Energy Efficiency Issues:

The following figure gives the registered projects by scope. Out of the present 3889 registered projects majority 2660 projects i.e almost 68% belong to scope 01, which covers

Energy industries under renewable / non-renewable energy resources. These projects are mostly either wind, biomass, solar, hydel etc. Under Energy Efficiency , though there many projects implemented, but all these are mostly related to fuel switching, cogeneration, waste heat recovery etc. Under energy demand and energy distribution hardly 1% projects registered so far.

considered for different grid system in India. In India we have 5 grids, so our grid emission factor vary from gird to grid. These factors can be used for both power generation

through renewables or for power savings through energy efficiency measures as per Central Electricity Authority (CEA baseline data for the year 2009-10). As per this data, if we save power or generate power by non-renewable energy sources, we will be avoiding 833 Tons of CO / MU. i.e we get 2

833 Certified Emission Reductions (CER's) for every 1 Million Units. In the case of Wind & Solar power project, we get 923 CER's for every 1 MU due to Build Margin, Operating Margin and Combined Margin weight age given Grid Emission factor for Generation & Energy for these low PLF energy sources.Efficiency CDM projects:

The following table gives the latest grid emission factor to be From the above table it can be said that by saving 1 MU/year

8 9

creation while reducing environmental impacts. Annual Investments in CDM projects

Based on the estimates, CDM is going to generate investments to the tune of 26 billion USD. Most of these investments are through unilateral projects; unilateral projects are those for which the project proponent in the developing country bears all costs before selling the CERs. India is the home for most of the unilateral projects and is being implemented by all private investors followed by China, Brazil and Mexico. It means investments of about 13 billion USD are expected to come from private investors. The expected investments through CDM by the year 2030 would be around 100 Billion USD/year.

India is the sixth largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), contributing about 1228 MMTCO i.e. 2% of 2

Globally already around 3889 CDM projects are registered global emissions, which is equivalent to 1.3 tonnes per capita with the Executive Board of UNFCCC as of February 2012, emissions. The largest share of 61% in India is contributed by and this list is increasing every day. Out of the total the energy sector, followed by the agriculture sector at 28%, registered projects, India has the share of 20.34%, next to industrial processes at 8%, municipal solid waste at 2% and China (47.24%) and Brazil 5.17%. From the present emissions from Land Use and Land Use Change & Forestry registered projects, the issued CER's amounts to 572 Million. (LULUCF) are 1%. The expected CER's from the registered projects until 2012 would be 2700 Million. The Indian projects contribution is The electricity sector is a prime candidate for CDM about 63 Million CER's/ year amounting to 11%, whereas projects. Electricity generation in India is largely based China is going to have CER's of 366 million/annum with a on coal, which is one of the largest contributors to GHG

emissions. The total investment potential for CDM projects in this sector has been estimated to be about Rs. 628 billion (US$14.6 bn).

Energy efficiency improvement programs in the Indian industry could qualify as potential CDM projects on account of the environmental benefits that accrue as a result of avoided generation from fossil fuels. The possible high potential industries include Aluminium, Cement, Caustic Soda, Copper, Fertiliser, Iron and Steel, Pulp and Paper, Sugar, Textiles and Zinc. The following table gives the CDM potential in various sectors like Power, Energy Efficiency, agriculture, Forestry etc. The assessed potential is about 243 Million CER's. The cumulative potential in India, till 2010 in these sectors amounts to 40 Billion US Dollars

share of 64%. Thus the CDM has become “China Development Mechanism.” Following figures 1 & 2 give the Potential for CDM in Energy Efficiency: share of registered projects by the developed countries and the CER's they are going to generate from the registered The investment potential for Energy Efficiency projects in projects.different Energy Intensive sectors amounts to Rs. 48.8

Billion or Rs.4880 crores. The Following table gives the The number of projects registered under CDM are mostly break up of investment potential in various sectors.related to Non-Renewable energy (64.32%), followed by waste disposal (15.92%), Agriculture (4.14%). In addition to The rate of growth in GHG emissions is more than double the 2600 already registered projects, another 5600 projects are world average i.e. 4.6%. Thus, India is going to be an in pipeline. It is expected by 2012 about 4000-4500 projects important player in global climate change in the decades to would be registered under CDM.come. Global efforts are underway to address the threat of

climate change. India is taking advantage of these efforts to address climate change and through which trying to increase direct foreign investment, technology transfer and job

Present Status of CDM Market in India:

India's share in CDM

Energy Efficiency Issues:

The following figure gives the registered projects by scope. Out of the present 3889 registered projects majority 2660 projects i.e almost 68% belong to scope 01, which covers

Energy industries under renewable / non-renewable energy resources. These projects are mostly either wind, biomass, solar, hydel etc. Under Energy Efficiency , though there many projects implemented, but all these are mostly related to fuel switching, cogeneration, waste heat recovery etc. Under energy demand and energy distribution hardly 1% projects registered so far.

considered for different grid system in India. In India we have 5 grids, so our grid emission factor vary from gird to grid. These factors can be used for both power generation

through renewables or for power savings through energy efficiency measures as per Central Electricity Authority (CEA baseline data for the year 2009-10). As per this data, if we save power or generate power by non-renewable energy sources, we will be avoiding 833 Tons of CO / MU. i.e we get 2

833 Certified Emission Reductions (CER's) for every 1 Million Units. In the case of Wind & Solar power project, we get 923 CER's for every 1 MU due to Build Margin, Operating Margin and Combined Margin weight age given Grid Emission factor for Generation & Energy for these low PLF energy sources.Efficiency CDM projects:

The following table gives the latest grid emission factor to be From the above table it can be said that by saving 1 MU/year

8 9

the expected CER's would be 825 for biomass projects, if the remaining 119 projects are small scale. Most of these project is connected to North, East, west or North eastern projects are either for power generation or heat Grids. If it is connected to southern grid, the CER's would be generation in terms of steam. Under fuel switch projects 853. Similarly, for the wind and solar projects, we can get there are already no. of approved methodologies for CDM slightly 10% more CER's due to their low PLF. registration.

Eligible projects under Fuel Switch: Conclusion:

The following are some of the eligible projects for CDM Although India has a very low per capita consumption of registration under fuel switch: energy and corresponding low GHG emissions, the expected

growth rate is high at 8 %. With the Kyoto protocol legal 1. Conversion of coal and Oil fired boilers to biomass obligations by the developed countries, the CDM is gaining

/ Natural. Gas importance. Seeing additional revenue through CDM, many 2. Use of Coconut shells for Activated carbon projects are getting registered from the developing countries.

production and power generion with methane Already registered projects of 3889 numbers with expected avoidance CER's of 2700 million till the first implementation period of

3. Use of biogas from biomethenation for heat and 2012 is the testimony for this popularity. power generation

4. Waste to energy projects By the end of crediting period of 2012, we many end up 5. Biomass gasification and power generation

with a tally of 4000-4500 registered CDM projects, with 6. Installation of Combined cycle power plants

CER's of 3-4 billion. CDM revenue to the tune of 100 7. Installation of Gassifiers using biomass / charcoal

billion USD is expected by 2030. India may have a share of and replacing F.oil by bio gas in Kilns / Furnaces etc15-20 billion inflow of foreign funds through CDM alone. 8. Use of Briquettes for steam generation

9. Use of Refused Derived fuel from Municipal solid There is huge potential to switch fuel in Industry for wastegeneration of power and heat either by using biomass ( 10. Installation of solar Geysers / Solar hot water rice husk, wood, agri waste, N. Gas etc). Methodologies system to replace Electricity/F.oil/Coalare already in place. Getting carbon credits either by CDM 11. Converting Diesel fired DG sets to N.Gas / Bio gas

12. Use of CNG / LPG / Biogas instead of Petrol/Diesel route or through Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), one can expect more Fuel switch related CDM projects in

There are 135 biomass based CDM projects from India the future in India.are registered. Out of this 16 projects are Large scale and

G. Subramanyam is Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Certified Energy Auditor and also a IGBC

Green Building Accredited Professional with over 22 years of proven success in undertaking Energy

Conservation projects. Awarded three times Best Energy Auditor of the Year for the year 2007-08 &

2008-09, 2009-10.. Worked with National Productivity Council for 20 years in the Energy Management

Division. Currently heading Siri Exergy & Carbon Advisory Services (P) Ltd., Hyderabad. Presently

overseeing Energy Efficiency, Project Development & Registration of CDM projects with UNFCCC &

capacity building. Expertise in energy management, project management, financing and implementation

of energy efficiency projects under ESCO model, as well as policy analysis. Distinction of winning Rs.56,000/- cash prizes

for contributing to Technical writing on various issues related to Energy Efficiency & CDM through the website

www.energymanagertraining .com so far. One of Finalist in the Demonstration Marketplace 2006 Global contest of The

World Bank” His contact email: subramanyam@siriexergy.com

the wood of trees can be put to use as a biofuel.Wood and all other plant biomass is ultimately the product of photosynthesis in living plants. The sun's energy is combined with carbon dioxide (CO ) and water to form Wood has been used as a source of heat for warmth and 2

simple sugars. These sugars are then converted cooking throughout history. Despite the widespread use biochemically in trees to form wood. While wood is a of wood for other purposes and the dominance of fossil remarkably durable and potentially long-lasting biomaterial, fuels for energy today, fuel remains the main use of wood the sunlight energy can be released (along with the CO and 2 in the world. More than 50 percent of the trees harvested water) when we want to use wood as a fuel. This fact sheet globally are used for firewood. Some of the major ways briefly describes some of the major uses of wood as a fuel. that wood is used for fuel are described below.

Firewood: The original biomass fuel Charcoal: From a cleaner biofuel to a cleaner

Wood 'fires' can be as simple and small as a campfire, as large Charcoal is formed when wood is heated in the absence of as a pulp-mill boiler or as sophisticated as a fast pyrolysis oxygen. In its simplest form, charcoal is created when a wood unit. In each case, however, the sunlight energy that was fire is smothered: as the wood is heated by the fire but starved captured by photosynthesis and concentrated and stored in of oxygen a dry, black, lightweight charcoal is left behind.

Woody Biofuels: Past, Present and FutureBy Dr. L. Ashok Kumar

10 11

the expected CER's would be 825 for biomass projects, if the remaining 119 projects are small scale. Most of these project is connected to North, East, west or North eastern projects are either for power generation or heat Grids. If it is connected to southern grid, the CER's would be generation in terms of steam. Under fuel switch projects 853. Similarly, for the wind and solar projects, we can get there are already no. of approved methodologies for CDM slightly 10% more CER's due to their low PLF. registration.

Eligible projects under Fuel Switch: Conclusion:

The following are some of the eligible projects for CDM Although India has a very low per capita consumption of registration under fuel switch: energy and corresponding low GHG emissions, the expected

growth rate is high at 8 %. With the Kyoto protocol legal 1. Conversion of coal and Oil fired boilers to biomass obligations by the developed countries, the CDM is gaining

/ Natural. Gas importance. Seeing additional revenue through CDM, many 2. Use of Coconut shells for Activated carbon projects are getting registered from the developing countries.

production and power generion with methane Already registered projects of 3889 numbers with expected avoidance CER's of 2700 million till the first implementation period of

3. Use of biogas from biomethenation for heat and 2012 is the testimony for this popularity. power generation

4. Waste to energy projects By the end of crediting period of 2012, we many end up 5. Biomass gasification and power generation

with a tally of 4000-4500 registered CDM projects, with 6. Installation of Combined cycle power plants

CER's of 3-4 billion. CDM revenue to the tune of 100 7. Installation of Gassifiers using biomass / charcoal

billion USD is expected by 2030. India may have a share of and replacing F.oil by bio gas in Kilns / Furnaces etc15-20 billion inflow of foreign funds through CDM alone. 8. Use of Briquettes for steam generation

9. Use of Refused Derived fuel from Municipal solid There is huge potential to switch fuel in Industry for wastegeneration of power and heat either by using biomass ( 10. Installation of solar Geysers / Solar hot water rice husk, wood, agri waste, N. Gas etc). Methodologies system to replace Electricity/F.oil/Coalare already in place. Getting carbon credits either by CDM 11. Converting Diesel fired DG sets to N.Gas / Bio gas

12. Use of CNG / LPG / Biogas instead of Petrol/Diesel route or through Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), one can expect more Fuel switch related CDM projects in

There are 135 biomass based CDM projects from India the future in India.are registered. Out of this 16 projects are Large scale and

G. Subramanyam is Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Certified Energy Auditor and also a IGBC

Green Building Accredited Professional with over 22 years of proven success in undertaking Energy

Conservation projects. Awarded three times Best Energy Auditor of the Year for the year 2007-08 &

2008-09, 2009-10.. Worked with National Productivity Council for 20 years in the Energy Management

Division. Currently heading Siri Exergy & Carbon Advisory Services (P) Ltd., Hyderabad. Presently

overseeing Energy Efficiency, Project Development & Registration of CDM projects with UNFCCC &

capacity building. Expertise in energy management, project management, financing and implementation

of energy efficiency projects under ESCO model, as well as policy analysis. Distinction of winning Rs.56,000/- cash prizes

for contributing to Technical writing on various issues related to Energy Efficiency & CDM through the website

www.energymanagertraining .com so far. One of Finalist in the Demonstration Marketplace 2006 Global contest of The

World Bank” His contact email: subramanyam@siriexergy.com

the wood of trees can be put to use as a biofuel.Wood and all other plant biomass is ultimately the product of photosynthesis in living plants. The sun's energy is combined with carbon dioxide (CO ) and water to form Wood has been used as a source of heat for warmth and 2

simple sugars. These sugars are then converted cooking throughout history. Despite the widespread use biochemically in trees to form wood. While wood is a of wood for other purposes and the dominance of fossil remarkably durable and potentially long-lasting biomaterial, fuels for energy today, fuel remains the main use of wood the sunlight energy can be released (along with the CO and 2 in the world. More than 50 percent of the trees harvested water) when we want to use wood as a fuel. This fact sheet globally are used for firewood. Some of the major ways briefly describes some of the major uses of wood as a fuel. that wood is used for fuel are described below.

Firewood: The original biomass fuel Charcoal: From a cleaner biofuel to a cleaner

Wood 'fires' can be as simple and small as a campfire, as large Charcoal is formed when wood is heated in the absence of as a pulp-mill boiler or as sophisticated as a fast pyrolysis oxygen. In its simplest form, charcoal is created when a wood unit. In each case, however, the sunlight energy that was fire is smothered: as the wood is heated by the fire but starved captured by photosynthesis and concentrated and stored in of oxygen a dry, black, lightweight charcoal is left behind.

Woody Biofuels: Past, Present and FutureBy Dr. L. Ashok Kumar

10 11

Charcoal can be burned later in fireplaces or stoves. Charcoal Black liquor: Wood fuel for making paperproduces a relatively clean and hot fire that is useful for cooking. Charcoal is a preferred cooking fuel in many Wood pulp and paper production uses low-grade trees and regions. The main disadvantage of traditional charcoal sawmill residues. Papermaking also requires lots of energy, production is that most of the wood's original energy is lost in especially for drying the paper sheet. Much of the energy for the conversion process. this processing comes from wood components removed in

the pulping process. The Kraft pulping process is the most Charcoal can be generated from trees, wood chips and common method of isolating pulp fibers from wood. In Kraft even sawdust. The charcoal 'briquettes' used for pulping, wood chips are mixed with chemicals under heat and barbequing are made from compressed sawdust that has pressure. Wood chemicals, such as lignin and hemicelluloses, been converted to charcoal. Charcoal can also be refined are dissolved, leaving behind the cellulose fibers that will be and used in a variety of products such as filters and used for making writing paper, tissues, etc. Only about 50 crayons. 'Activated charcoal' refers to charcoal with a high percent of the wood is recovered as usable pulp. However, the surface area. Activated charcoal is useful for absorbing mixture of used pulping chemicals and dissolved wood

components is not discarded. This 'black liquor' is burned in odors, color or other impurities from air or water.special furnaces at the mill to recover the pulping chemicals so they can be re-used. The processing of black liquor also Hog fuel: Waste to power wood processing releases heat when the wood that is dissolved in the liquor is burned. This heat is converted to steam, which is used for

A major use of wood is for the production of heat and pulp and paper-making processing. Black liquor-derived

electricity at industrial locations. Wood fuels are dominant steam is also used to generate electricity. The burning of

energy sources for energy-intensive wood processing black liquor in the Kraft pulping process is the largest use of

operations such as the kiln drying of lumber. Wood slabs and wood as a biofuel.

bark can be ground up ('hogged') to make a fuel. Sawdust and planer shavings can be used directly. The quality of a hog or

Pyrolysis, gasification and bio-oil: Liquid and wood waste fuel is a function of its density, moisture (water) gaseous fuels from solid woodcontent and other factors, but simply put, almost any wood-

processing waste can be used for fuel. In the past, it was common for sawmills to burn their wastes simply to get rid of As was described above, if wood is heated in the absence of them. Now, however, it is understood that the energy content oxygen (called pyrolysis), it gets broken down and a solid of those residues is too valuable to waste. Mills that do not charcoal fuel remains. During this process, much of the solid have the need for wood energy for their own operations will wood is vaporized into potentially flammable gases. In sell their wastes to pulp mills or lumber kiln-drying traditional charcoal making, these gases escape, wasting operations that can use the fuel. much of the potential wood energy. In other pyrolysis

systems, these gases can be captured and used. The pyrolysis process can be adjusted to maximize the gases produced and Cogeneration: Getting heat and electricity from minimize the solid char products. In wood gasification, wood fuelpyrolysis gases are captured and burned. The energy from burning these wood gases can be used to power boilers or

Using wood fuels in boilers is not limited to powering wood-even to operate internal-combustion engines. During World

processing plants. Other industries or institutions that use War II, wood-gas-fired cars and trucks were built in response

steam or hot water for processing or heating can be fueled by to shortages of gasoline and diesel. In bio-oil production,

burning wood processing waste. In addition to using heat pyrolysis gases are condensed, forming a brown liquid 'oil'

from burning wood waste to generate hot water or steam, that can be burned in furnaces. Bio-oil has about the same fuel

combined-heat-and-power, or 'cogen', boilers can be used to value of ethanol (a common gasoline additive), and it can be

simultaneously generate electricity. This electricity may then burned in boilers that use heating oil. Bio-oil cannot yet be

be used on-site or sold back to the electrical grid.used as a fuel for vehicles. Bio-oil is a complex mixture of chemicals, and current research is investigating how to purify

Pellets: Firewood in a different form and value-added products.

Fluffy (low-density) wood wastes such as sawdust can also Ethanol: Using wood as a raw material for fuel be formed into small shapes such as pellets or briquettes, productionproviding an easy-to-handle fuel. Wood pellets are formed using machinery that compresses sawdust so much that the

Wood is commonly used as a fuel with little or no wood sticks together no glue is used. These pellets are then modification. Firewood is simply cut, dried and burned. Hog burned in boilers or small household heating stoves. Wood fuels are waste materials from wood processing that are used pellets are clean-burning, with a low water content because like firewood. Even the pyrolysis products such as wood gas they are made from dry sawdust, making the burning process and bio-oil are in essence burning of wood the difference is more efficient. Pellets can be continuously dispensed into in the control over the combustion process. stoves using hoppers and automated feed screws. Pellets and

other compressed-wood-waste products, such as briquettes, The concept of making ethanol or other liquid fuels from are simply a convenient form of firewood a new take on the wood is different from traditional wood fuels in that the traditional biofuel.wood structure itself is converted to new chemicals 13

before it is used as a liquid fuel. Ethanol is an alcohol 2. Trees can be harvested year-round, with many years of that can be used as a liquid fuel for vehicles. Wood does wood production combined in one harvest. In this way, a not contain ethanol, but ethanol can be made from the forest can accumulate and store its potential fuel energy for sugars that are in wood. Ethanol is created when yeast decadesferment free sugars, such as glucose.

3. Wood is a relatively high-density fuel that can be The starch in corn kernels is one example of a source of harvested and stored for relatively long periods of time sugars for the production of ethanol. The cellulose in wood without decomposing.(about 50 percent of the wood substance) is pure glucose. However, this sugar is bonded in special ways in wood, and 4. In addition to being a source of renewable raw materials is protected by the lignin and other substances in the wood. for the production of carbon-neutral fuels, forests provide In order for the glucose to be available for attack by the many other products and benefits, such as wildlife habitat yeast and conversion to ethanol, the wood must first be

and recreational opportunities.broken down. This breakdown can be achieved in various ways, using heat and chemicals or enzymes.

Summary: Wood is good as a biofuel!The technology for the breakdown of wood to

Wood is a concentrated form of stored sunlight (solar energy). fermentable sugars and ethanol production is being This energy can be released and used as a fuel. Wood has always continually refined, but wood may one day provide a been an important source of energy for people. Today, wood is significant source of raw material for manufacturing the most important source of renewable energy and a primary fuels. Wood has a number of advantages as a biomass source of fuel for much of the world. Whether it is as simple as a raw material for liquid fuel production, including:campfire, or as sophisticated as producing ethanol, wood has a number of inherent advantages that ensure it will continue to be 1. Trees are all around us and can be grown with very an important bio-fuel in the future.few 'inputs' of fertilizer, irrigation, etc.

The author has completed his B.E., (EEE) from University of Madras and ME (Electrical Machines)

from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and MBA (HRM) from IGNOU, New Delhi

and PhD (Wearable Electronics) from Anna University, Chennai. He has both teaching and industrial

experience of 14 years. At present he is working as Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical

& Electronics Engg. He has got 11 research projects from various Government funding agencies. He

has published 32 Technical papers in reputed National and International Journal and presented 65

research articles in International and National Conferences. He has received YOUNG ENGINEER

AWARD from Institution of Engineers, India. He is a member of various National & International

Technical bodies like ISTE, IETE, TSI, BMSI, ISSS, SESI, SSI & TAI. His areas of specializations are Wearable

Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems. His contact email: askipsg@gmail.com

Bio fuelsBiofuels are derived from renewable bio-mass resources and, therefore, provide a strategic advantage

to promote sustainable development and to supplement conventional energy sources in meeting the

rapidly increasing requirements for transportation fuels associated with high economic growth, as well

as in meeting the energy needs of India's vast rural population. Biofuels can increasingly satisfy these

energy needs in an environmentally benign and cost-effective manner while reducing dependence on

import of fossil fuels and thereby providing a higher degree of National Energy Security. The growth of

biofuels around the globe is spurred largely by energy security and environmental concerns and a wide

range of market mechanisms, incentives and subsidies have been put in place to facilitate their growth.

Developing countries, apart from these considerations, also view biofuels as a potential means to

stimulate rural development and create employment opportunities. The Indian approach to biofuels, in

particular, is somewhat different to the current international approaches which could lead to conflict

with food security. It is based solely on non-food feedstocks to be raised on degraded or wastelands that

are not suited to agriculture, thus avoiding a possible conflict of fuel vs. food security

12

Charcoal can be burned later in fireplaces or stoves. Charcoal Black liquor: Wood fuel for making paperproduces a relatively clean and hot fire that is useful for cooking. Charcoal is a preferred cooking fuel in many Wood pulp and paper production uses low-grade trees and regions. The main disadvantage of traditional charcoal sawmill residues. Papermaking also requires lots of energy, production is that most of the wood's original energy is lost in especially for drying the paper sheet. Much of the energy for the conversion process. this processing comes from wood components removed in

the pulping process. The Kraft pulping process is the most Charcoal can be generated from trees, wood chips and common method of isolating pulp fibers from wood. In Kraft even sawdust. The charcoal 'briquettes' used for pulping, wood chips are mixed with chemicals under heat and barbequing are made from compressed sawdust that has pressure. Wood chemicals, such as lignin and hemicelluloses, been converted to charcoal. Charcoal can also be refined are dissolved, leaving behind the cellulose fibers that will be and used in a variety of products such as filters and used for making writing paper, tissues, etc. Only about 50 crayons. 'Activated charcoal' refers to charcoal with a high percent of the wood is recovered as usable pulp. However, the surface area. Activated charcoal is useful for absorbing mixture of used pulping chemicals and dissolved wood

components is not discarded. This 'black liquor' is burned in odors, color or other impurities from air or water.special furnaces at the mill to recover the pulping chemicals so they can be re-used. The processing of black liquor also Hog fuel: Waste to power wood processing releases heat when the wood that is dissolved in the liquor is burned. This heat is converted to steam, which is used for

A major use of wood is for the production of heat and pulp and paper-making processing. Black liquor-derived

electricity at industrial locations. Wood fuels are dominant steam is also used to generate electricity. The burning of

energy sources for energy-intensive wood processing black liquor in the Kraft pulping process is the largest use of

operations such as the kiln drying of lumber. Wood slabs and wood as a biofuel.

bark can be ground up ('hogged') to make a fuel. Sawdust and planer shavings can be used directly. The quality of a hog or

Pyrolysis, gasification and bio-oil: Liquid and wood waste fuel is a function of its density, moisture (water) gaseous fuels from solid woodcontent and other factors, but simply put, almost any wood-

processing waste can be used for fuel. In the past, it was common for sawmills to burn their wastes simply to get rid of As was described above, if wood is heated in the absence of them. Now, however, it is understood that the energy content oxygen (called pyrolysis), it gets broken down and a solid of those residues is too valuable to waste. Mills that do not charcoal fuel remains. During this process, much of the solid have the need for wood energy for their own operations will wood is vaporized into potentially flammable gases. In sell their wastes to pulp mills or lumber kiln-drying traditional charcoal making, these gases escape, wasting operations that can use the fuel. much of the potential wood energy. In other pyrolysis

systems, these gases can be captured and used. The pyrolysis process can be adjusted to maximize the gases produced and Cogeneration: Getting heat and electricity from minimize the solid char products. In wood gasification, wood fuelpyrolysis gases are captured and burned. The energy from burning these wood gases can be used to power boilers or

Using wood fuels in boilers is not limited to powering wood-even to operate internal-combustion engines. During World

processing plants. Other industries or institutions that use War II, wood-gas-fired cars and trucks were built in response

steam or hot water for processing or heating can be fueled by to shortages of gasoline and diesel. In bio-oil production,

burning wood processing waste. In addition to using heat pyrolysis gases are condensed, forming a brown liquid 'oil'

from burning wood waste to generate hot water or steam, that can be burned in furnaces. Bio-oil has about the same fuel

combined-heat-and-power, or 'cogen', boilers can be used to value of ethanol (a common gasoline additive), and it can be

simultaneously generate electricity. This electricity may then burned in boilers that use heating oil. Bio-oil cannot yet be

be used on-site or sold back to the electrical grid.used as a fuel for vehicles. Bio-oil is a complex mixture of chemicals, and current research is investigating how to purify

Pellets: Firewood in a different form and value-added products.

Fluffy (low-density) wood wastes such as sawdust can also Ethanol: Using wood as a raw material for fuel be formed into small shapes such as pellets or briquettes, productionproviding an easy-to-handle fuel. Wood pellets are formed using machinery that compresses sawdust so much that the

Wood is commonly used as a fuel with little or no wood sticks together no glue is used. These pellets are then modification. Firewood is simply cut, dried and burned. Hog burned in boilers or small household heating stoves. Wood fuels are waste materials from wood processing that are used pellets are clean-burning, with a low water content because like firewood. Even the pyrolysis products such as wood gas they are made from dry sawdust, making the burning process and bio-oil are in essence burning of wood the difference is more efficient. Pellets can be continuously dispensed into in the control over the combustion process. stoves using hoppers and automated feed screws. Pellets and

other compressed-wood-waste products, such as briquettes, The concept of making ethanol or other liquid fuels from are simply a convenient form of firewood a new take on the wood is different from traditional wood fuels in that the traditional biofuel.wood structure itself is converted to new chemicals 13

before it is used as a liquid fuel. Ethanol is an alcohol 2. Trees can be harvested year-round, with many years of that can be used as a liquid fuel for vehicles. Wood does wood production combined in one harvest. In this way, a not contain ethanol, but ethanol can be made from the forest can accumulate and store its potential fuel energy for sugars that are in wood. Ethanol is created when yeast decadesferment free sugars, such as glucose.

3. Wood is a relatively high-density fuel that can be The starch in corn kernels is one example of a source of harvested and stored for relatively long periods of time sugars for the production of ethanol. The cellulose in wood without decomposing.(about 50 percent of the wood substance) is pure glucose. However, this sugar is bonded in special ways in wood, and 4. In addition to being a source of renewable raw materials is protected by the lignin and other substances in the wood. for the production of carbon-neutral fuels, forests provide In order for the glucose to be available for attack by the many other products and benefits, such as wildlife habitat yeast and conversion to ethanol, the wood must first be

and recreational opportunities.broken down. This breakdown can be achieved in various ways, using heat and chemicals or enzymes.

Summary: Wood is good as a biofuel!The technology for the breakdown of wood to

Wood is a concentrated form of stored sunlight (solar energy). fermentable sugars and ethanol production is being This energy can be released and used as a fuel. Wood has always continually refined, but wood may one day provide a been an important source of energy for people. Today, wood is significant source of raw material for manufacturing the most important source of renewable energy and a primary fuels. Wood has a number of advantages as a biomass source of fuel for much of the world. Whether it is as simple as a raw material for liquid fuel production, including:campfire, or as sophisticated as producing ethanol, wood has a number of inherent advantages that ensure it will continue to be 1. Trees are all around us and can be grown with very an important bio-fuel in the future.few 'inputs' of fertilizer, irrigation, etc.

The author has completed his B.E., (EEE) from University of Madras and ME (Electrical Machines)

from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and MBA (HRM) from IGNOU, New Delhi

and PhD (Wearable Electronics) from Anna University, Chennai. He has both teaching and industrial

experience of 14 years. At present he is working as Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical

& Electronics Engg. He has got 11 research projects from various Government funding agencies. He

has published 32 Technical papers in reputed National and International Journal and presented 65

research articles in International and National Conferences. He has received YOUNG ENGINEER

AWARD from Institution of Engineers, India. He is a member of various National & International

Technical bodies like ISTE, IETE, TSI, BMSI, ISSS, SESI, SSI & TAI. His areas of specializations are Wearable

Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems. His contact email: askipsg@gmail.com

Bio fuelsBiofuels are derived from renewable bio-mass resources and, therefore, provide a strategic advantage

to promote sustainable development and to supplement conventional energy sources in meeting the

rapidly increasing requirements for transportation fuels associated with high economic growth, as well

as in meeting the energy needs of India's vast rural population. Biofuels can increasingly satisfy these

energy needs in an environmentally benign and cost-effective manner while reducing dependence on

import of fossil fuels and thereby providing a higher degree of National Energy Security. The growth of

biofuels around the globe is spurred largely by energy security and environmental concerns and a wide

range of market mechanisms, incentives and subsidies have been put in place to facilitate their growth.

Developing countries, apart from these considerations, also view biofuels as a potential means to

stimulate rural development and create employment opportunities. The Indian approach to biofuels, in

particular, is somewhat different to the current international approaches which could lead to conflict

with food security. It is based solely on non-food feedstocks to be raised on degraded or wastelands that

are not suited to agriculture, thus avoiding a possible conflict of fuel vs. food security

12

can be converted to power and heat using a gas engine. IntroductionWastes can also yield liquid fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, A host of technologies are available for realizing the energy which can be used to replace petroleum-based fuels. potential of different forms of wastes, ranging from very Cellulosic ethanol can be produced from grasses, wood chips simple systems for disposing of dry waste to more complex and agricultural residues by biochemical route using heat, technologies capable of dealing with large amounts of pressure, chemicals and enzymes to unlock the sugars in industrial waste. Conversion routes for wastes are generally biomass wastes. thermo-chemical or bio-chemical, but may also include

chemical and physical. Besides recovery of substantial Thermochemical Conversion of Wastesenergy, these technologies can lead to significant reduction in Thermochemical conversion systems consist of primary the overall waste quantities requiring final disposal, which conversion technologies that convert the waste into heat or can be better managed for safe disposal in a controlled gaseous and liquid products, together with secondary manner while meeting the pollution control standards. conversion technologies which convert these products into

more useful forms of energy such as heat and electricity. A variety of thermal technologies exists to convert the energy These technologies can be classified according to the stored in wastes to more useful forms of power. The three principal energy carrier produced in the conversion process. principal methods of thermo-chemical conversion are Carriers are in the form of heat, gas, liquid and/or solid combustion in excess air, gasification in reduced air, and products, depending on the extent to which oxygen is pyrolysis in the absence of air. The most common technique released into the conversion process (usually as air). for producing both heat and electrical energy from wastes is direct combustion. Combined heat and power (CHP) or 1.Combustioncogeneration systems, ranging from small-scale technology Direct combustion is the best established and most to large grid-connected facilities, provide significantly commonly used technology for converting waste matter into higher efficiencies than systems that only generate heat. During combustion, waste is burnt in the presence of electricity. excess air to produce heat. The first stage of combustion

involves the evolution of combustible vapours from wastes, In addition, biochemical processes, like anaerobic digestion, which burns as flames. Steam is expanded through a can also produce clean energy in the form of biogas which conventional turbo-alternator to produce electricity. The

A Glance at Major Waste-to-Energy TechnologiesBy Salman Zafar

14

residual material, in the form of charcoal, is burnt in a forced secondary component of the fuel gas.air supply to give more heat.

The gas producedsynthesis gas, or syngascan be cleaned, The main products of efficient combustion are carbon filtered, and then burned in a gas turbine in a simple or dioxide and water vapour, however tars, smoke and alkaline combined-cycle mode, comparable to LFG or biogas ash particles are also emitted. Minimisation of these produced from an anaerobic digester. The variability of waste emissions and accommodation of their possible effects are resource with respect to moisture content and particle size important concerns in the design of environmentally affects gas composition. The final fuel gas consists acceptable waste combustion systems. Combustion systems, principally of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane with based on a range of furnace designs, can be very efficient, small amounts of higher hydrocarbons. When air is used to typically recovering from 65-90 percent of the energy drive the gasification process, the combustible gases contained in the fuel source. Fluidised bed combustors produced are diluted with carbon dioxide and nitrogen which (FBCs), which use a bed of hot inert material such as sand, are have no energy value. For this reason the calorific value of the a more recent development. Bubbling FBCs are generally 3final fuel gas mixture is typically 4 - 6 MJ/Nm . used for waste-to-energy plants having heat producing capacity of 10-30 MW, while Circulating FBCs are more

This fuel gas may be burnt to generate heat; alternatively it applicable at larger scales.

may be processed and then used as fuel for gas-fired engines or gas turbines to drive generators. In smaller systems, the

2.Co-Combustion or Co-Firingsyngas can be fired in reciprocating engines, micro-turbines,

Co-firing or co-combustion of biomass wastes with coal and Stirling engines, or fuel cells. There are also small amounts of

other fossil fuels can provide a short-term, low-risk, low-cost unwanted by-products such as char particles, tars, oils and

option for producing renewable energy while simultaneously ash, which tend to be damaging to engines, turbines or fuel

reducing the use of fossil fuels. Co-firing involves utilising cells and which must therefore first be removed or processed

existing power generating plants that are fired with fossil fuel into additional fuel gas. This implies that gasifier operation is

(generally coal), and displacing a small proportion of the significantly more demanding than the operation of

fossil fuel with renewable biomass fuels. Co-firing offers the combustion systems.

major advantage of avoiding the construction of a new, dedicated, waste-to-energy power plant. An existing power

4.Pyrolysisstation is modified to accept the waste resource and utilise it

Pyrolysis is thermal decomposition occurring in the absence to produce a minor proportion of its electricity.

of oxygen. During the pyrolysis process, waste is heated either in the absence of air (i.e. indirectly), or by the partial

Co-firing may be implemented using different types and combustion of some of the waste in a restricted air or oxygen

percentages of wastes in a range of combustion and supply. This results in the thermal decomposition of the waste

gasification technologies. Most forms of biomass wastes are to form a combination of a solid char, gas, and liquid bio-oil,

suitable for co-firing. These include dedicated municipal which can be used as a liquid fuel or upgraded and further

solid wastes, wood waste and agricultural residues such as processed to value-added products.

straw and husk. The fuel preparation requirements, issues associated with combustion such as corrosion and fouling of

Whereas lower process temperature and longer vapour boiler tubes, and characteristics of residual ash dictate the co-

residence time favour the production of charcoal, high firing configuration appropriate for a particular plant and

temperature and longer residence time increase the waste waste resource. These configurations may be categorized

conversion to gas. However, moderate temperature and short into direct, indirect and parallel firing.

vapour residence time are optimum for producing liquids.Pyrolysis technologies are generally categorised as “fast” or

3.Gasification“slow” according to the time taken for processing the feed

Gasification systems operate by heating wastes in an into pyrolysis products. Using fast pyrolysis, bio-oil yield

environment where the solid waste breaks down to form a can be as high as 80 percent of the product on a dry fuel basis.

flammable gas. The gasification of biomass takes place in a Bio-oil can act as a liquid fuel or as a feedstock for chemical

restricted supply of air or oxygen at temperatures up to production.

1200°C 1300°C. The basic process comprises three distinct stages: ? Devolat i l izat ion - Methane and higher Biochemical Conversion of Wastes

hydrocarbons evolved as volatile gases from the Biochemical processes, like anaerobic digestion, can also biomass by the action of heat, to leave a reactive produce clean energy in the form of biogas which can be char converted to power and heat using a gas engine. Anaerobic

? Combustion - Volatiles and some of the char are digestion is a series of chemical reactions during which organic material is decomposed through the metabolic partially burnt in air or oxygen to generate heat and pathways of naturally occurring microorganisms in an

carbon dioxideoxygen depleted environment. In addition, wastes can also

? Reduction - Carbon dioxide absorbs heat and reacts yield liquid fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, with the remaining char to produce carbon which can be used to replace petroleum-based fuels.

monoxide fuel gas. Due to the presence of water 1.Anaerobic Digestion

vapour in the gasifier, hydrogen is produced as a Anaerobic digestion is the natural biological process which 15

can be converted to power and heat using a gas engine. IntroductionWastes can also yield liquid fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, A host of technologies are available for realizing the energy which can be used to replace petroleum-based fuels. potential of different forms of wastes, ranging from very Cellulosic ethanol can be produced from grasses, wood chips simple systems for disposing of dry waste to more complex and agricultural residues by biochemical route using heat, technologies capable of dealing with large amounts of pressure, chemicals and enzymes to unlock the sugars in industrial waste. Conversion routes for wastes are generally biomass wastes. thermo-chemical or bio-chemical, but may also include

chemical and physical. Besides recovery of substantial Thermochemical Conversion of Wastesenergy, these technologies can lead to significant reduction in Thermochemical conversion systems consist of primary the overall waste quantities requiring final disposal, which conversion technologies that convert the waste into heat or can be better managed for safe disposal in a controlled gaseous and liquid products, together with secondary manner while meeting the pollution control standards. conversion technologies which convert these products into

more useful forms of energy such as heat and electricity. A variety of thermal technologies exists to convert the energy These technologies can be classified according to the stored in wastes to more useful forms of power. The three principal energy carrier produced in the conversion process. principal methods of thermo-chemical conversion are Carriers are in the form of heat, gas, liquid and/or solid combustion in excess air, gasification in reduced air, and products, depending on the extent to which oxygen is pyrolysis in the absence of air. The most common technique released into the conversion process (usually as air). for producing both heat and electrical energy from wastes is direct combustion. Combined heat and power (CHP) or 1.Combustioncogeneration systems, ranging from small-scale technology Direct combustion is the best established and most to large grid-connected facilities, provide significantly commonly used technology for converting waste matter into higher efficiencies than systems that only generate heat. During combustion, waste is burnt in the presence of electricity. excess air to produce heat. The first stage of combustion

involves the evolution of combustible vapours from wastes, In addition, biochemical processes, like anaerobic digestion, which burns as flames. Steam is expanded through a can also produce clean energy in the form of biogas which conventional turbo-alternator to produce electricity. The

A Glance at Major Waste-to-Energy TechnologiesBy Salman Zafar

14

residual material, in the form of charcoal, is burnt in a forced secondary component of the fuel gas.air supply to give more heat.

The gas producedsynthesis gas, or syngascan be cleaned, The main products of efficient combustion are carbon filtered, and then burned in a gas turbine in a simple or dioxide and water vapour, however tars, smoke and alkaline combined-cycle mode, comparable to LFG or biogas ash particles are also emitted. Minimisation of these produced from an anaerobic digester. The variability of waste emissions and accommodation of their possible effects are resource with respect to moisture content and particle size important concerns in the design of environmentally affects gas composition. The final fuel gas consists acceptable waste combustion systems. Combustion systems, principally of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane with based on a range of furnace designs, can be very efficient, small amounts of higher hydrocarbons. When air is used to typically recovering from 65-90 percent of the energy drive the gasification process, the combustible gases contained in the fuel source. Fluidised bed combustors produced are diluted with carbon dioxide and nitrogen which (FBCs), which use a bed of hot inert material such as sand, are have no energy value. For this reason the calorific value of the a more recent development. Bubbling FBCs are generally 3final fuel gas mixture is typically 4 - 6 MJ/Nm . used for waste-to-energy plants having heat producing capacity of 10-30 MW, while Circulating FBCs are more

This fuel gas may be burnt to generate heat; alternatively it applicable at larger scales.

may be processed and then used as fuel for gas-fired engines or gas turbines to drive generators. In smaller systems, the

2.Co-Combustion or Co-Firingsyngas can be fired in reciprocating engines, micro-turbines,

Co-firing or co-combustion of biomass wastes with coal and Stirling engines, or fuel cells. There are also small amounts of

other fossil fuels can provide a short-term, low-risk, low-cost unwanted by-products such as char particles, tars, oils and

option for producing renewable energy while simultaneously ash, which tend to be damaging to engines, turbines or fuel

reducing the use of fossil fuels. Co-firing involves utilising cells and which must therefore first be removed or processed

existing power generating plants that are fired with fossil fuel into additional fuel gas. This implies that gasifier operation is

(generally coal), and displacing a small proportion of the significantly more demanding than the operation of

fossil fuel with renewable biomass fuels. Co-firing offers the combustion systems.

major advantage of avoiding the construction of a new, dedicated, waste-to-energy power plant. An existing power

4.Pyrolysisstation is modified to accept the waste resource and utilise it

Pyrolysis is thermal decomposition occurring in the absence to produce a minor proportion of its electricity.

of oxygen. During the pyrolysis process, waste is heated either in the absence of air (i.e. indirectly), or by the partial

Co-firing may be implemented using different types and combustion of some of the waste in a restricted air or oxygen

percentages of wastes in a range of combustion and supply. This results in the thermal decomposition of the waste

gasification technologies. Most forms of biomass wastes are to form a combination of a solid char, gas, and liquid bio-oil,

suitable for co-firing. These include dedicated municipal which can be used as a liquid fuel or upgraded and further

solid wastes, wood waste and agricultural residues such as processed to value-added products.

straw and husk. The fuel preparation requirements, issues associated with combustion such as corrosion and fouling of

Whereas lower process temperature and longer vapour boiler tubes, and characteristics of residual ash dictate the co-

residence time favour the production of charcoal, high firing configuration appropriate for a particular plant and

temperature and longer residence time increase the waste waste resource. These configurations may be categorized

conversion to gas. However, moderate temperature and short into direct, indirect and parallel firing.

vapour residence time are optimum for producing liquids.Pyrolysis technologies are generally categorised as “fast” or

3.Gasification“slow” according to the time taken for processing the feed

Gasification systems operate by heating wastes in an into pyrolysis products. Using fast pyrolysis, bio-oil yield

environment where the solid waste breaks down to form a can be as high as 80 percent of the product on a dry fuel basis.

flammable gas. The gasification of biomass takes place in a Bio-oil can act as a liquid fuel or as a feedstock for chemical

restricted supply of air or oxygen at temperatures up to production.

1200°C 1300°C. The basic process comprises three distinct stages: ? Devolat i l izat ion - Methane and higher Biochemical Conversion of Wastes

hydrocarbons evolved as volatile gases from the Biochemical processes, like anaerobic digestion, can also biomass by the action of heat, to leave a reactive produce clean energy in the form of biogas which can be char converted to power and heat using a gas engine. Anaerobic

? Combustion - Volatiles and some of the char are digestion is a series of chemical reactions during which organic material is decomposed through the metabolic partially burnt in air or oxygen to generate heat and pathways of naturally occurring microorganisms in an

carbon dioxideoxygen depleted environment. In addition, wastes can also

? Reduction - Carbon dioxide absorbs heat and reacts yield liquid fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, with the remaining char to produce carbon which can be used to replace petroleum-based fuels.

monoxide fuel gas. Due to the presence of water 1.Anaerobic Digestion

vapour in the gasifier, hydrogen is produced as a Anaerobic digestion is the natural biological process which 15

stabilises organic waste in the absence of air and transforms it commonly used to power vehicles, heat homes, and for into biofertiliser and biogas. Anaerobic digestion is a reliable cooking. technology for the treatment of wet, organic waste. Organic waste from various sources is biochemically degraded in The largest potential feedstock for ethanol is lignocellulosic highly controlled, oxygen-free conditions resulting in the biomass wastes, which includes materials such as production of biogas which can be used to produce both agricultural residues (corn stover, crop straws and bagasse), electricity and heat. Almost any organic material can be herbaceous crops (alfalfa, switchgrass), short rotation woody processed with anaerobic digestion. This includes crops, forestry residues, waste paper and other wastes biodegradable waste materials such as municipal solid waste, (municipal and industrial). Bioethanol production from these animal manure, poultry litter, food wastes, sewage and feedstocks could be an attractive alternative for disposal of industrial wastes. these residues. Importantly, lignocellulosic feedstocks do not

interfere with food security.An anaerobic digestion plant produces two outputs, biogas and digestate, both of which can be further processed or Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is produced mainly via utilised to produce secondary outputs. Biogas can be used for biochemical routes. The three major steps involved are producing electricity and heat, as a natural gas substitute and pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation. also a transportation fuel. A combined heat and power plant Biomass is pretreated to improve the accessibility of system (CHP) not only generates power but also produces enzymes. After pretreatment, biomass undergoes enzymatic heat for in-house requirements to maintain desired hydrolysis for conversion of polysaccharides into monomer temperature level in the digester during cold season. For sugars, such as glucose and xylose. Subsequently, sugars are example, in Sweden, compressed biogas is used as a fermented to ethanol by the use of different microorganisms. transportation fuel for cars and buses. Biogas can also be upgraded and used in gas supply networks. Conclusion

Waste-to-energy plants offer two important benefits - Digestate can be further processed to produce liquor and a Environmentally safe waste management and disposal, as fibrous material. The fibre, which can be processed into well as the generation of clean electric power. The growing compost, is a bulky material with low levels of nutrients and use of waste-to-energy as a method to dispose of solid and can be used as a soil conditioner or a low level fertiliser. A liquid wastes and generate power has greatly reduced high proportion of the nutrients remain in the liquor, which environmental impacts of municipal solid waste can be used as a liquid fertiliser. management, including emissions of greenhouse gases.

2.Biofuels from Wastes An environmentally sound and techno-economically viable A variety of fuels can be produced from waste resources methodology to treat waste is highly crucial for the including liquid fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, sustainability of modern societies. A transition from Fischer-Tropsch diesel, and gaseous fuels, such as hydrogen conventional energy systems to one based on renewable and methane. The resource base for biofuel production is resources is necessary to meet the ever-increasing demand composed of a wide variety of forestry and agricultural for energy and to address environmental concerns.resources, industrial processing residues, and municipal solid and urban wood residues. Globally, biofuels are most

Salman Zafar is a Renewable Energy Advisor with expertise in biomass energy, waste-to-energy, cleantech, waste management and social entrepreneurship. Apart from managing his cleantech advisory firms BioEnergy Consult (www.bioenergyconsult.com) and Cleantech Loops (www.cleantechloops.com), he is also involved in fostering sustainable energy systems and creating mass awareness on environmental issues worldwide. Being a prolific author, he has many popular publications to his credit in reputed journals, magazines, newsletters and blogs. Salman possesses Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Chemical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (India) and can be reached at salman@bioenergyconsult.com

Biofuels and Biomass

'Biofuels' are liquid or gaseous fuels produced from biomass resources and used in place of, or in

addition to, diesel, petrol or other fossil fuels for transport, stationary, portable and other

applications. 'Biomass' resources are the biodegradable fraction of products, wastes and

residues from agriculture, forestry and related industries as well as the biodegradable fraction of

industrial and municipal wastes.

SUMMARY both urban and rural sectors. It is a matter which needs in-depth attention. The generation of solid biodegradable

2MT/day capacity Nisargruna biogas plant was installed materials is a decentralized process. Lack of civic sense of and commissioned in July 2010 for processing keeping the waste materials in a segregated fashion has biodegradable waste as an environmental initiative at Auro complicated the issue. This indifference at individual level Textile Mill (Vardhaman Group of Industries) at Baddi to waste has magnified and it has reflected especially in (Himachal Pradesh, India). The plant is working urban sector in developing a meaningless policy for continuously since then. 192.47 MT of kitchen waste handling solid waste. material (containing about 23% TS) and 693.21 MT of biological sludge (containing about 6.8% TS) generated in The administrators' whole attention is diverted to collect an effluent treatment plant of textile mill were processed in the bulk waste and dispose by throwing it on the dumping this plant over a period of 642 days (since October 6, 2010 yards. The trucks carrying waste materials daily in all the till July 20, 2012). About 33618 m3 biogas was generated cities and towns in the country do not speak highly about in this process and used for cooking in two kitchens of the this policy. The result is there for all to see in urban areas textile mill. Generated biogas is approximately equivalent where dumping has become a burning issue causing to 16000 Kg methane. About 40 MT of organic manure environmental and health problems. The solution to this was also generated in the process which was used in the problem does exist. It lies in acceptance of the concept of gardens of the mill. decentralization. The success of decentralization would

greatly depend upon two factors:The most important outcome of the process is the recycling of 251 MT of kitchen waste resource (20-22% TS) and (1) Segregation at the source (glass, metal scrap, electronic 1000 MT of biological sludge (6-7% TS) which otherwise items, green waste) and collection of segregated solid would have landed on dumping yard. There was no scum waste materials in segregated manner;formation in the predigester or main digester. During winter season when the temperatures dropped to minimum (2) Processing of biodegradable materials and recycling of 3-4oC, the obvious effect was seen on biogas generation non-biodegradable materials in an eco-friendly and which dropped to about 60% in January 2012. The coldest sustainable mannermonth was February 2012 when the biogas generation was reduced to 14% of the maximum yield. The process again NISARGRUNA technology developed by Bhabha Atomic picked up and has now reached peak activity again. Research Centre, Mumbai is based on biphasic (an aerobic

and anaerobic) processing of biodegradable waste Solid biodegradable waste materials have apparently materials. The main idea of these plants is decentralized created huge nuisance in of biodegradable waste materials generated management of solid waste in management

Nisargruna biogas plant for safe and meaningful disposal of biodegradable waste material: A case study at Baddi (Himachal Pradesh)By S. P. Kale, I. K. Saini and Rameshkumar

16 17

stabilises organic waste in the absence of air and transforms it commonly used to power vehicles, heat homes, and for into biofertiliser and biogas. Anaerobic digestion is a reliable cooking. technology for the treatment of wet, organic waste. Organic waste from various sources is biochemically degraded in The largest potential feedstock for ethanol is lignocellulosic highly controlled, oxygen-free conditions resulting in the biomass wastes, which includes materials such as production of biogas which can be used to produce both agricultural residues (corn stover, crop straws and bagasse), electricity and heat. Almost any organic material can be herbaceous crops (alfalfa, switchgrass), short rotation woody processed with anaerobic digestion. This includes crops, forestry residues, waste paper and other wastes biodegradable waste materials such as municipal solid waste, (municipal and industrial). Bioethanol production from these animal manure, poultry litter, food wastes, sewage and feedstocks could be an attractive alternative for disposal of industrial wastes. these residues. Importantly, lignocellulosic feedstocks do not

interfere with food security.An anaerobic digestion plant produces two outputs, biogas and digestate, both of which can be further processed or Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is produced mainly via utilised to produce secondary outputs. Biogas can be used for biochemical routes. The three major steps involved are producing electricity and heat, as a natural gas substitute and pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation. also a transportation fuel. A combined heat and power plant Biomass is pretreated to improve the accessibility of system (CHP) not only generates power but also produces enzymes. After pretreatment, biomass undergoes enzymatic heat for in-house requirements to maintain desired hydrolysis for conversion of polysaccharides into monomer temperature level in the digester during cold season. For sugars, such as glucose and xylose. Subsequently, sugars are example, in Sweden, compressed biogas is used as a fermented to ethanol by the use of different microorganisms. transportation fuel for cars and buses. Biogas can also be upgraded and used in gas supply networks. Conclusion

Waste-to-energy plants offer two important benefits - Digestate can be further processed to produce liquor and a Environmentally safe waste management and disposal, as fibrous material. The fibre, which can be processed into well as the generation of clean electric power. The growing compost, is a bulky material with low levels of nutrients and use of waste-to-energy as a method to dispose of solid and can be used as a soil conditioner or a low level fertiliser. A liquid wastes and generate power has greatly reduced high proportion of the nutrients remain in the liquor, which environmental impacts of municipal solid waste can be used as a liquid fertiliser. management, including emissions of greenhouse gases.

2.Biofuels from Wastes An environmentally sound and techno-economically viable A variety of fuels can be produced from waste resources methodology to treat waste is highly crucial for the including liquid fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, sustainability of modern societies. A transition from Fischer-Tropsch diesel, and gaseous fuels, such as hydrogen conventional energy systems to one based on renewable and methane. The resource base for biofuel production is resources is necessary to meet the ever-increasing demand composed of a wide variety of forestry and agricultural for energy and to address environmental concerns.resources, industrial processing residues, and municipal solid and urban wood residues. Globally, biofuels are most

Salman Zafar is a Renewable Energy Advisor with expertise in biomass energy, waste-to-energy, cleantech, waste management and social entrepreneurship. Apart from managing his cleantech advisory firms BioEnergy Consult (www.bioenergyconsult.com) and Cleantech Loops (www.cleantechloops.com), he is also involved in fostering sustainable energy systems and creating mass awareness on environmental issues worldwide. Being a prolific author, he has many popular publications to his credit in reputed journals, magazines, newsletters and blogs. Salman possesses Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Chemical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (India) and can be reached at salman@bioenergyconsult.com

Biofuels and Biomass

'Biofuels' are liquid or gaseous fuels produced from biomass resources and used in place of, or in

addition to, diesel, petrol or other fossil fuels for transport, stationary, portable and other

applications. 'Biomass' resources are the biodegradable fraction of products, wastes and

residues from agriculture, forestry and related industries as well as the biodegradable fraction of

industrial and municipal wastes.

SUMMARY both urban and rural sectors. It is a matter which needs in-depth attention. The generation of solid biodegradable

2MT/day capacity Nisargruna biogas plant was installed materials is a decentralized process. Lack of civic sense of and commissioned in July 2010 for processing keeping the waste materials in a segregated fashion has biodegradable waste as an environmental initiative at Auro complicated the issue. This indifference at individual level Textile Mill (Vardhaman Group of Industries) at Baddi to waste has magnified and it has reflected especially in (Himachal Pradesh, India). The plant is working urban sector in developing a meaningless policy for continuously since then. 192.47 MT of kitchen waste handling solid waste. material (containing about 23% TS) and 693.21 MT of biological sludge (containing about 6.8% TS) generated in The administrators' whole attention is diverted to collect an effluent treatment plant of textile mill were processed in the bulk waste and dispose by throwing it on the dumping this plant over a period of 642 days (since October 6, 2010 yards. The trucks carrying waste materials daily in all the till July 20, 2012). About 33618 m3 biogas was generated cities and towns in the country do not speak highly about in this process and used for cooking in two kitchens of the this policy. The result is there for all to see in urban areas textile mill. Generated biogas is approximately equivalent where dumping has become a burning issue causing to 16000 Kg methane. About 40 MT of organic manure environmental and health problems. The solution to this was also generated in the process which was used in the problem does exist. It lies in acceptance of the concept of gardens of the mill. decentralization. The success of decentralization would

greatly depend upon two factors:The most important outcome of the process is the recycling of 251 MT of kitchen waste resource (20-22% TS) and (1) Segregation at the source (glass, metal scrap, electronic 1000 MT of biological sludge (6-7% TS) which otherwise items, green waste) and collection of segregated solid would have landed on dumping yard. There was no scum waste materials in segregated manner;formation in the predigester or main digester. During winter season when the temperatures dropped to minimum (2) Processing of biodegradable materials and recycling of 3-4oC, the obvious effect was seen on biogas generation non-biodegradable materials in an eco-friendly and which dropped to about 60% in January 2012. The coldest sustainable mannermonth was February 2012 when the biogas generation was reduced to 14% of the maximum yield. The process again NISARGRUNA technology developed by Bhabha Atomic picked up and has now reached peak activity again. Research Centre, Mumbai is based on biphasic (an aerobic

and anaerobic) processing of biodegradable waste Solid biodegradable waste materials have apparently materials. The main idea of these plants is decentralized created huge nuisance in of biodegradable waste materials generated management of solid waste in management

Nisargruna biogas plant for safe and meaningful disposal of biodegradable waste material: A case study at Baddi (Himachal Pradesh)By S. P. Kale, I. K. Saini and Rameshkumar

16 17

in the premises of any establishment like municipal hydrogen/carbon dioxide (formate). At this stage the councils, wards in a municipal corporation, vegetable organic acids are converted by consortium of methane markets, hostel mess, abattoirs, residential complexes, bacteria to methane and carbon dioxide.government establishments, hotels and restaurants, industrial units and corporate sector offices. The undigested lignocelluloses and hemi-celluloses then

flow out as high quality organic manure slurry. The pH of If the biodegradable waste materials are processed at the this manure slurry ranges from 7.5-8. Since the waste site, the load on dumping yards would be considerably resource is processed at higher temperature, weed seeds are reduced and segregated non-biodegradable recyclable killed completely and the manure becomes weed free.materials would add to the economic and resource development of the country. Nisargruna is a composite of Addition of hot water helps in eliminating the two words: Nisarg and Runa. It means returning back the mesophilic bacteria and selection of thermophilic loan taken from nature. In this concept, the word waste is bacteria. But these thermophilic bacteria can operate at to be replaced by resource. The sustainability of life on this lower temperatures also. Hence hot water added even once planet is closely linked with resource recycling. In view of a day should be sufficient for maintaining the pure ever increasing human population resource recycling has consortium in the predigester. However, if it is possible to taken a centre stage and we must address the issue in maintain the temperature of predigester in the range of 42-totality. Nisargruna technology is developed with this aim 45 Deg.Centigrade throughout the day, the performance of in mind. predigester will definitely be better and the holding time

may be further reduced. Hot water also helps in Nisargruna technology hygienization of the slurry by killing the enteric bacteria

that may be present in the waste. The organically rich bio-degradable portion of solid waste is mixed with fresh water or preferably recycled water (if Some Gram negative Enterobacteria and Coliform bacteria available) to form slurry. The slurry is then aerobically have been isolated in the raw slurry. However in the second digested in predigester, where organic matter is converted zone these bacteria are totally eliminated. From the to organic acids. The predigestion is accentuated by predigester tank, the slurry enters the main tank where it addition of hot water and intermittent slow aeration to undergoes anaerobic degradation by a consortium of maintain oxygen level. Predigestion reactions are methane bacteria. These bacteria are naturally present in exothermic and temperature rises to 36 to 40ºC within the the alimentary canal of ruminant animals (cattle). They predigester. produce methane from the cellulosic materials in the slurry.

The undigested lingo-cellulosic and hemi-cellulosic Hot water obtained using solar energy is added to raise the materials are then passed on to the settling tank. After temperature to 42-45ºC. If sunlight is not sufficient about a month, high quality manure can be dug out from especially during winter, provision can be made to use part the settling tanks. There is no odour in the manure and the of the biogas generated to heat the required quantity of hot organic content is high, which can improve the quality of water using methane stoves. Main role of predigester is to humus in soil.digest proteins and low molecular weight carbohydrates to produce volatile fatty acids, make the slurry more and more Methane formationhomogenous and reduce the scum formation in main digester. Acid-producing bacteria convert the intermediates Methane-producing bacteria, involved in the third step, of fermenting bacteria into acetic acid (CH3COOH), decompose compounds with a low molecular weight. formic acid, several intermediary compounds and carbon Under natural conditions, methane-producing dioxide (CO2) in the predigester. These bacteria of the microorganisms occur in places where anaerobic conditions genus Bacillus are strictly aerobic and can grow under prevail, for instance under water (in marine sediments), in acidic conditions. ruminant stomachs and marshy areas. Methane bacteria are

strictly anaerobic and very sensitive to environmental An air compressor maintains aerobic conditions in the changes. In contrast to acidogenic and acetogenic bacteria, predigester. These bacteria use the oxygen dissolved in the methanogenic bacteria belong to the archaebacteria group, solution. Hereby, the acid-producing bacteria reduce the a group of bacteria with a very heterogeneous morphology compounds with a low molecular weight into alcohols, and a number of common biochemical and molecular-organic acids, amino acids, carbon dioxide, hydrogen biological properties that distinguish them from all other sulphide and traces of methane. The pH of the raw slurry bacterial genera. In our system we re-circulate the falls from 7.5 to about 4.5 to 5.5 in the pre-digester. generated biogas back into the system using a small Hydraulic retention time of 4 days is maintained in the compressor.predigester. The predigested slurry is further digested under anaerobic conditions for about 15 days. The process of This helps in enhancing the reduction of carbon dioxide methanogenesis takes place in this digester. to methane and enrichment of methane fraction in the

biogas. The separation of two stages in methane The main digester is seeded with cattle dung which is a rich

production helps in improving the purity of methane natural source of methanogens. Methane and carbon

gas, thereby increasing its fuel efficiency. However, the dioxide are the terminal products of this process. Methane

average composition round the year would depend on is produced from two primary substrates viz. acetate and how effectively pre-digester temperature and aeration

generating out of it, the total solids form an important therein can be effectively maintained. The flow diagram parameter to know the mass balance of the process.of Nisargruna process is given in figure 1.

The total solids were consistently in the range of 210 to At Auro Textile mills, Baddi, there are about 800 workers working in three shifts. The canteens generate some food 240 Kgs. per metric tonne of biodegradable waste materials waste and some food waste is collected from nearby processed in Nisargruna biogas plant. A major portion establishments. The biological sludge generated in effluent accounting for more than 90% of these total solids was treatment plant of the textile mills is processed in found to be total volatile solids. This component is a Nisargruna plant along with kitchen waste. significant deciding factor in determining biodegradation

potential of any biomethanation plant. Proteins (70 Kgs. per metric tonne), carbohydrates (80 Kgs. per metric tonne) Composition of biodegradable waste materials and lipids (53 Kgs. per metric tonne) were major generated in kitchens of small households or big components of biodegradable waste. The pH of the waste restaurants does not differ much qualitatively. The eating was consistently in the range of 7 to 7.5 indicating the great habits of individuals may vary a lot but there is again no potential for biodegradation. significant qualitative difference between kitchens of South

or North of the country as far as the composition of waste The biological sludge generated in effluent treatment plant is concerned. For instance rice is a major staple food in of Auro Textiles is another component of waste material Southern India and wheat in Northern India. The processed in Nisargruna plant. It is classified as hazardous biodegradable waste materials may not differ much as far as per the norms of State Pollution Control Board. The as their food value for the microbial world is concerned. disposal of this sludge is not only an expensive proposition This is an important point that makes the biodegradable needing substantial land area; it is also a potential waste a good starting material for biomethanation plants. environmental concern. More significantly the dumping Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are three major practice adopted for its disposal, as is the case at present, components of biodegradable waste.would lock these resources and hamper the biogeochemical cycles of essential elements. The analysis of kitchen waste generated in

neighborhood of Auro Textiles, Baddi is given in Table 1. The composition of biological sludge is given in Table 2. The waste apparently is very heterogeneous. It generally The total solids in the liquid sludge received at the contains cooked rice, pulses, bread, cooked vegetables and Nisargruna plant are in the range of 65 to 77 MT with an vegetable refuse and fruit skins. There could also be average of 68 Kg per metric tonne during the report period. mutton pieces, chicken remains and fish residues The total volatile solids component was in the range of 43 originating from non-vegetarian food resources. Since to 50 Kgs. per metric tonne. water is an important constituent of any food material or Proteins (9.4 Kg per metric tonne), carbohydrates (14.3 Kg

18 19

in the premises of any establishment like municipal hydrogen/carbon dioxide (formate). At this stage the councils, wards in a municipal corporation, vegetable organic acids are converted by consortium of methane markets, hostel mess, abattoirs, residential complexes, bacteria to methane and carbon dioxide.government establishments, hotels and restaurants, industrial units and corporate sector offices. The undigested lignocelluloses and hemi-celluloses then

flow out as high quality organic manure slurry. The pH of If the biodegradable waste materials are processed at the this manure slurry ranges from 7.5-8. Since the waste site, the load on dumping yards would be considerably resource is processed at higher temperature, weed seeds are reduced and segregated non-biodegradable recyclable killed completely and the manure becomes weed free.materials would add to the economic and resource development of the country. Nisargruna is a composite of Addition of hot water helps in eliminating the two words: Nisarg and Runa. It means returning back the mesophilic bacteria and selection of thermophilic loan taken from nature. In this concept, the word waste is bacteria. But these thermophilic bacteria can operate at to be replaced by resource. The sustainability of life on this lower temperatures also. Hence hot water added even once planet is closely linked with resource recycling. In view of a day should be sufficient for maintaining the pure ever increasing human population resource recycling has consortium in the predigester. However, if it is possible to taken a centre stage and we must address the issue in maintain the temperature of predigester in the range of 42-totality. Nisargruna technology is developed with this aim 45 Deg.Centigrade throughout the day, the performance of in mind. predigester will definitely be better and the holding time

may be further reduced. Hot water also helps in Nisargruna technology hygienization of the slurry by killing the enteric bacteria

that may be present in the waste. The organically rich bio-degradable portion of solid waste is mixed with fresh water or preferably recycled water (if Some Gram negative Enterobacteria and Coliform bacteria available) to form slurry. The slurry is then aerobically have been isolated in the raw slurry. However in the second digested in predigester, where organic matter is converted zone these bacteria are totally eliminated. From the to organic acids. The predigestion is accentuated by predigester tank, the slurry enters the main tank where it addition of hot water and intermittent slow aeration to undergoes anaerobic degradation by a consortium of maintain oxygen level. Predigestion reactions are methane bacteria. These bacteria are naturally present in exothermic and temperature rises to 36 to 40ºC within the the alimentary canal of ruminant animals (cattle). They predigester. produce methane from the cellulosic materials in the slurry.

The undigested lingo-cellulosic and hemi-cellulosic Hot water obtained using solar energy is added to raise the materials are then passed on to the settling tank. After temperature to 42-45ºC. If sunlight is not sufficient about a month, high quality manure can be dug out from especially during winter, provision can be made to use part the settling tanks. There is no odour in the manure and the of the biogas generated to heat the required quantity of hot organic content is high, which can improve the quality of water using methane stoves. Main role of predigester is to humus in soil.digest proteins and low molecular weight carbohydrates to produce volatile fatty acids, make the slurry more and more Methane formationhomogenous and reduce the scum formation in main digester. Acid-producing bacteria convert the intermediates Methane-producing bacteria, involved in the third step, of fermenting bacteria into acetic acid (CH3COOH), decompose compounds with a low molecular weight. formic acid, several intermediary compounds and carbon Under natural conditions, methane-producing dioxide (CO2) in the predigester. These bacteria of the microorganisms occur in places where anaerobic conditions genus Bacillus are strictly aerobic and can grow under prevail, for instance under water (in marine sediments), in acidic conditions. ruminant stomachs and marshy areas. Methane bacteria are

strictly anaerobic and very sensitive to environmental An air compressor maintains aerobic conditions in the changes. In contrast to acidogenic and acetogenic bacteria, predigester. These bacteria use the oxygen dissolved in the methanogenic bacteria belong to the archaebacteria group, solution. Hereby, the acid-producing bacteria reduce the a group of bacteria with a very heterogeneous morphology compounds with a low molecular weight into alcohols, and a number of common biochemical and molecular-organic acids, amino acids, carbon dioxide, hydrogen biological properties that distinguish them from all other sulphide and traces of methane. The pH of the raw slurry bacterial genera. In our system we re-circulate the falls from 7.5 to about 4.5 to 5.5 in the pre-digester. generated biogas back into the system using a small Hydraulic retention time of 4 days is maintained in the compressor.predigester. The predigested slurry is further digested under anaerobic conditions for about 15 days. The process of This helps in enhancing the reduction of carbon dioxide methanogenesis takes place in this digester. to methane and enrichment of methane fraction in the

biogas. The separation of two stages in methane The main digester is seeded with cattle dung which is a rich

production helps in improving the purity of methane natural source of methanogens. Methane and carbon

gas, thereby increasing its fuel efficiency. However, the dioxide are the terminal products of this process. Methane

average composition round the year would depend on is produced from two primary substrates viz. acetate and how effectively pre-digester temperature and aeration

generating out of it, the total solids form an important therein can be effectively maintained. The flow diagram parameter to know the mass balance of the process.of Nisargruna process is given in figure 1.

The total solids were consistently in the range of 210 to At Auro Textile mills, Baddi, there are about 800 workers working in three shifts. The canteens generate some food 240 Kgs. per metric tonne of biodegradable waste materials waste and some food waste is collected from nearby processed in Nisargruna biogas plant. A major portion establishments. The biological sludge generated in effluent accounting for more than 90% of these total solids was treatment plant of the textile mills is processed in found to be total volatile solids. This component is a Nisargruna plant along with kitchen waste. significant deciding factor in determining biodegradation

potential of any biomethanation plant. Proteins (70 Kgs. per metric tonne), carbohydrates (80 Kgs. per metric tonne) Composition of biodegradable waste materials and lipids (53 Kgs. per metric tonne) were major generated in kitchens of small households or big components of biodegradable waste. The pH of the waste restaurants does not differ much qualitatively. The eating was consistently in the range of 7 to 7.5 indicating the great habits of individuals may vary a lot but there is again no potential for biodegradation. significant qualitative difference between kitchens of South

or North of the country as far as the composition of waste The biological sludge generated in effluent treatment plant is concerned. For instance rice is a major staple food in of Auro Textiles is another component of waste material Southern India and wheat in Northern India. The processed in Nisargruna plant. It is classified as hazardous biodegradable waste materials may not differ much as far as per the norms of State Pollution Control Board. The as their food value for the microbial world is concerned. disposal of this sludge is not only an expensive proposition This is an important point that makes the biodegradable needing substantial land area; it is also a potential waste a good starting material for biomethanation plants. environmental concern. More significantly the dumping Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are three major practice adopted for its disposal, as is the case at present, components of biodegradable waste.would lock these resources and hamper the biogeochemical cycles of essential elements. The analysis of kitchen waste generated in

neighborhood of Auro Textiles, Baddi is given in Table 1. The composition of biological sludge is given in Table 2. The waste apparently is very heterogeneous. It generally The total solids in the liquid sludge received at the contains cooked rice, pulses, bread, cooked vegetables and Nisargruna plant are in the range of 65 to 77 MT with an vegetable refuse and fruit skins. There could also be average of 68 Kg per metric tonne during the report period. mutton pieces, chicken remains and fish residues The total volatile solids component was in the range of 43 originating from non-vegetarian food resources. Since to 50 Kgs. per metric tonne. water is an important constituent of any food material or Proteins (9.4 Kg per metric tonne), carbohydrates (14.3 Kg

18 19

per metric tonne) and lipids (7.8 Kg per metric tonne) were major components of biodegradable waste. The pH of the Table 3 gives the monthly account of processing of mainly biological sludge was consistently 7.5. kitchen waste and biological sludge and generation and use

of biogas. Initially the quantity of waste processed was low It is evident from Table 1 and 2 that the food waste would and corresponding biogas quantities generated were also on contribute significantly to the biological processes lower side. In this phase the bacteria in predigester are happening in Nisargruna biogas plant as compared to the getting adjusted to the conditions. Kitchen waste materials biological sludge. In biological sludge total volatile solids received in predigester may pose sometimes acidic are about 34 Kg/MT while in food waste they are about conditions.

210 Kg/MT. Since biogas generation potential is directly linked to the total volatile solids, the food waste would Aeration is another crucial factor which plays a major role account for about 84-85% biogas. in selection of a consortium of bacteria which would

dominate the predigester in its life time. Aeration must be Biological sludge, on the other hand would contribute to done at slow speed for allowing sufficient time for manure formation but the reduction of total volume dissolution of oxygen in the slurry. Forceful aeration can be achieved in Nisargruna process would be the most proved to be detrimental. During this selection process it is

important that the loading of predigester should be increased gradually. As the dominant bacterial strains get selected, they start increasing in number and their efficiency also increases.

This selection process is also influenced significantly by temperature of the slurry. Addition of hot water towards evening has been seen to maintain the temperature higher by few degrees. Use of solar panels for getting warm water is encouraged. In most parts of our country, the sunlight is

attractive feature which would win over other disposal methods.

Initial seeding of the plant was done with cattle dung in July 2010. The predigester and digester were filled completely using cattle dung slurry (1:2 dung to water) and the system was left undisturbed for 3 weeks. In August and September 2010, daily feeding was done with about 100 Kgs. of food waste only. The methane contents of biogas slowly improved over these two months and flammable gas could be seen forming in a sustained manner.

An attempt was made for processing of small quantities of garden waste (mainly lawn cuttings) and cotton waste. However, the lawn cuttings were found to carry a substantial quantity of soil and hence were discontinued for the fear of soil getting deposited in predigester and causing further problems. The cotton waste generated in Auro textile is in almost powder form. When this was added to the system, it was found to create scum on the top of predigester causing hindrance for the free flow of slurry. Therefore, it was discontinued. The system is processing only kitchen waste and biological sludge since then.

Prof. Sharad Kale

Ish Kumar Saini

Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Prof. Kale is engaged in research on pesticide degradation and environmental pollution for last 34 years at Bhabha Atomic research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. He has worked on microbial degradation of 14C-labelled pesticides viz. Carbofuran, Nitrofen, Chlorpyrifos, DDT, HCH, Phenol, Oxyfluorfen, Endosulfan, Naphthalene, Fluoranthene, PCBs and Anthracene. He has developed rice fish ecosystem and marine ecosystem to study the bioaccumulation of pesticides in rice and fish and marine environment. He has also developed NISARGRUNA plant for solid waste management. This has generated lot of interest in last 10 years. He takes keen interest in spreading scientific awareness in the society through seminars and articles in newspapers and magazines. His contact email: sharadkale@gmail.com

A Mechanical Engineer from Himachal Pradesh. He has 20 years of Industrial experience in Engineering function ( Utility), operation & maintenance of Water system & Wastewater treatment, Air Pollution control, Boilers , Thermic heater, compressed air system. etc. Presently working as Chief Manager (Engineering) in Vardhman Textiles Ltd., one of the leading textile Companies in India. Looking after Engineering function of Units located at Baddi Himachal Pradesh, namely Auro Textiles & Auro Dyeing (Units of Vardhman Textiles Ltd.). Attended many National Conferences & workshops on energy savings. His contact email: iksaini@vardhman.com

Dr. Ramesh Kumar has a Masters Degree in Environmental Science & Doctorate Degree in Environmental Science from Gujarat University, Ahemedabad. He is having 23 years of Industrial experience in Water & Wastewater treatment, Air Pollution control & Solid waste Management in Large scale Industries like Pulp, Paper, Textile Mills. Presently working as Chief Manager (Environment, Health & Safety) with M/s Vardhman Textiles Ltd., one of the leading Textile Company in India. He has provided technical assistance for setting up of Common Treatment, Storage & Disposal Facility at Nimbua, Punjab State. He visited many foreign countries to study the recent technological developments in the field of wastewater treatment & Solid waste management's and attended many National & International Conferences & workshops & published 13 Research Articles

in the National & International Journals. His contact email: ktramesh@vardhman.com

quite bright for 8-10 months. Solar panels can give hot is about 300 m while the distance between second water at 60-80oC except during severe winter. It is kitchen and gas plant is about 400 m. Care has been evident from Table 4 that the adjustment phase at Baddi taken to provide moisture traps on the gas pipe line so was of about 6 months. that only dry gas reaches the kitchens through the gas

meters. The gas consumed in each kitchen is monitored This extended period was required due to winter every day. A variety of food items are cooked using this

biogas. The biogas has definitely reduced the use of LPG months the plant had to pass through while maturing, When Nisargruna plant is commissioned in early March, we can expect that this phase can be as short as 3 months in warmer parts of our country. Once the adjustment phase is over, the biological activity of the plant becomes very dynamic. Biogas formation reaches its peak during this phase. If we can maintain the optimum operating conditions with respect to feed, aeration, hot water addition and methane recycling then the sustained process with in these kitchens substantially. A rough estimate is that maximum effects could be assured. about 1100 LPG cylinders (14.2 Kg capacity) might have

been saved by using biogas.The distance between gas plant and the first kitchen

20 21

per metric tonne) and lipids (7.8 Kg per metric tonne) were major components of biodegradable waste. The pH of the Table 3 gives the monthly account of processing of mainly biological sludge was consistently 7.5. kitchen waste and biological sludge and generation and use

of biogas. Initially the quantity of waste processed was low It is evident from Table 1 and 2 that the food waste would and corresponding biogas quantities generated were also on contribute significantly to the biological processes lower side. In this phase the bacteria in predigester are happening in Nisargruna biogas plant as compared to the getting adjusted to the conditions. Kitchen waste materials biological sludge. In biological sludge total volatile solids received in predigester may pose sometimes acidic are about 34 Kg/MT while in food waste they are about conditions.

210 Kg/MT. Since biogas generation potential is directly linked to the total volatile solids, the food waste would Aeration is another crucial factor which plays a major role account for about 84-85% biogas. in selection of a consortium of bacteria which would

dominate the predigester in its life time. Aeration must be Biological sludge, on the other hand would contribute to done at slow speed for allowing sufficient time for manure formation but the reduction of total volume dissolution of oxygen in the slurry. Forceful aeration can be achieved in Nisargruna process would be the most proved to be detrimental. During this selection process it is

important that the loading of predigester should be increased gradually. As the dominant bacterial strains get selected, they start increasing in number and their efficiency also increases.

This selection process is also influenced significantly by temperature of the slurry. Addition of hot water towards evening has been seen to maintain the temperature higher by few degrees. Use of solar panels for getting warm water is encouraged. In most parts of our country, the sunlight is

attractive feature which would win over other disposal methods.

Initial seeding of the plant was done with cattle dung in July 2010. The predigester and digester were filled completely using cattle dung slurry (1:2 dung to water) and the system was left undisturbed for 3 weeks. In August and September 2010, daily feeding was done with about 100 Kgs. of food waste only. The methane contents of biogas slowly improved over these two months and flammable gas could be seen forming in a sustained manner.

An attempt was made for processing of small quantities of garden waste (mainly lawn cuttings) and cotton waste. However, the lawn cuttings were found to carry a substantial quantity of soil and hence were discontinued for the fear of soil getting deposited in predigester and causing further problems. The cotton waste generated in Auro textile is in almost powder form. When this was added to the system, it was found to create scum on the top of predigester causing hindrance for the free flow of slurry. Therefore, it was discontinued. The system is processing only kitchen waste and biological sludge since then.

Prof. Sharad Kale

Ish Kumar Saini

Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Prof. Kale is engaged in research on pesticide degradation and environmental pollution for last 34 years at Bhabha Atomic research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. He has worked on microbial degradation of 14C-labelled pesticides viz. Carbofuran, Nitrofen, Chlorpyrifos, DDT, HCH, Phenol, Oxyfluorfen, Endosulfan, Naphthalene, Fluoranthene, PCBs and Anthracene. He has developed rice fish ecosystem and marine ecosystem to study the bioaccumulation of pesticides in rice and fish and marine environment. He has also developed NISARGRUNA plant for solid waste management. This has generated lot of interest in last 10 years. He takes keen interest in spreading scientific awareness in the society through seminars and articles in newspapers and magazines. His contact email: sharadkale@gmail.com

A Mechanical Engineer from Himachal Pradesh. He has 20 years of Industrial experience in Engineering function ( Utility), operation & maintenance of Water system & Wastewater treatment, Air Pollution control, Boilers , Thermic heater, compressed air system. etc. Presently working as Chief Manager (Engineering) in Vardhman Textiles Ltd., one of the leading textile Companies in India. Looking after Engineering function of Units located at Baddi Himachal Pradesh, namely Auro Textiles & Auro Dyeing (Units of Vardhman Textiles Ltd.). Attended many National Conferences & workshops on energy savings. His contact email: iksaini@vardhman.com

Dr. Ramesh Kumar has a Masters Degree in Environmental Science & Doctorate Degree in Environmental Science from Gujarat University, Ahemedabad. He is having 23 years of Industrial experience in Water & Wastewater treatment, Air Pollution control & Solid waste Management in Large scale Industries like Pulp, Paper, Textile Mills. Presently working as Chief Manager (Environment, Health & Safety) with M/s Vardhman Textiles Ltd., one of the leading Textile Company in India. He has provided technical assistance for setting up of Common Treatment, Storage & Disposal Facility at Nimbua, Punjab State. He visited many foreign countries to study the recent technological developments in the field of wastewater treatment & Solid waste management's and attended many National & International Conferences & workshops & published 13 Research Articles

in the National & International Journals. His contact email: ktramesh@vardhman.com

quite bright for 8-10 months. Solar panels can give hot is about 300 m while the distance between second water at 60-80oC except during severe winter. It is kitchen and gas plant is about 400 m. Care has been evident from Table 4 that the adjustment phase at Baddi taken to provide moisture traps on the gas pipe line so was of about 6 months. that only dry gas reaches the kitchens through the gas

meters. The gas consumed in each kitchen is monitored This extended period was required due to winter every day. A variety of food items are cooked using this

biogas. The biogas has definitely reduced the use of LPG months the plant had to pass through while maturing, When Nisargruna plant is commissioned in early March, we can expect that this phase can be as short as 3 months in warmer parts of our country. Once the adjustment phase is over, the biological activity of the plant becomes very dynamic. Biogas formation reaches its peak during this phase. If we can maintain the optimum operating conditions with respect to feed, aeration, hot water addition and methane recycling then the sustained process with in these kitchens substantially. A rough estimate is that maximum effects could be assured. about 1100 LPG cylinders (14.2 Kg capacity) might have

been saved by using biogas.The distance between gas plant and the first kitchen

20 21

How to make good things happen in country like India

where capital deployment, legal compliance, social

responsibility, complex tax structure, tax (mis)

administration, corrupt influence in project award, land

acquisition with state or central organisation, payment

receipt risks, bankruptcy of state government or its utilities,

expensive energy buying with forceful RPO mechanism,

billion of starving people can't afford expensive energy,

despite these we can make good things happen by reducing

the project costs:

1) Identify and acquire the land and create evacuation

facilities- timely completion of this commitment from

Center and State govt.

2) Identify world class proven technology and suppliers

and EPC with maintenance team (5 to 15 of them). Let the

local O & M Entrepreneurs join hands with them to ensure

power generation, bill realization and the plant

maintenance with good knowledge base till the plant life.

3) Let these EPC companies bring low cost debt funding

agencies with them say at 4 or 5% rate of interest (max).

Let government be the guarantor for the deduction of Debt

repayment from monthly bill and give it back immediately

to Debt funding agency with 10 / 12 year term period.

4) EPC Companies (with JV with local O & M Agency)

shall develop the project and maintain for 25 years and

realise the energy bill and ensure payment of debt and the

VIEW POINT:

Stake Holding Capitalism To Reduce The Project Cost And One Full Project Equity To Execute Renewable Energy Projects In IndiaBy Praveen Kumar Kulkarni

remaining cash shall go the bank account of RETAIL development.

DEVELOPER.14). Instead of signing 100s of PPAs, sign only 5 or 15 or can

5) Government shall issue a PPA with same terms to 5 or be 30 with EPC companies (with a good Pre-Qualification in

15 EPC companies to develop the project of each 50 / Place) with a check on their project costs with quality by

100 to 200 MW with clearly defined terms and taxation being equity holders, thus, even a small / RETAIL

with assured payment mechanism INVESTOR gets an access to low cost debt fund, (without

collateral security, but with a right to deduct the interest and 6) Each EPC co can ask RETAIL EQUITY INVESTOR loan EMI with EPC co till the term loan) which is now only to deposit 30% of the Project cost / MW i.e. 0.5 MW to possible to Large Corporate cos. Thus we can attract new 15 MW per RETAIL INVESTOR. players to invest in this field with fiscal benefits.

7) From the common low cost debt fund pool, the EPC 15) The area shall be earmarked for each of the "Part co shall arrange the debt based on EQUITY received Owners" who book the orders ranging from 0.5 MW to 15 from the RETAIL INVESTOR. MW per entity.

8) Keep developing projects till the maximum capacity / 16). This ensures tax compliance, assured energy generation EPC co and keep allotting the project to RETAIL and payments from government assured debt repayment, INVESTOR as per their equity money deposits. assured project execution in TIME with land acquisition by

making government to create the initial infrastructure with 9) Let Government keep giving tax holiday or such

responsibility apart from making the EPC companies also minimum FISCAL incentives to RETAIL INVESTOR

responsible to generate power on long term basis with good (Project Developer) as he is owning the project by

maintenance to reduce the future maintenance costs with paying the equity and monitors EPCs progress as part of

skilled labour generation at Clusters. Thus capacity building Progress Monitoring team with rights to check costs and

can be uniform with uniform products, less spares, less quality at any stage of project with right to reject or

inventory, local manufacturing of key components, local make good clauses, so that Corruption in Private EPC co

sourcing of spares and services etc can be planned in a more can be controlled.

organised way. Thus we avoid the whims of ministers /

political parties or their government administrative 10) Due to award of projects to 5 to 15 large EPC machinery to resist the project development in the name of companies who can arrange low cost debt fund with environment approvals, pollution control or such bla bla local world class proven technology with them, we can avoid approvals, which reduces corruption at all levels due to such the time and cost on dealing with Government approvals transparent system of project development.(including environment ministry, state government

officials etc so NO BRIBE), Meeting Ministers or To get the award of Project, the EPC companies need not pay

awarding to companies (FAKE developers who sell the any BRIBE as they have to remain responsible for the debt

stakes after PPA to real developers) without having repayment, energy generation with proper maintenance.

experience in technology (but only have access to power Thus, it allows only serious EPC players to be in the race.

corridor) and developing project with inferior technology Reverse bidding and crazy tariff discovery, accelerated

or product etcdepreciation to avoid TAX PAYMENT, etc. will go away and

real project development with real costs will evolve, which 11) If the projects are developed in clusters, we can will be a good sign. Thus, the distribution of wealth to many reduce the costs on evacuation and ensure good expertise investors / many entrepreneurs with a good project to execute and maintain the project till the plant life.development and employment generation strategy, which in

12) By Making EPC co responsible for generation and turn reduce the importance of a large industry owner or his Maintenance, we can avoid FLY BY NIGHT or MAKE house to influence the policy making for their benefits, thus, SHIFT EPC co, thus, we can generate good quality the COUNTRY FIRST concept, can be assured.National Assets / technology in INDIA be it solar PV or

Irrespective of which Political party rules, the mechanism in Solar Thermal.INDIA as proposed in this article will be a game changer, if

13) Every state shall identify such cluster area with implemented in its spirit due to a simple fact that:clearly acquired DRY land (without suppressing the poor

farmers), thus, real estate mafia need not increase the 1) Project developer is a group ofland price near evacuation point as is happening apart

from resistance to put up towers in few farmer's land, - Government (facilitator, land acquirer, evacuator, Law and thus, the projects are getting delayed.... Local land mafia order maintaining agency, ensurer to have payment security, or such deterrents can be eliminated by this cluster 22 23

How to make good things happen in country like India

where capital deployment, legal compliance, social

responsibility, complex tax structure, tax (mis)

administration, corrupt influence in project award, land

acquisition with state or central organisation, payment

receipt risks, bankruptcy of state government or its utilities,

expensive energy buying with forceful RPO mechanism,

billion of starving people can't afford expensive energy,

despite these we can make good things happen by reducing

the project costs:

1) Identify and acquire the land and create evacuation

facilities- timely completion of this commitment from

Center and State govt.

2) Identify world class proven technology and suppliers

and EPC with maintenance team (5 to 15 of them). Let the

local O & M Entrepreneurs join hands with them to ensure

power generation, bill realization and the plant

maintenance with good knowledge base till the plant life.

3) Let these EPC companies bring low cost debt funding

agencies with them say at 4 or 5% rate of interest (max).

Let government be the guarantor for the deduction of Debt

repayment from monthly bill and give it back immediately

to Debt funding agency with 10 / 12 year term period.

4) EPC Companies (with JV with local O & M Agency)

shall develop the project and maintain for 25 years and

realise the energy bill and ensure payment of debt and the

VIEW POINT:

Stake Holding Capitalism To Reduce The Project Cost And One Full Project Equity To Execute Renewable Energy Projects In IndiaBy Praveen Kumar Kulkarni

remaining cash shall go the bank account of RETAIL development.

DEVELOPER.14). Instead of signing 100s of PPAs, sign only 5 or 15 or can

5) Government shall issue a PPA with same terms to 5 or be 30 with EPC companies (with a good Pre-Qualification in

15 EPC companies to develop the project of each 50 / Place) with a check on their project costs with quality by

100 to 200 MW with clearly defined terms and taxation being equity holders, thus, even a small / RETAIL

with assured payment mechanism INVESTOR gets an access to low cost debt fund, (without

collateral security, but with a right to deduct the interest and 6) Each EPC co can ask RETAIL EQUITY INVESTOR loan EMI with EPC co till the term loan) which is now only to deposit 30% of the Project cost / MW i.e. 0.5 MW to possible to Large Corporate cos. Thus we can attract new 15 MW per RETAIL INVESTOR. players to invest in this field with fiscal benefits.

7) From the common low cost debt fund pool, the EPC 15) The area shall be earmarked for each of the "Part co shall arrange the debt based on EQUITY received Owners" who book the orders ranging from 0.5 MW to 15 from the RETAIL INVESTOR. MW per entity.

8) Keep developing projects till the maximum capacity / 16). This ensures tax compliance, assured energy generation EPC co and keep allotting the project to RETAIL and payments from government assured debt repayment, INVESTOR as per their equity money deposits. assured project execution in TIME with land acquisition by

making government to create the initial infrastructure with 9) Let Government keep giving tax holiday or such

responsibility apart from making the EPC companies also minimum FISCAL incentives to RETAIL INVESTOR

responsible to generate power on long term basis with good (Project Developer) as he is owning the project by

maintenance to reduce the future maintenance costs with paying the equity and monitors EPCs progress as part of

skilled labour generation at Clusters. Thus capacity building Progress Monitoring team with rights to check costs and

can be uniform with uniform products, less spares, less quality at any stage of project with right to reject or

inventory, local manufacturing of key components, local make good clauses, so that Corruption in Private EPC co

sourcing of spares and services etc can be planned in a more can be controlled.

organised way. Thus we avoid the whims of ministers /

political parties or their government administrative 10) Due to award of projects to 5 to 15 large EPC machinery to resist the project development in the name of companies who can arrange low cost debt fund with environment approvals, pollution control or such bla bla local world class proven technology with them, we can avoid approvals, which reduces corruption at all levels due to such the time and cost on dealing with Government approvals transparent system of project development.(including environment ministry, state government

officials etc so NO BRIBE), Meeting Ministers or To get the award of Project, the EPC companies need not pay

awarding to companies (FAKE developers who sell the any BRIBE as they have to remain responsible for the debt

stakes after PPA to real developers) without having repayment, energy generation with proper maintenance.

experience in technology (but only have access to power Thus, it allows only serious EPC players to be in the race.

corridor) and developing project with inferior technology Reverse bidding and crazy tariff discovery, accelerated

or product etcdepreciation to avoid TAX PAYMENT, etc. will go away and

real project development with real costs will evolve, which 11) If the projects are developed in clusters, we can will be a good sign. Thus, the distribution of wealth to many reduce the costs on evacuation and ensure good expertise investors / many entrepreneurs with a good project to execute and maintain the project till the plant life.development and employment generation strategy, which in

12) By Making EPC co responsible for generation and turn reduce the importance of a large industry owner or his Maintenance, we can avoid FLY BY NIGHT or MAKE house to influence the policy making for their benefits, thus, SHIFT EPC co, thus, we can generate good quality the COUNTRY FIRST concept, can be assured.National Assets / technology in INDIA be it solar PV or

Irrespective of which Political party rules, the mechanism in Solar Thermal.INDIA as proposed in this article will be a game changer, if

13) Every state shall identify such cluster area with implemented in its spirit due to a simple fact that:clearly acquired DRY land (without suppressing the poor

farmers), thus, real estate mafia need not increase the 1) Project developer is a group ofland price near evacuation point as is happening apart

from resistance to put up towers in few farmer's land, - Government (facilitator, land acquirer, evacuator, Law and thus, the projects are getting delayed.... Local land mafia order maintaining agency, ensurer to have payment security, or such deterrents can be eliminated by this cluster 22 23

part guarantor for pledging the assets of EPC with Let us try new / innovative way of achieving ends with

regulation so that low cost debt funding can have in built good purpose by a different means without destabilizing

security) the Indian Democracy / Constitution while making the

corporate companies responsible for Socio Economic

- EPC company (Knows the good technology, development with high degree of transparency too:

responsibly maintains the plant till plant life with less 1) Having Retail equity holders under "Stake Holding costs by employing the trained mind set, assures power Capitalism" principle, gives an opportunity to keep a generation, recovers debt, recovers energy bills, replaces check on the large listed corporate team work's panels or Inverter if faulty with a firm commercial efficiency, loyalty of large Public Listed company, which contract with suppliers, less down time in case of repairs, otherwise is very difficult to check the corrupt thoughts / easy legal compliances on behalf of investors or part procedure / people already hired. A cleansing mechanism project owners, respect law of land and environment)cum inviting new ideas and pressure to perform.

Selection of equity holders (educated with little - Small Investors (Feel proud for National growth due knowledge on Solar Industry).inclusive participation, Project developers to pump

equity money in small ticket size, access to low DEBT 2) In order to find sustainable solutions, it always better cost fund(@5% interest rate), no need to hire qualified to remain and perform to ensure our RESULTS to speak Finance or Technilcal professionals for small size rather than creating some base (till IPO or listing) and projects say 0.5MW, no worries of employee retention, then exiting the business or RAISING HANDS without no worry to run to 15 departments for project approval finding sustainable solutions, which will be detrimental for a small project, no need to grease hands of bill paying for India's capacity to find sustainable solutions with a authority or approval authority, no need to worry about good organisation with good people. Thus our proposal / suppliers turning back and more plant down time)suggestion for a large listed corporate company to be

EPC and maintenance organisation is mainly to ensure - Other advantages (Government need not waste money sustainability from the day of first planning.in evacuation of infirm energy if the plant size is too

small, 100s of small PPAs need not be signed or 3) India is un-necessarily spending 20% or more on followed, No need to involve middle men to arrange development of Solar or Hydro Power Project with the finance from FIs and hence reduction of 2 or 3% same technology of Europe / USA with following break commission or project cost, No worry of unnecessarily up, which we must stop otherwise, there won't be the booking the project and then selling to others at premium existence of Country (Forget public sector or private thus delaying the project development) sector or Ministry or capitalists, etc. when we do not

have independence / country, then, what is the use / - Large infrastructure (Power generation, allied supply meaning of being rich (like Gadaffis or Saddams, etc.) or chain and service industries) creation at low cost Poor...)...let us not be hypocrites in accepting these PROJECTS (~20% cost reduction due to above- realities and the system is correcting and will correct for mentioned facts) with quick finance close, Employment sure for self sustainability:generation and its retention with good training, less evacuation costs.

Expenses on Commissions / Liaison to

lobby (2%), - Low tariff due lower project costs, less burden on

citizen

Project award soft costs (or a rude comment in - No worry about change of government, transfer of practice called bribe) (5% to 10%), officials who pays money at DISCOM (with soft banks or finance Agent's commission (read FIs understanding or meter manipulation), so stable policy /CAs) (1.5 to 3%), and stable revenue and stable debt repayment

High debt interest rate (14%, whereas in the Hope we (Small Investors, EPC Co, Government west it is only 1.5 to 3%),agencies, FIs) can monitor to achieve these objectives by

reducing the INFLUENCE of Politicians / RED TAPISM

in the growth of INDIAN INFRASTRUCTURE without Various Approval expenses (2%), policy paralysis and less corruption with great degree of

transparency!Land cost increase and such sundries (1%),

?

?

?

?

?24

The author is a Gold Medalist from SLN College of Engineering, Gulbarga University, Karnataka,

INDIA. Industrial work experience over 23 years with PSU, MNCs. He had worked for: Tungabharda

Steel Products Ltd, Hospet from 1988 to 1995. Executed engineering of 21 Hydro Mechanical

Equipment projects. Deputed to Japan for 5 months as part of UNIDO program to become JICA

participant-1994. He introduced CAD in TSPL with software programs for design of Gates, Hoists and

Cranes. He was deputed to TSPL Hyderabad branch to assist business development of Steel Plant

Equipments.

With SMS Demag India Ltd, German MNC), he engineered Steel Melt Shop equipments of Jindal Vijay Nagar Steel

Plant. Apart from being the Head of Secondary refining equipments viz. VD, VOD, RH, RHOB, SMS equipments, he

supported the pre-bid and business development activities thru ICB of SMS Demag Secondary refining equipments.

Visited SMS Demag, Duisburg on company assignments.

ALSTOM Portugal / India (French MNC) hired him as a Consultant and Part of Management team to launch Hydro

Mechanical Equipment in India in their Baroda factory. Prepared Business plans, Export support (1ME, Owenfalls,

Uganda), tendering support to realize and launch Omkareshwar Project. Visited ALSTOM Lisbon, France, Grenoble on

assignments and important missions. He was a Project Manager of Omkareshwar HME (24 ME) and as Implementation

Manager to rebuild (15ME) Alstom Baroda factory to manufacture Hydro turbines, Generators and HME to cater to

their Indian and Export Markets. He visited USA, Russia for special equipment evaluations, purchase and installations.

He was the Project Director of Nam Ngum, Laos HME project (10ME).

Established KK NESAR PROJECT PRIVATE LIMITED to execute renewable energy projects on EPC basis with a

collaborative business approach with Indian specific needs. His contact email: praveenkulkarni@kknesar.com

?

?

Private EPC companies Siphon to their Parent

company abroad in the name of royalty fee, etc.

or the possible corruption in Private listed

company's purchase dept (3 to 5%),

Energy bill realization cuts / expenses or

collection from Government depts. Or Utilities

(1 to 2%)....thus, without any technological

innovation, the system itself becomes cheaper

by 20% to 25%, which is nearly the equity

contribution (20% equity: 80% debt for any

power project as per EXIM Bank Criteria) !!!!

4) Thus, we create a business plan to involve small /

retail investors (as monitors or corruption check agents

and also to distribute the wealth to many people with

hard work to create good quality national assets with

inclusive growth by involving these retail investors) +

Government + Reasonable Good standing Private listed

EPC company + Reasonably Good Financial Institutions.

However, by being large listed private company, ONE

can easily launch this innovative business principle

(Stake Holder Capitalism) to make all stake holders

responsible including the Government, which shall make

India and the technology sustainable.

design which consumes half of the land / MW vis-a-vis

existing solutions with RIGHT TO CULTIVATE below

the panels for future generation's food security. So, we,

Indians, can implement INDIA SPECIFIC solutions too

with necessary PILOT testing.

6).Though few manufacturing units and projects are

supported by the investment (supported by retail

investors / depositors) from Mutual Fund houses or such

PE or FIs or Fund raisers etc, but, such money is

accessible to large corporate companies, which have

gone bust ! Thus, raising a big question mark on the

capability, accountability, corporate governance,

nepotism and integrity of investment decision of these

fund houses / FIs of using gullible small investors (some

Mutual Funds are in deep red and no hopes of even

getting to invested amount) without any stake holding or

an assured return on their investment. Thus, our article is

trying to address the “Stake Holding Capitalism” to

ensure the returns with prior agreed terms and

conditions.

Thus, the new / First Generation entrepreneurs can be

supported by large companies to ensure a sustainability

factor to assure the return on investment to small

investors and to maintain a good eco system at village

level to ensure low cost of power generation for the 5). There are few companies who have developed a

people of INDIA.

25

part guarantor for pledging the assets of EPC with Let us try new / innovative way of achieving ends with

regulation so that low cost debt funding can have in built good purpose by a different means without destabilizing

security) the Indian Democracy / Constitution while making the

corporate companies responsible for Socio Economic

- EPC company (Knows the good technology, development with high degree of transparency too:

responsibly maintains the plant till plant life with less 1) Having Retail equity holders under "Stake Holding costs by employing the trained mind set, assures power Capitalism" principle, gives an opportunity to keep a generation, recovers debt, recovers energy bills, replaces check on the large listed corporate team work's panels or Inverter if faulty with a firm commercial efficiency, loyalty of large Public Listed company, which contract with suppliers, less down time in case of repairs, otherwise is very difficult to check the corrupt thoughts / easy legal compliances on behalf of investors or part procedure / people already hired. A cleansing mechanism project owners, respect law of land and environment)cum inviting new ideas and pressure to perform.

Selection of equity holders (educated with little - Small Investors (Feel proud for National growth due knowledge on Solar Industry).inclusive participation, Project developers to pump

equity money in small ticket size, access to low DEBT 2) In order to find sustainable solutions, it always better cost fund(@5% interest rate), no need to hire qualified to remain and perform to ensure our RESULTS to speak Finance or Technilcal professionals for small size rather than creating some base (till IPO or listing) and projects say 0.5MW, no worries of employee retention, then exiting the business or RAISING HANDS without no worry to run to 15 departments for project approval finding sustainable solutions, which will be detrimental for a small project, no need to grease hands of bill paying for India's capacity to find sustainable solutions with a authority or approval authority, no need to worry about good organisation with good people. Thus our proposal / suppliers turning back and more plant down time)suggestion for a large listed corporate company to be

EPC and maintenance organisation is mainly to ensure - Other advantages (Government need not waste money sustainability from the day of first planning.in evacuation of infirm energy if the plant size is too

small, 100s of small PPAs need not be signed or 3) India is un-necessarily spending 20% or more on followed, No need to involve middle men to arrange development of Solar or Hydro Power Project with the finance from FIs and hence reduction of 2 or 3% same technology of Europe / USA with following break commission or project cost, No worry of unnecessarily up, which we must stop otherwise, there won't be the booking the project and then selling to others at premium existence of Country (Forget public sector or private thus delaying the project development) sector or Ministry or capitalists, etc. when we do not

have independence / country, then, what is the use / - Large infrastructure (Power generation, allied supply meaning of being rich (like Gadaffis or Saddams, etc.) or chain and service industries) creation at low cost Poor...)...let us not be hypocrites in accepting these PROJECTS (~20% cost reduction due to above- realities and the system is correcting and will correct for mentioned facts) with quick finance close, Employment sure for self sustainability:generation and its retention with good training, less evacuation costs.

Expenses on Commissions / Liaison to

lobby (2%), - Low tariff due lower project costs, less burden on

citizen

Project award soft costs (or a rude comment in - No worry about change of government, transfer of practice called bribe) (5% to 10%), officials who pays money at DISCOM (with soft banks or finance Agent's commission (read FIs understanding or meter manipulation), so stable policy /CAs) (1.5 to 3%), and stable revenue and stable debt repayment

High debt interest rate (14%, whereas in the Hope we (Small Investors, EPC Co, Government west it is only 1.5 to 3%),agencies, FIs) can monitor to achieve these objectives by

reducing the INFLUENCE of Politicians / RED TAPISM

in the growth of INDIAN INFRASTRUCTURE without Various Approval expenses (2%), policy paralysis and less corruption with great degree of

transparency!Land cost increase and such sundries (1%),

?

?

?

?

?24

The author is a Gold Medalist from SLN College of Engineering, Gulbarga University, Karnataka,

INDIA. Industrial work experience over 23 years with PSU, MNCs. He had worked for: Tungabharda

Steel Products Ltd, Hospet from 1988 to 1995. Executed engineering of 21 Hydro Mechanical

Equipment projects. Deputed to Japan for 5 months as part of UNIDO program to become JICA

participant-1994. He introduced CAD in TSPL with software programs for design of Gates, Hoists and

Cranes. He was deputed to TSPL Hyderabad branch to assist business development of Steel Plant

Equipments.

With SMS Demag India Ltd, German MNC), he engineered Steel Melt Shop equipments of Jindal Vijay Nagar Steel

Plant. Apart from being the Head of Secondary refining equipments viz. VD, VOD, RH, RHOB, SMS equipments, he

supported the pre-bid and business development activities thru ICB of SMS Demag Secondary refining equipments.

Visited SMS Demag, Duisburg on company assignments.

ALSTOM Portugal / India (French MNC) hired him as a Consultant and Part of Management team to launch Hydro

Mechanical Equipment in India in their Baroda factory. Prepared Business plans, Export support (1ME, Owenfalls,

Uganda), tendering support to realize and launch Omkareshwar Project. Visited ALSTOM Lisbon, France, Grenoble on

assignments and important missions. He was a Project Manager of Omkareshwar HME (24 ME) and as Implementation

Manager to rebuild (15ME) Alstom Baroda factory to manufacture Hydro turbines, Generators and HME to cater to

their Indian and Export Markets. He visited USA, Russia for special equipment evaluations, purchase and installations.

He was the Project Director of Nam Ngum, Laos HME project (10ME).

Established KK NESAR PROJECT PRIVATE LIMITED to execute renewable energy projects on EPC basis with a

collaborative business approach with Indian specific needs. His contact email: praveenkulkarni@kknesar.com

?

?

Private EPC companies Siphon to their Parent

company abroad in the name of royalty fee, etc.

or the possible corruption in Private listed

company's purchase dept (3 to 5%),

Energy bill realization cuts / expenses or

collection from Government depts. Or Utilities

(1 to 2%)....thus, without any technological

innovation, the system itself becomes cheaper

by 20% to 25%, which is nearly the equity

contribution (20% equity: 80% debt for any

power project as per EXIM Bank Criteria) !!!!

4) Thus, we create a business plan to involve small /

retail investors (as monitors or corruption check agents

and also to distribute the wealth to many people with

hard work to create good quality national assets with

inclusive growth by involving these retail investors) +

Government + Reasonable Good standing Private listed

EPC company + Reasonably Good Financial Institutions.

However, by being large listed private company, ONE

can easily launch this innovative business principle

(Stake Holder Capitalism) to make all stake holders

responsible including the Government, which shall make

India and the technology sustainable.

design which consumes half of the land / MW vis-a-vis

existing solutions with RIGHT TO CULTIVATE below

the panels for future generation's food security. So, we,

Indians, can implement INDIA SPECIFIC solutions too

with necessary PILOT testing.

6).Though few manufacturing units and projects are

supported by the investment (supported by retail

investors / depositors) from Mutual Fund houses or such

PE or FIs or Fund raisers etc, but, such money is

accessible to large corporate companies, which have

gone bust ! Thus, raising a big question mark on the

capability, accountability, corporate governance,

nepotism and integrity of investment decision of these

fund houses / FIs of using gullible small investors (some

Mutual Funds are in deep red and no hopes of even

getting to invested amount) without any stake holding or

an assured return on their investment. Thus, our article is

trying to address the “Stake Holding Capitalism” to

ensure the returns with prior agreed terms and

conditions.

Thus, the new / First Generation entrepreneurs can be

supported by large companies to ensure a sustainability

factor to assure the return on investment to small

investors and to maintain a good eco system at village

level to ensure low cost of power generation for the 5). There are few companies who have developed a

people of INDIA.

25

BIOFUELS

first generation feedstocks required cultivation in vast areas First, Second and Third Generation Biofuelsof land. Such a necessity resulted in countries around the The term biofuels generally refers to either biodiesel or world cutting down forests, creating serious ecological ethanol and denotes any fuel made from biological sources, imbalances.for most practical uses. The last few years has seen tremendous growth in biofuels. During this period, the Second generation biodiesel are obtained from non-food industry has evolved from first generation feedstocks and bio-feedstocks. Typically, energy crops such as Jatropha processes to their second and third generation counterparts.represent the second generation biodiesel feedstock. With the use of technologies such as the Biomass to Liquid The terms first, second and third generation can be used in (BTL), many other non-food crops could be converted to the contexts of both feedstocks and processes. For instance,

biodiesel. These feedstocks have the advantage of not affecting the human food chain and can be grown in marginal and wastelands.While feedstocks belonging to the second generation do not typically affect the human food chain, they may not have the ability to replace more than 20-25% of our total transportation fuels.

Algae are considered to belong to the third generation of biodiesel feedstock. These feedstock offer superior yields corn and maize represent first generation ethanol

when compared to second generation feedstock and do feedstocks, and fermentation represents first generation not have an effect on the human food chain. In addition, ethanol production process. Similarly, Switchgrass is one crops such as algae can be grown in places that are not of the popular second generation ethanol feedstocks, while suitable for agriculture, thus providing superior the production of cellulosic ethanol represents the second ecological performances as well.generation process for ethanol.

First and Second Generation EthanolFirst, Second and Third Generation Biodiesel

Biodiesel refers to any diesel-equivalent biofuel made from Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel that is renewable biological materials such as vegetable oils, produced from renewable sources. Since ethanol can be animal fats or from other biomass such as algae. Biodiesel produced domestically in most countries, it helps is usually produced by a chemical reaction called reduce the dependence on foreign sources of energy. Transesterification, in which, vegetable or waste oil is Several countries have started using ethanol as a reacted with a low molecular weight alcohol, such as transportation fuel owing to its distinct advantages.ethanol and methanol.

Feedstock such as soybeans, palm, canola and rapeseed are considered first generation feedstock for biodiesel production, as they were the first crops to be experimented for biodiesel extraction. Most first generation biodiesel feedstock could be used alternatively to make food for humans as well.While first generation feedstocks helped kickstart the biodiesel industry, they posed some serious challenges.

Threat to human food chain Most of the first generation feedstocks have been used as food sources by humans. For instance, palm and soy oils have been used as edible oils since time immemorial. This gave rise to a food vs fuel crisis emerged as these edible crops were used in the production of biodiesel.Threat to the environment Owing to the high yield of oil,

Similar to the case of biodiesel, adding ethanol to gasoline “oxygenates” the fuel. It adds oxygen to the fuel mixture so that it burns more completely and reduces polluting emissions such as carbon monoxide.Any amount of ethanol can be combined with gasoline, but the most common blends are:

E10 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline. E10 is approved for use in any make or model of vehicle.E85 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).

The first generation ethanol feedstock comprises corn, sugarcane, maize etc. To a large extent, these feedstocks are still in use in many countries. These feedstocks however present the problems of adversely affecting food prices (as these are also used as food) and an

inability to scale owing to constraints on land areas generation biofuels is close to achieving maturity, while in available for cultivation. Ethanol derived from these other cases it is not;feedstocks typically use the starch component present

3: Many cellulosic ethanol feedstocks (for eg., miscanthus) in them.have both high productivities per unit land area and lower

The second generation ethanol feedstocks primarily fertiliser requirements when compared to first generation comprise feedstocks called cellulosic feedstocks. In the biofuel feedstocks. These factors enable cellulosic ethanol case of these feedstocks, ethanol is derived from the to require a much less fossil fuel requirement than first lignocellulosic component of the feedstock instead of

generation biofuel feedstocks;the starch component. A large number of non-food wild

4: Greenhouse gas emissions for cellulosic

ethanol are lower than those for starch

ethanol (first generation) owing to lower

fossil fuel use, as well as higher soil

carbon sequestration during the growth

process.

Third Generation Biofuels

Algae are considered to belong to the third generation of biodiesel feedstock. Third generation biofuel feedstock are considered ideal in that they even overcome the challenges faced by the second generation biofuels. These feedstock offer superior yields when compared to second generation feedstock and at the same time do not have adverse effects on the human food chain, which first generation feedstock typically have.In addition, third generation crops such as

plants that grow in non-cultivated and non-arable lands, algae can be grown in places that are not suitable for

and plant waste, contain lignocellulose; as a result, the agriculture, thus providing superior ecological

second generation ethanol feedstocks overcome the two performances as well.In addition to feedstock such as

main bottlenecks of the first generation feedstock: algae, third generation biofuels could also refer to

adverse effects on food prices, and inability to scale.processes such as biomass to liquid, as well as other unique 1: As of 2012, the total cost of production for cellulosic processes such as bacterial biodiesel.biofuels is higher than producing biofuels from non-

cellulosic feedstock; the prices are however likely to fall (Source: Energy Alternatives India, Chennai)significantly, owing to the decreasing prices of the key

enzymes that contribute most to the high cost;

2: In some cases, the technology for producing second

One tonne of waste can generate 60 metric cubes of gas and 50 kg of manure. Further, the gaseous fuel can be converted into electricity with the help of generator

and can be used to light 250 streetlights for 10 hours!

26 27

BIOFUELS

first generation feedstocks required cultivation in vast areas First, Second and Third Generation Biofuelsof land. Such a necessity resulted in countries around the The term biofuels generally refers to either biodiesel or world cutting down forests, creating serious ecological ethanol and denotes any fuel made from biological sources, imbalances.for most practical uses. The last few years has seen tremendous growth in biofuels. During this period, the Second generation biodiesel are obtained from non-food industry has evolved from first generation feedstocks and bio-feedstocks. Typically, energy crops such as Jatropha processes to their second and third generation counterparts.represent the second generation biodiesel feedstock. With the use of technologies such as the Biomass to Liquid The terms first, second and third generation can be used in (BTL), many other non-food crops could be converted to the contexts of both feedstocks and processes. For instance,

biodiesel. These feedstocks have the advantage of not affecting the human food chain and can be grown in marginal and wastelands.While feedstocks belonging to the second generation do not typically affect the human food chain, they may not have the ability to replace more than 20-25% of our total transportation fuels.

Algae are considered to belong to the third generation of biodiesel feedstock. These feedstock offer superior yields corn and maize represent first generation ethanol

when compared to second generation feedstock and do feedstocks, and fermentation represents first generation not have an effect on the human food chain. In addition, ethanol production process. Similarly, Switchgrass is one crops such as algae can be grown in places that are not of the popular second generation ethanol feedstocks, while suitable for agriculture, thus providing superior the production of cellulosic ethanol represents the second ecological performances as well.generation process for ethanol.

First and Second Generation EthanolFirst, Second and Third Generation Biodiesel

Biodiesel refers to any diesel-equivalent biofuel made from Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel that is renewable biological materials such as vegetable oils, produced from renewable sources. Since ethanol can be animal fats or from other biomass such as algae. Biodiesel produced domestically in most countries, it helps is usually produced by a chemical reaction called reduce the dependence on foreign sources of energy. Transesterification, in which, vegetable or waste oil is Several countries have started using ethanol as a reacted with a low molecular weight alcohol, such as transportation fuel owing to its distinct advantages.ethanol and methanol.

Feedstock such as soybeans, palm, canola and rapeseed are considered first generation feedstock for biodiesel production, as they were the first crops to be experimented for biodiesel extraction. Most first generation biodiesel feedstock could be used alternatively to make food for humans as well.While first generation feedstocks helped kickstart the biodiesel industry, they posed some serious challenges.

Threat to human food chain Most of the first generation feedstocks have been used as food sources by humans. For instance, palm and soy oils have been used as edible oils since time immemorial. This gave rise to a food vs fuel crisis emerged as these edible crops were used in the production of biodiesel.Threat to the environment Owing to the high yield of oil,

Similar to the case of biodiesel, adding ethanol to gasoline “oxygenates” the fuel. It adds oxygen to the fuel mixture so that it burns more completely and reduces polluting emissions such as carbon monoxide.Any amount of ethanol can be combined with gasoline, but the most common blends are:

E10 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline. E10 is approved for use in any make or model of vehicle.E85 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).

The first generation ethanol feedstock comprises corn, sugarcane, maize etc. To a large extent, these feedstocks are still in use in many countries. These feedstocks however present the problems of adversely affecting food prices (as these are also used as food) and an

inability to scale owing to constraints on land areas generation biofuels is close to achieving maturity, while in available for cultivation. Ethanol derived from these other cases it is not;feedstocks typically use the starch component present

3: Many cellulosic ethanol feedstocks (for eg., miscanthus) in them.have both high productivities per unit land area and lower

The second generation ethanol feedstocks primarily fertiliser requirements when compared to first generation comprise feedstocks called cellulosic feedstocks. In the biofuel feedstocks. These factors enable cellulosic ethanol case of these feedstocks, ethanol is derived from the to require a much less fossil fuel requirement than first lignocellulosic component of the feedstock instead of

generation biofuel feedstocks;the starch component. A large number of non-food wild

4: Greenhouse gas emissions for cellulosic

ethanol are lower than those for starch

ethanol (first generation) owing to lower

fossil fuel use, as well as higher soil

carbon sequestration during the growth

process.

Third Generation Biofuels

Algae are considered to belong to the third generation of biodiesel feedstock. Third generation biofuel feedstock are considered ideal in that they even overcome the challenges faced by the second generation biofuels. These feedstock offer superior yields when compared to second generation feedstock and at the same time do not have adverse effects on the human food chain, which first generation feedstock typically have.In addition, third generation crops such as

plants that grow in non-cultivated and non-arable lands, algae can be grown in places that are not suitable for

and plant waste, contain lignocellulose; as a result, the agriculture, thus providing superior ecological

second generation ethanol feedstocks overcome the two performances as well.In addition to feedstock such as

main bottlenecks of the first generation feedstock: algae, third generation biofuels could also refer to

adverse effects on food prices, and inability to scale.processes such as biomass to liquid, as well as other unique 1: As of 2012, the total cost of production for cellulosic processes such as bacterial biodiesel.biofuels is higher than producing biofuels from non-

cellulosic feedstock; the prices are however likely to fall (Source: Energy Alternatives India, Chennai)significantly, owing to the decreasing prices of the key

enzymes that contribute most to the high cost;

2: In some cases, the technology for producing second

One tonne of waste can generate 60 metric cubes of gas and 50 kg of manure. Further, the gaseous fuel can be converted into electricity with the help of generator

and can be used to light 250 streetlights for 10 hours!

26 27

29

A unique thermosolar power station in southern Spain between Seville and Cordoba, one can see its central tower lit

can shrug off cloudy days: energy stored when the sun up like a beacon by 2,600 solar mirrors, each 120 square

shines lets it produce electricity even during the night. metres (1,290 square feet), that surround it in an immense

The Gemasolar station, up and running since last May, 195-hectare (480-acre) circle.

stands out in the plains of Andalusia. From the road

Solar power station in Spain that works at night too!!

"It is the first station in the world that works 24 hours a For the Gemasolar solar product, foreign investors helped

too: Torresol Energy is a joint venture between the Spanish day, a solar power station that works day and night!" said

engineering group Sener, which holds 60 percent, and Abu Santago Arias, technical director of Torresol Energy, which

Dhabi-financed renewable energy firm Masdar. "This type runs the station. The mechanism is "very easy to explain,"

of station is expensive, not because of the raw material we he said: the panels reflect the suns rays on to the tower,

use, which is free solar energy, but because of the transmitting energy at an intensity 1,000 times higher than

enormous investment these plants require," Arias said.that of the sun's rays reaching the earth.

The investment cost exceeds 200 million euros ($260 Energy is stored in a vat filled with molten salts at a

million). But "the day when the business has repaid that temperature of more than 500 degrees C (930 F). Those

money to the banks (in 18 years, he estimates), this station salts are used to produce steam to turn the turbines and

will become a 1,000-euro note printing machine!," he said, produce electricity.It is the station's capacity to store energy that makes recalling that oil prices have soared from $28 a barrel in Gemasolar so different because it allows the plant to 2003 to nearly $130.transmit power during the night, relying on energy it has

For now, the economic crisis has nevertheless cast a accumulated during the day. "I use that energy as I see fit, shadow over this kind of project: Spain is battling to slash and not as the sun dictates," Arias explained. As a result, its deficit as it slides into recession and has suspended aid the plant produces 60 percent more energy than a station to new renewable energy projects.without storage capacity because it can work 6,400 hours a Andalusia, hard hit by the economic crisis with the

year compared to 1,200-2,000 hours for other solar power country's highest unemployment rate at 31.23 percent,

stations, he said.holds regional elections on March 25.

"The amount of energy we produce a year is equal to the "We have three projects ready but stalled" because of the

consumption of 30,000 Spanish households," Arias said, an aid suspension, Arias said, admitting that in a difficult

annual saving of 30,000 tonnes of CO2. Helped by global economy the group has not managed to sell the

generous state aid, renewable energies have enjoyed a Gemasolar techology abroad despite huge interest outside

boom in Spain, the world number two in solar energy and Spain.

the biggest wind power producer in Europe, ahead of

Germany.

28

29

A unique thermosolar power station in southern Spain between Seville and Cordoba, one can see its central tower lit

can shrug off cloudy days: energy stored when the sun up like a beacon by 2,600 solar mirrors, each 120 square

shines lets it produce electricity even during the night. metres (1,290 square feet), that surround it in an immense

The Gemasolar station, up and running since last May, 195-hectare (480-acre) circle.

stands out in the plains of Andalusia. From the road

Solar power station in Spain that works at night too!!

"It is the first station in the world that works 24 hours a For the Gemasolar solar product, foreign investors helped

too: Torresol Energy is a joint venture between the Spanish day, a solar power station that works day and night!" said

engineering group Sener, which holds 60 percent, and Abu Santago Arias, technical director of Torresol Energy, which

Dhabi-financed renewable energy firm Masdar. "This type runs the station. The mechanism is "very easy to explain,"

of station is expensive, not because of the raw material we he said: the panels reflect the suns rays on to the tower,

use, which is free solar energy, but because of the transmitting energy at an intensity 1,000 times higher than

enormous investment these plants require," Arias said.that of the sun's rays reaching the earth.

The investment cost exceeds 200 million euros ($260 Energy is stored in a vat filled with molten salts at a

million). But "the day when the business has repaid that temperature of more than 500 degrees C (930 F). Those

money to the banks (in 18 years, he estimates), this station salts are used to produce steam to turn the turbines and

will become a 1,000-euro note printing machine!," he said, produce electricity.It is the station's capacity to store energy that makes recalling that oil prices have soared from $28 a barrel in Gemasolar so different because it allows the plant to 2003 to nearly $130.transmit power during the night, relying on energy it has

For now, the economic crisis has nevertheless cast a accumulated during the day. "I use that energy as I see fit, shadow over this kind of project: Spain is battling to slash and not as the sun dictates," Arias explained. As a result, its deficit as it slides into recession and has suspended aid the plant produces 60 percent more energy than a station to new renewable energy projects.without storage capacity because it can work 6,400 hours a Andalusia, hard hit by the economic crisis with the

year compared to 1,200-2,000 hours for other solar power country's highest unemployment rate at 31.23 percent,

stations, he said.holds regional elections on March 25.

"The amount of energy we produce a year is equal to the "We have three projects ready but stalled" because of the

consumption of 30,000 Spanish households," Arias said, an aid suspension, Arias said, admitting that in a difficult

annual saving of 30,000 tonnes of CO2. Helped by global economy the group has not managed to sell the

generous state aid, renewable energies have enjoyed a Gemasolar techology abroad despite huge interest outside

boom in Spain, the world number two in solar energy and Spain.

the biggest wind power producer in Europe, ahead of

Germany.

28

30 31

“Global renewable energy deals climbed 40% to a record high of $53.5 billion last year from $38.2 billion in 2010, as solar, wind and energy efficiency overtook hydropower as the main deal drivers for the first time. Historically, hydro power has dominated renewables deal flow, but deals worth $1 billion or more in wind, solar, biomass and energy efficiency have outnumbered hydro by seven to one.”

or North America. It does, however, have a pressing need for new power capacity and, in many places, superior natural resources, in the shape of high capacity factors for wind power and strong solar insolation. Furthermore, the developing world is also starting to host a range of new renewable energy technologies for specific, local applications. These range from rice-husk power generation to solar telecommunications towers and are becoming the technology of choice, not a poor substitute for diesel or other fossil-fuel power options.

A second remarkable detail about 2010 is that it was the first year that overall investment in solar came close to catching up with that in wind. For the whole of the last decade, as The scenario in 2010renewable energy investment gathered pace, wind was the Global investment in renewable power and fuels set a most mature technology and enjoyed an apparently new record in 2010, according to a new analysis unassailable lead over its rival renewable energy power commissioned by UNEP's Division of Technology, sources. In 2010, wind continued to dominate in terms of Industry and Economics (DTIE) from Bloomberg New financial new investment, with $94.7 billion compared to Energy Finance. Investment hit $211 billion last year, up $26.1 billion for solar and $11 billion for the third-placed 32% from a revised $160 billion in 2009, and nearly five biomass & waste-to-energy. However, these numbers do not and a half times the figure achieved as recently as 2004.include small-scale projects and in that realm, solar, particularly via rooftop photovoltaic installations in Europe, The document, was completely dominant. Indeed, small-scale distributed capacity investment ballooned to $60 billion in 2010, up from reported that the $31 billion, fuelled by feed-in tariff subsidies in Germany record itself was not the only eye-catching aspect of and other European countries, the report finds. This figure, 2010. Another was the strongest evidence yet of the shift combined with solar's lead in government and corporate in activity in renewable energy towards developing research and development, was almost enough to offset economies. Financial new investment, a measure that wind's big lead in financial new investment last year, the covers transactions by third-party investors, was $143 document concludes.billion in 2010, but while just over $70 billion of that

took place in developed countries, more than $72 billion Furthermore, no energy technology has gained more from occurred in developing countries.falling costs than solar over the last three years. The price of PV modules per MW has fallen by 60% since the summer of This is the first time the developing world has overtaken 2008, putting solar power for the first time on a competitive the richer countries in terms of financial new investment footing with the retail price of electricity in a number of - the comparison was nearly four-to-one in favor of the sunny countries. Wind turbine prices have also fallen - by developed countries back in 2004. It is, however, 18% per MW in the last two years - reflecting, as with solar, important to note that in two other areas not included in fierce competition in the supply chain. Further improvements the financial new investment measure, namely small-in the levelised cost of energy for solar, wind and other scale projects and research and development, developed technologies lie ahead, posing a growing threat to the economies remain well ahead.dominance of fossil fuel generation sources in the next few years.Nonetheless, renewable energy's balance of power has

been shifting towards developing countries for several years. The biggest reason has been China's drive to Record investment in RE industryinvest: last year, China was responsible for $48.9 billion

Total investment in renewable energy in 2010 was $211 of financial new investment, up 28% from 2009 figures, billion, up from $160 billion in 2009 and $159 billion in with dominance in the asset finance of large wind farms. 2008. Within the overall figure, financial new investment - But the developing world's advance in renewables is no which consists of money invested in renewable energy longer a story of China and little else. In 2010, financial companies and utility-scale generation and biofuel projects - new investment in renewable energy grew by 104% to rose to $143 billion, from $122 billion in 2009 and the $5 billion in the Middle East and Africa region, and by previous record of $132 billion in 2008. A sharper increase, 39% to $13.1 billion in South and Central America.however, has been evident in the other components of the total investment figure - namely small-scale distributed The developing world - at least outside its most powerful capacity, and government and corporate R&D. These economies - may not be able to afford the same level of investments jumped to $68 billion in 2010, from $37 billion subsidy support for clean energy technologies as Europe

Global Trends in Renewable Investment 2010, an Analysis of Trends and Issues in the Financing of Renewable Energy,

in 2009 and $26 billion in 2008, reflecting mainly the edged narrowly ahead of developed countries in terms of boom in rooftop PV, but also a rise in government- financial new investment for the first time. In 2007, funded R&D, as spending increased from 'green developed economies still had an advantage of more than stimulus' measures announced after the financial crisis. two-to-one in dollar terms, but the recession in the G-7 The momentum of clean energy investment over recent countries and the dynamism of China, India, Brazil and other years has been strong, but there have been many jolts important emerging economies has transformed the balance and bumps along the way. These have included the of power in renewable energy worldwide, leading to big biofuel boom of 2006-2007 and the subsequent bust, changes in the location of IPOs and manufacturing plant resulting in a fall in financial new investment in that investments by renewable energy companies.sector from a peak of $20.4 billion in 2006 to just $5.5 billion last year; and the impact of the financial crisis Wind was the dominant sector in terms of financial new

and recession on Europe and North America. Financial investment (though not of small-scale projects, as noted new investment in renewable energy was significantly above) in 2010, with a rise of 30% to $95 billion. On this lower in 2010 in both Europe and North America, measure of investment, other sectors lagged far behind. although this setback was more than outweighed by Although the number of GW of wind capacity put into growing investment in China and other emerging operation last year was lower than in 2009, the amount of economies, and in small-scale PV projects in the money committed was higher. This reflected decisions to developed world. invest in large projects from China to the US and South

America, a rise in offshore wind infrastructure investment in The shift in investment between developed and the North Sea, and the initial public offering (IPO) in developing countries over recent years shows that November of Italy's Enel Green Power, the largest specialist developed countries in 2010 retained a huge advantage renewable energy company to debut on the stock market in small-scale projects, but not what the authors define as since 2007.financial new investment. In 2010, developing countries

In terms of venture capital and private equity investment, wind came a creditable second, with a figure of $1.5 billion last year, up 17% on 2009. However, solar stayed ahead as the most attractive destination for early-stage investors, its $2.2 billion figure coming after a 30% gain year-on-year. The positions of the two technologies were reversed again in terms of public markets investment, with wind boosted by the Flotation, and also some healthier figures for investment in 2010 in quoted companies specialising in biofuels, biomass and small hydropower.

Asset finance of utility-scale projects is the dominant figure within financial new investment. Wind mega-bases in China continued to receive billions of dollars of funding, while large-scale projects in Europe attracted important support from multilateral development banks, notably European Investment Bank (EIB) debt for the Thornton Bank project off the coast of Belgium. U.S. wind farm investment owed much to the treasury grant program, introduced in 2009 but due to expire at the end of 2011.

Enel Green Power

Renewable energy deals on a fast track in developing nations

30 31

“Global renewable energy deals climbed 40% to a record high of $53.5 billion last year from $38.2 billion in 2010, as solar, wind and energy efficiency overtook hydropower as the main deal drivers for the first time. Historically, hydro power has dominated renewables deal flow, but deals worth $1 billion or more in wind, solar, biomass and energy efficiency have outnumbered hydro by seven to one.”

or North America. It does, however, have a pressing need for new power capacity and, in many places, superior natural resources, in the shape of high capacity factors for wind power and strong solar insolation. Furthermore, the developing world is also starting to host a range of new renewable energy technologies for specific, local applications. These range from rice-husk power generation to solar telecommunications towers and are becoming the technology of choice, not a poor substitute for diesel or other fossil-fuel power options.

A second remarkable detail about 2010 is that it was the first year that overall investment in solar came close to catching up with that in wind. For the whole of the last decade, as The scenario in 2010renewable energy investment gathered pace, wind was the Global investment in renewable power and fuels set a most mature technology and enjoyed an apparently new record in 2010, according to a new analysis unassailable lead over its rival renewable energy power commissioned by UNEP's Division of Technology, sources. In 2010, wind continued to dominate in terms of Industry and Economics (DTIE) from Bloomberg New financial new investment, with $94.7 billion compared to Energy Finance. Investment hit $211 billion last year, up $26.1 billion for solar and $11 billion for the third-placed 32% from a revised $160 billion in 2009, and nearly five biomass & waste-to-energy. However, these numbers do not and a half times the figure achieved as recently as 2004.include small-scale projects and in that realm, solar, particularly via rooftop photovoltaic installations in Europe, The document, was completely dominant. Indeed, small-scale distributed capacity investment ballooned to $60 billion in 2010, up from reported that the $31 billion, fuelled by feed-in tariff subsidies in Germany record itself was not the only eye-catching aspect of and other European countries, the report finds. This figure, 2010. Another was the strongest evidence yet of the shift combined with solar's lead in government and corporate in activity in renewable energy towards developing research and development, was almost enough to offset economies. Financial new investment, a measure that wind's big lead in financial new investment last year, the covers transactions by third-party investors, was $143 document concludes.billion in 2010, but while just over $70 billion of that

took place in developed countries, more than $72 billion Furthermore, no energy technology has gained more from occurred in developing countries.falling costs than solar over the last three years. The price of PV modules per MW has fallen by 60% since the summer of This is the first time the developing world has overtaken 2008, putting solar power for the first time on a competitive the richer countries in terms of financial new investment footing with the retail price of electricity in a number of - the comparison was nearly four-to-one in favor of the sunny countries. Wind turbine prices have also fallen - by developed countries back in 2004. It is, however, 18% per MW in the last two years - reflecting, as with solar, important to note that in two other areas not included in fierce competition in the supply chain. Further improvements the financial new investment measure, namely small-in the levelised cost of energy for solar, wind and other scale projects and research and development, developed technologies lie ahead, posing a growing threat to the economies remain well ahead.dominance of fossil fuel generation sources in the next few years.Nonetheless, renewable energy's balance of power has

been shifting towards developing countries for several years. The biggest reason has been China's drive to Record investment in RE industryinvest: last year, China was responsible for $48.9 billion

Total investment in renewable energy in 2010 was $211 of financial new investment, up 28% from 2009 figures, billion, up from $160 billion in 2009 and $159 billion in with dominance in the asset finance of large wind farms. 2008. Within the overall figure, financial new investment - But the developing world's advance in renewables is no which consists of money invested in renewable energy longer a story of China and little else. In 2010, financial companies and utility-scale generation and biofuel projects - new investment in renewable energy grew by 104% to rose to $143 billion, from $122 billion in 2009 and the $5 billion in the Middle East and Africa region, and by previous record of $132 billion in 2008. A sharper increase, 39% to $13.1 billion in South and Central America.however, has been evident in the other components of the total investment figure - namely small-scale distributed The developing world - at least outside its most powerful capacity, and government and corporate R&D. These economies - may not be able to afford the same level of investments jumped to $68 billion in 2010, from $37 billion subsidy support for clean energy technologies as Europe

Global Trends in Renewable Investment 2010, an Analysis of Trends and Issues in the Financing of Renewable Energy,

in 2009 and $26 billion in 2008, reflecting mainly the edged narrowly ahead of developed countries in terms of boom in rooftop PV, but also a rise in government- financial new investment for the first time. In 2007, funded R&D, as spending increased from 'green developed economies still had an advantage of more than stimulus' measures announced after the financial crisis. two-to-one in dollar terms, but the recession in the G-7 The momentum of clean energy investment over recent countries and the dynamism of China, India, Brazil and other years has been strong, but there have been many jolts important emerging economies has transformed the balance and bumps along the way. These have included the of power in renewable energy worldwide, leading to big biofuel boom of 2006-2007 and the subsequent bust, changes in the location of IPOs and manufacturing plant resulting in a fall in financial new investment in that investments by renewable energy companies.sector from a peak of $20.4 billion in 2006 to just $5.5 billion last year; and the impact of the financial crisis Wind was the dominant sector in terms of financial new

and recession on Europe and North America. Financial investment (though not of small-scale projects, as noted new investment in renewable energy was significantly above) in 2010, with a rise of 30% to $95 billion. On this lower in 2010 in both Europe and North America, measure of investment, other sectors lagged far behind. although this setback was more than outweighed by Although the number of GW of wind capacity put into growing investment in China and other emerging operation last year was lower than in 2009, the amount of economies, and in small-scale PV projects in the money committed was higher. This reflected decisions to developed world. invest in large projects from China to the US and South

America, a rise in offshore wind infrastructure investment in The shift in investment between developed and the North Sea, and the initial public offering (IPO) in developing countries over recent years shows that November of Italy's Enel Green Power, the largest specialist developed countries in 2010 retained a huge advantage renewable energy company to debut on the stock market in small-scale projects, but not what the authors define as since 2007.financial new investment. In 2010, developing countries

In terms of venture capital and private equity investment, wind came a creditable second, with a figure of $1.5 billion last year, up 17% on 2009. However, solar stayed ahead as the most attractive destination for early-stage investors, its $2.2 billion figure coming after a 30% gain year-on-year. The positions of the two technologies were reversed again in terms of public markets investment, with wind boosted by the Flotation, and also some healthier figures for investment in 2010 in quoted companies specialising in biofuels, biomass and small hydropower.

Asset finance of utility-scale projects is the dominant figure within financial new investment. Wind mega-bases in China continued to receive billions of dollars of funding, while large-scale projects in Europe attracted important support from multilateral development banks, notably European Investment Bank (EIB) debt for the Thornton Bank project off the coast of Belgium. U.S. wind farm investment owed much to the treasury grant program, introduced in 2009 but due to expire at the end of 2011.

Enel Green Power

Renewable energy deals on a fast track in developing nations

32 33

Investment in 2011

Sinovel Wind Shandong Jinjing

Science & Technology

of uninterrupted joy for renewable energy. New challenges emerged, and some existing challenges became tougher. Given the rush to complete a number of big investment Firstly, moves by Spain and the Czech Republic to make transactions in the closing weeks of 2010, in some cases to retroactive cuts in feed-in tariff levels for already-operating "catch" attractive subsidy deals before they expired, it was PV projects damaged investor confidence. Other little surprise that activity in the first quarter of 2011 was governments, such as those of Germany and Italy, relatively subdued, the study finds. Financial new announced reductions in tariffs for new projects - logical investment totalled $29 billion, down from $44 billion in steps to reflect sharp falls in technology costs. What caused the fourth quarter of last year and lower than the $32 concern was the idea that governments, facing economic billion figure for the first quarter of 2010. In asset finance, hardship, might go back on previously promised deals for the biggest reductions in terms of absolute dollar figures existing projects, damaging returns for equity investors and came in US wind and European solar. The brightest spots banks.of January-March 2011 were Chinese wind, up 25% on the

same quarter of 2010, and Brazilian wind, which saw its A second challenge came from the natural gas price. The investment level double from a year earlier.Henry Hub US benchmark stayed in a range of $3-$5 per MMBTu for almost all of 2010, far below the $13 peak of Key projects going ahead included the 211-MW IMPSA 2008 and also below the levels prevailing in most of the Ceara wind auction portfolio and the 195-MW Renova middle years of the decade. This gave generators in the US, Bahia portfolio, both in Brazil, and the 200-MW Hebei but also in Europe and elsewhere, an incentive to build Weichang Yudaokou wind farm in China. In Europe, there more gas-fired power stations and depressed the terms of were several large offshore wind infrastructure

power purchasing agreements available to renewable energy projects.

A third challenge for renewables came from outside scepticism. This manifested itself both in the stock market - where clean energy shares under-performed wider indices by more than 20% on pessimism about future profit growth - and in international politics, where the mood post-Copenhagen and post-Climategate was cooler than in some previous years. In fact, more progress towards emissions reduction targets was achieved than expected at the December

2010 meeting in Cancun; and the consensus among climate commitments, including the Dan Tysk project off Germany, scientists about man-made global warming actually the Skagerrak 4 project off Denmark, and the Randstad strengthened during the last year. However, neither has - as project off the Netherlands.yet - catapulted clean energy back to the top of government agendas.In public market investment, transactions included a $1.4

billion share sale by in China, and a $220 million offering by solar manufacturer

, also in China.

In venture capital and private equity investment, the largest transaction of the quarter was a $143 million expansion capital round for U.S. biomass and waste-to-energy specialist Plasma Energy.

March 2011 brought a tragic event with potentially far-reaching consequences for energy, including renewables. The Japanese earthquake, and the ensuing crisis at the reactors at Fukushima Daiichi, cast into doubt the future of nuclear power in Japan and also in other countries such as Germany. Initially, this led to a sharp rise in the share prices of renewable energy companies. But it could be that gas-fired generation will be the prime, short-term beneficiary of nuclear's problems, rather than the renewable energy sector.

Problems amidst progressDespite the record investment figures, 2010 was not a year

Even so, there was a sense, in both the second half of 2010 and early 2011, that progress in renewable energy was taking place at a pace that public opinion and policymakers in many countries were simply failing to spot. This progress was both in investment levels and, even more, in cost-competitiveness with conventional power sources.The report concluded that renewable energy is still regarded as a modest-sized niche by some investors, media commentators and politicians. That view has it that the "serious" investment activity still goes on in conventional energy sectors such as oil and gas, coal and - prior to the Fukushima crisis in March 2011 - nuclear, and that renewables are an entertaining, albeit expensive, sideshow.This perception has been outdated for many years, and never more so than in 2010. Overall new investment in renewable energy of $211 billion was up 32 percent on 2009, and nearly seven times the figure for 2004. There is also burgeoning investment in the parallel area of smart technologies - including smart grid, electric vehicles and energy efficiency devices and systems.

According to UN under-secretary general and UNEP executive director Achim Steiner, the continuing growth in this core segment of the green economy is not happening by chance. The combination of government target-setting, policy support and stimulus funds is underpinning the renewable industry's rise and bringing the much needed transformation of our global energy system within reach." He added: "Renewable energies are expanding both in terms of investment, projects and geographical spread. In doing so, they are making an increasing contribution to combating climate change, countering energy poverty and energy insecurity.

Mission, which targets setting up a generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2022.

In addition, 21 states are pursuing their own programmes, which optimists reckon will add another 10,000 MW over the next 10 years. Thus far, Gujarat and Rajasthan, blessed with the largest incidence of solar radiation, have attracted the largest inflows of investment.

Just three years ago, grid-connected solar power in the country was less than 12 MW. By the end of 2011, India had acquired 190 MW in solar power generation capacity. By March 2013, that figure will grow five-fold to 1,000 MW under the Solar Mission targets alone.It is heartening to note that investor interest is rapidly growing. "There is an increased awareness about the opportunities in India among investors globally because of the decline in Europe, and China being a closed market," said Thomas Maslin, a Washington DC-based analyst with global consulting firm IHS Emerging Energy Research.According to a report by Mercom Capital, a clean energy consulting firm, India received $95 million (Rs. 500 crore) in venture capital funding and over $1.1 billion in large-scale funding for solar projects in 2011. The biggest funding deal was the $694 million loan raised by Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. for its 150 MW Dhule and 125 MW Sakri projects. Export-Import Bank of the United States was the biggest investor, funding seven different large-scale projects.

The reach for the Sun is being driven by a host of private sector players. Green Infra, founded by Raja Parthasarathy, Managing Director of IDFC Private Equity, entered the solar space about a year ago. In November, its 10 MW solar farm in Gujarat's Rajkot district began pumping Solar energy bright in Indiaelectricity into the state's grid. By the year-end, Green Infra In October last year, Moser Baer Clean Energy had also bagged orders to set up two plants in Rajasthan's commissioned a 30 MW photovoltaic solar power farm at Jodhpur district. "In 2013, we will be looking at Banaskantha district in north Gujarat. This solar power concentrated solar power projects with capacities in excess plant will supply an estimated 52 million units of energy in of 50 MW," says Shivanand Nimbargi, Managing Director a year - roughly the amount that Kerala consumes in a day.and CEO of Green Infra.In January 2012, the Adani Group had commissioned a 40-

MW solar power project , touted as the country's largest, in Gujarat's Kutch district. For Adani, India's largest private A word of caution - year 2012 may be globally thermal power producer, it is the first major project in the a tough period for RE sectorrenewable energy space.

However, the renewables sector could face a tough 2012 But it is Solairedirect that has really set the new because U.S. and European manufacturers will be under benchmark. The French company's bid of Rs 7.49 per increasing cost pressures and some Chinese manufacturers kilowatt-hour (kWh), equivalent to 15 US cents, for its will also face heavy debt and feel competitive strain. proposed 5 MW plant in Pokhran, Rajasthan, is by far the Significant overcapacity in China could result in a lowest tariff quoted under India's ambitious Solar Mission. succession of tie-ups within and between the main In comparison, the price per kWh is about 23 US cents in manufacturing territories of the United States, Germany Germany, the world's biggest solar power user. and China, leading to a smaller number of big global Each project underlines the importance that is now being players. Continued uncertainty about the Eurozone given to solar energy in India. The country, sundrenched economy will make the deal environment much more for more than 300 days a year, is ideally suited to use it. difficult for 2012. The potential for further destabilization But while the potential is well known, India has remained domestically, or at an inter-governmental level cannot be far behind Europe and the US, both in manufacturing and ruled out, but if a deal is highly strategic, and mission project capacities. critical, then parties will still feel it is worth doing on the

right terms.At present, the Union and State Governments are slowly working to harness the power of the Sun. In January 2010, the Centre launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar

32 33

Investment in 2011

Sinovel Wind Shandong Jinjing

Science & Technology

of uninterrupted joy for renewable energy. New challenges emerged, and some existing challenges became tougher. Given the rush to complete a number of big investment Firstly, moves by Spain and the Czech Republic to make transactions in the closing weeks of 2010, in some cases to retroactive cuts in feed-in tariff levels for already-operating "catch" attractive subsidy deals before they expired, it was PV projects damaged investor confidence. Other little surprise that activity in the first quarter of 2011 was governments, such as those of Germany and Italy, relatively subdued, the study finds. Financial new announced reductions in tariffs for new projects - logical investment totalled $29 billion, down from $44 billion in steps to reflect sharp falls in technology costs. What caused the fourth quarter of last year and lower than the $32 concern was the idea that governments, facing economic billion figure for the first quarter of 2010. In asset finance, hardship, might go back on previously promised deals for the biggest reductions in terms of absolute dollar figures existing projects, damaging returns for equity investors and came in US wind and European solar. The brightest spots banks.of January-March 2011 were Chinese wind, up 25% on the

same quarter of 2010, and Brazilian wind, which saw its A second challenge came from the natural gas price. The investment level double from a year earlier.Henry Hub US benchmark stayed in a range of $3-$5 per MMBTu for almost all of 2010, far below the $13 peak of Key projects going ahead included the 211-MW IMPSA 2008 and also below the levels prevailing in most of the Ceara wind auction portfolio and the 195-MW Renova middle years of the decade. This gave generators in the US, Bahia portfolio, both in Brazil, and the 200-MW Hebei but also in Europe and elsewhere, an incentive to build Weichang Yudaokou wind farm in China. In Europe, there more gas-fired power stations and depressed the terms of were several large offshore wind infrastructure

power purchasing agreements available to renewable energy projects.

A third challenge for renewables came from outside scepticism. This manifested itself both in the stock market - where clean energy shares under-performed wider indices by more than 20% on pessimism about future profit growth - and in international politics, where the mood post-Copenhagen and post-Climategate was cooler than in some previous years. In fact, more progress towards emissions reduction targets was achieved than expected at the December

2010 meeting in Cancun; and the consensus among climate commitments, including the Dan Tysk project off Germany, scientists about man-made global warming actually the Skagerrak 4 project off Denmark, and the Randstad strengthened during the last year. However, neither has - as project off the Netherlands.yet - catapulted clean energy back to the top of government agendas.In public market investment, transactions included a $1.4

billion share sale by in China, and a $220 million offering by solar manufacturer

, also in China.

In venture capital and private equity investment, the largest transaction of the quarter was a $143 million expansion capital round for U.S. biomass and waste-to-energy specialist Plasma Energy.

March 2011 brought a tragic event with potentially far-reaching consequences for energy, including renewables. The Japanese earthquake, and the ensuing crisis at the reactors at Fukushima Daiichi, cast into doubt the future of nuclear power in Japan and also in other countries such as Germany. Initially, this led to a sharp rise in the share prices of renewable energy companies. But it could be that gas-fired generation will be the prime, short-term beneficiary of nuclear's problems, rather than the renewable energy sector.

Problems amidst progressDespite the record investment figures, 2010 was not a year

Even so, there was a sense, in both the second half of 2010 and early 2011, that progress in renewable energy was taking place at a pace that public opinion and policymakers in many countries were simply failing to spot. This progress was both in investment levels and, even more, in cost-competitiveness with conventional power sources.The report concluded that renewable energy is still regarded as a modest-sized niche by some investors, media commentators and politicians. That view has it that the "serious" investment activity still goes on in conventional energy sectors such as oil and gas, coal and - prior to the Fukushima crisis in March 2011 - nuclear, and that renewables are an entertaining, albeit expensive, sideshow.This perception has been outdated for many years, and never more so than in 2010. Overall new investment in renewable energy of $211 billion was up 32 percent on 2009, and nearly seven times the figure for 2004. There is also burgeoning investment in the parallel area of smart technologies - including smart grid, electric vehicles and energy efficiency devices and systems.

According to UN under-secretary general and UNEP executive director Achim Steiner, the continuing growth in this core segment of the green economy is not happening by chance. The combination of government target-setting, policy support and stimulus funds is underpinning the renewable industry's rise and bringing the much needed transformation of our global energy system within reach." He added: "Renewable energies are expanding both in terms of investment, projects and geographical spread. In doing so, they are making an increasing contribution to combating climate change, countering energy poverty and energy insecurity.

Mission, which targets setting up a generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2022.

In addition, 21 states are pursuing their own programmes, which optimists reckon will add another 10,000 MW over the next 10 years. Thus far, Gujarat and Rajasthan, blessed with the largest incidence of solar radiation, have attracted the largest inflows of investment.

Just three years ago, grid-connected solar power in the country was less than 12 MW. By the end of 2011, India had acquired 190 MW in solar power generation capacity. By March 2013, that figure will grow five-fold to 1,000 MW under the Solar Mission targets alone.It is heartening to note that investor interest is rapidly growing. "There is an increased awareness about the opportunities in India among investors globally because of the decline in Europe, and China being a closed market," said Thomas Maslin, a Washington DC-based analyst with global consulting firm IHS Emerging Energy Research.According to a report by Mercom Capital, a clean energy consulting firm, India received $95 million (Rs. 500 crore) in venture capital funding and over $1.1 billion in large-scale funding for solar projects in 2011. The biggest funding deal was the $694 million loan raised by Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. for its 150 MW Dhule and 125 MW Sakri projects. Export-Import Bank of the United States was the biggest investor, funding seven different large-scale projects.

The reach for the Sun is being driven by a host of private sector players. Green Infra, founded by Raja Parthasarathy, Managing Director of IDFC Private Equity, entered the solar space about a year ago. In November, its 10 MW solar farm in Gujarat's Rajkot district began pumping Solar energy bright in Indiaelectricity into the state's grid. By the year-end, Green Infra In October last year, Moser Baer Clean Energy had also bagged orders to set up two plants in Rajasthan's commissioned a 30 MW photovoltaic solar power farm at Jodhpur district. "In 2013, we will be looking at Banaskantha district in north Gujarat. This solar power concentrated solar power projects with capacities in excess plant will supply an estimated 52 million units of energy in of 50 MW," says Shivanand Nimbargi, Managing Director a year - roughly the amount that Kerala consumes in a day.and CEO of Green Infra.In January 2012, the Adani Group had commissioned a 40-

MW solar power project , touted as the country's largest, in Gujarat's Kutch district. For Adani, India's largest private A word of caution - year 2012 may be globally thermal power producer, it is the first major project in the a tough period for RE sectorrenewable energy space.

However, the renewables sector could face a tough 2012 But it is Solairedirect that has really set the new because U.S. and European manufacturers will be under benchmark. The French company's bid of Rs 7.49 per increasing cost pressures and some Chinese manufacturers kilowatt-hour (kWh), equivalent to 15 US cents, for its will also face heavy debt and feel competitive strain. proposed 5 MW plant in Pokhran, Rajasthan, is by far the Significant overcapacity in China could result in a lowest tariff quoted under India's ambitious Solar Mission. succession of tie-ups within and between the main In comparison, the price per kWh is about 23 US cents in manufacturing territories of the United States, Germany Germany, the world's biggest solar power user. and China, leading to a smaller number of big global Each project underlines the importance that is now being players. Continued uncertainty about the Eurozone given to solar energy in India. The country, sundrenched economy will make the deal environment much more for more than 300 days a year, is ideally suited to use it. difficult for 2012. The potential for further destabilization But while the potential is well known, India has remained domestically, or at an inter-governmental level cannot be far behind Europe and the US, both in manufacturing and ruled out, but if a deal is highly strategic, and mission project capacities. critical, then parties will still feel it is worth doing on the

right terms.At present, the Union and State Governments are slowly working to harness the power of the Sun. In January 2010, the Centre launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar

35

circuit is capable of using all three ambient power sources The problem with depending on one source of power in the at the same time.drive toward the battery-free operation of small biomedical

devices, remote sensors and out-of-the-way gauges is that Bandyopadhyay says that each source typically requires its if the source is intermittent, not strong enough or runs out own control circuit to meet its specific needs - thermal altogether, the device can stop working. A small MIT sources might only produce between 0.02 and 0.15 volts, research team has developed a low-power chip design low power PV cells can offer up to 0.7 volts and circuits capable of simultaneously drawing power from can expect anything up to five volts from vibration photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric energy

sources. The design also features novel dual-path architecture that allows it to run from either onboard energy storage or direct from its multiple power sources.

Previous research projects at the lab of MIT's Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan, have led to developments of super-low-power wireless communication and computer chips that have their power needs satisfied by either natural light, heat or vibrations. According to its designer, doctoral student Saurav Bandyopadhyay, the new energy combining

TECHNOLOGY:

New MIT chip harvests energy from three sources

35

circuit is capable of using all three ambient power sources The problem with depending on one source of power in the at the same time.drive toward the battery-free operation of small biomedical

devices, remote sensors and out-of-the-way gauges is that Bandyopadhyay says that each source typically requires its if the source is intermittent, not strong enough or runs out own control circuit to meet its specific needs - thermal altogether, the device can stop working. A small MIT sources might only produce between 0.02 and 0.15 volts, research team has developed a low-power chip design low power PV cells can offer up to 0.7 volts and circuits capable of simultaneously drawing power from can expect anything up to five volts from vibration photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric energy

sources. The design also features novel dual-path architecture that allows it to run from either onboard energy storage or direct from its multiple power sources.

Previous research projects at the lab of MIT's Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan, have led to developments of super-low-power wireless communication and computer chips that have their power needs satisfied by either natural light, heat or vibrations. According to its designer, doctoral student Saurav Bandyopadhyay, the new energy combining

TECHNOLOGY:

New MIT chip harvests energy from three sources

36

Harvard scientists create hydrogen fuel cell that lasts longer

Materials scientists at Harvard have created a fuel cell that at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm2.not only produces energy but also stores it, opening up new

That length of time could be increased with further possibilities in hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The solid-improvements to the composition of the vanadium oxide fuel cell (SOFC) converts hydrogen into electricity,

and could have an impact on small-scale portable energy oxide-platinum anode. It should happen fairly soon, and

applications. this type of fuel cell could be available for applications

testing within two years. The researchers say that one The thin-film SOFC benefited from recent advances in

field that could benefit from the new fuel cell is micro low-temperature operations, which enabled the

integration of versatile materials, said lead researcher aerial vehicles, although fuel cells for powering vehicles

Shriram Ramantham. The star of the new cell is are already a reality.

vanadium oxide, a multifuncional material that allows The researchers observed and confirmed a few the fuel cell to multitask as both an energy generator chemical phenomena that possibly explains the and storage medium.extended power of the cell. The first of these is the

The new fuel cell uses a bilayer of platinum and oxidation of the vanadium ions. Another one is the

vanadium oxide for the anode, which allows the cell to storage of hydrogen within the vanadium oxide crystal

continue operating without fuel for up to 14 times as lattice, which is then gradually released and oxidized at

long as the thin-film SOFCs that use platinum only for the anode. Finally, they noticed that the concentration

the electrodes. In the case of the latter, when the of oxygen ions differs from the anode to the cathode,

platinum-anode SOFC runs out of fuel, it will continue which could mean oxygen anions (negatively-charged

to generate power for only about 15 seconds before it ions) also get oxidized as in a concentration cell.

fizzles out. With the new fuel cell, the scientists have (Source: Harvard University)managed to increase that to three minutes, 30 seconds

A 100% solar-powered boat that cost less than $3,000 to build!

While it might not be the world's largest solar boat or the capable of generating 140W of clean energy. The boat is fastest, this modest home-built solar-powered boat does the able to manage a top speed of 4 mph (6.5 km/h), which job and comfortably accommodates six passengers. is about “as fast as a leisurely canoe ride,” says Baker. Dubbed “Firefly,” it was built by Canadian eco-enthusiast He's not worried, however, boasting that the cells are Dan Baker for an impressive CA$2,900 (US$2,845) or independently fueling his 2012 boating season.Indian Rupee 1,62,796/-.

The cabin of the boat has been modestly fitted with a Bluetooth stereo, two rear storage seats, two lounge chairs, center console, navigation light, spreader lights with strobe function, LED lighting on the canopy and handrails, marine safety kit, fire extinguisher, air horn, life jackets, removable swim ladder, beverage holders and anchor. The base of the boat was fitted with eight flotation barrels purchased via a local classified ad for CA$20 (US$19.50) each.

We definitely think that Baker deserves the thumbs-up for The Firefly was custom built to cruise lakes, providing a

his eco-initiative. Should readers like the idea of owning leisurely experience without air or noise pollution. a boat like Dan's but don't want to build it themselves, Baker fitted the roof of the boat with a home-built solar they can always check out the Loon, an electric pontoon panel featuring 6 x 6 photovoltaic cells which he boat built by Canada's Tamarack Lake Electric Boat purchased on eBay. Energy is stored in a lead-acid Company.battery, which powers two brushless DC electric

motors. Each motor is mounted on opposite rear (Source: David Baker via EcoChunk)corners of the boat to provide thrust and steering.

According to Baker, the roof-mounted solar panel is 37

harvesters. He points out that most efforts to draw power device to be powered directly from multiple sources, from multiple source have so far concentrated on simply giving it the potential to bypass the storage system switching between them, depending on which one is altogether.providing the most juice at any given moment.

The new design is claimed to result in 11 - 13 percent For example, a sensor might initially get its power from a efficiency gains over the traditional two-stage approach, light source, which could then be abruptly cut off in favor and be capable of handling input voltages from 20mV to of a piezoelectric harvester, then when the rumble dies 5V.down a thermal system might kick in. Rather than waste the energy available from blocked-off sources, the new A paper entitled "Platform Architecture for Solar, Thermal, design allows all three power sources to contribute by and Vibration Energy Combining with MPPT and Single rapidly and continuously switching between them to Inductor" will shortly be published in the IEEE Journal of harvest energy from multiple sources (almost) Solid-State Circuits. The project was funded by a simultaneously. collaboration of defense/semiconductor companies and

DARPA.The researcher has also optimized the control circuits to maximize the amount of power available to devices. Like (Source: MIT via Inhabitat)other designs, the new chip routes energy to an onboard storage medium such as a battery or super capacitor. Bandyopadhyay claims his development also allows the

36

Harvard scientists create hydrogen fuel cell that lasts longer

Materials scientists at Harvard have created a fuel cell that at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm2.not only produces energy but also stores it, opening up new

That length of time could be increased with further possibilities in hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The solid-improvements to the composition of the vanadium oxide fuel cell (SOFC) converts hydrogen into electricity,

and could have an impact on small-scale portable energy oxide-platinum anode. It should happen fairly soon, and

applications. this type of fuel cell could be available for applications

testing within two years. The researchers say that one The thin-film SOFC benefited from recent advances in

field that could benefit from the new fuel cell is micro low-temperature operations, which enabled the

integration of versatile materials, said lead researcher aerial vehicles, although fuel cells for powering vehicles

Shriram Ramantham. The star of the new cell is are already a reality.

vanadium oxide, a multifuncional material that allows The researchers observed and confirmed a few the fuel cell to multitask as both an energy generator chemical phenomena that possibly explains the and storage medium.extended power of the cell. The first of these is the

The new fuel cell uses a bilayer of platinum and oxidation of the vanadium ions. Another one is the

vanadium oxide for the anode, which allows the cell to storage of hydrogen within the vanadium oxide crystal

continue operating without fuel for up to 14 times as lattice, which is then gradually released and oxidized at

long as the thin-film SOFCs that use platinum only for the anode. Finally, they noticed that the concentration

the electrodes. In the case of the latter, when the of oxygen ions differs from the anode to the cathode,

platinum-anode SOFC runs out of fuel, it will continue which could mean oxygen anions (negatively-charged

to generate power for only about 15 seconds before it ions) also get oxidized as in a concentration cell.

fizzles out. With the new fuel cell, the scientists have (Source: Harvard University)managed to increase that to three minutes, 30 seconds

A 100% solar-powered boat that cost less than $3,000 to build!

While it might not be the world's largest solar boat or the capable of generating 140W of clean energy. The boat is fastest, this modest home-built solar-powered boat does the able to manage a top speed of 4 mph (6.5 km/h), which job and comfortably accommodates six passengers. is about “as fast as a leisurely canoe ride,” says Baker. Dubbed “Firefly,” it was built by Canadian eco-enthusiast He's not worried, however, boasting that the cells are Dan Baker for an impressive CA$2,900 (US$2,845) or independently fueling his 2012 boating season.Indian Rupee 1,62,796/-.

The cabin of the boat has been modestly fitted with a Bluetooth stereo, two rear storage seats, two lounge chairs, center console, navigation light, spreader lights with strobe function, LED lighting on the canopy and handrails, marine safety kit, fire extinguisher, air horn, life jackets, removable swim ladder, beverage holders and anchor. The base of the boat was fitted with eight flotation barrels purchased via a local classified ad for CA$20 (US$19.50) each.

We definitely think that Baker deserves the thumbs-up for The Firefly was custom built to cruise lakes, providing a

his eco-initiative. Should readers like the idea of owning leisurely experience without air or noise pollution. a boat like Dan's but don't want to build it themselves, Baker fitted the roof of the boat with a home-built solar they can always check out the Loon, an electric pontoon panel featuring 6 x 6 photovoltaic cells which he boat built by Canada's Tamarack Lake Electric Boat purchased on eBay. Energy is stored in a lead-acid Company.battery, which powers two brushless DC electric

motors. Each motor is mounted on opposite rear (Source: David Baker via EcoChunk)corners of the boat to provide thrust and steering.

According to Baker, the roof-mounted solar panel is 37

harvesters. He points out that most efforts to draw power device to be powered directly from multiple sources, from multiple source have so far concentrated on simply giving it the potential to bypass the storage system switching between them, depending on which one is altogether.providing the most juice at any given moment.

The new design is claimed to result in 11 - 13 percent For example, a sensor might initially get its power from a efficiency gains over the traditional two-stage approach, light source, which could then be abruptly cut off in favor and be capable of handling input voltages from 20mV to of a piezoelectric harvester, then when the rumble dies 5V.down a thermal system might kick in. Rather than waste the energy available from blocked-off sources, the new A paper entitled "Platform Architecture for Solar, Thermal, design allows all three power sources to contribute by and Vibration Energy Combining with MPPT and Single rapidly and continuously switching between them to Inductor" will shortly be published in the IEEE Journal of harvest energy from multiple sources (almost) Solid-State Circuits. The project was funded by a simultaneously. collaboration of defense/semiconductor companies and

DARPA.The researcher has also optimized the control circuits to maximize the amount of power available to devices. Like (Source: MIT via Inhabitat)other designs, the new chip routes energy to an onboard storage medium such as a battery or super capacitor. Bandyopadhyay claims his development also allows the

38 39

good news,” Prabhu added. Meanwhile, the M&A activity The solar sector attracted total funding of $ 4.3 billion in the solar sector totaled $325 million in 14 transactions. (over INR 24,000 crore) through 66 deals, including two

Indian transactionsReliance Power and Azure Power in April-June 2012, says a report. Only six of these transactions disclosed details. The top

M&A transaction was the acquisition of Zhejiang According to the Mercom Capital Group's second quarter funding and M&A activity report for solar sector, global venture capital funding saw a slight uptick with 32 deals amounting to $376 million, even in tough solar market.

The report analysed funding on the basis of four categories: project funding, VC funding, debt funding and others.

Two Indian dealsReliance Power securing a $103 million loan from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Azure Power securing $70.4 million in long-term financing from the Export Import Bank of the US were listed in the project funding category. Reliance Power secured ADB loan for its 100 MW CSP project while Azure Power get financing for expanding its 5 MW solar PV project to 40 MW. Of the VC deals downstream firms, Topoint Photovoltaic, a Chinese mono and received the most with $133 million in nine deals, followed polycrystalline maker, for $276 million by Guangxi by thin film companies with $ 121 million in four deals this

Beisheng Pharmaceutical in an asset restructuring plan.quarter, Mercom Capital said.

“Most of the M&A activity were small strategic “In this quarter we are finally seeing VC investments

transactions with a few of them being acquisitions of catch up, with downstream receiving the most funding.

business divisions for synergistic reasons,” said Prabhu Balance-of-system (BOS) companies also represent a

adding that in some cases, acquisitions were of 'sick' significant opportunity for investment, innovation and

companies getting rid of non-strategic businesses and cost reduction, and they are now the largest slice of the

assets. The second quarter of 2012 also saw 13 new solar system pie, but VC investments in BOS have been

cleantech and solar-focused investment funds announced surprisingly low,” Mercom Capital Group Managing

committing $3.2 billion, the report added.Partner Raj Prabhu said. “With news of solar companies downsizing or going out of business seemingly every day, (Source:http://www.firstpost.com)continued steady VC investment activity in the sector is

NEWS:

Solar energy attracts INR 24,000 crore investments in Apr-Jun 2012 100 kW per site, except mini-

grids for rural electrification, which are limited to 250 kW. Finally, industrial and commercial entities have similar caps, however commercial entities can receive either the subsidy or low-interest loans, but not both.

MNRE will also provide funding to primary lending institutions to make loans for such systems at an interest rate of 2% annually or less, provided that such loans are passed on to the purchasers of solar systems at 5% annual interest or less.India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

(MNRE) has released details of subsidies for off-grid Higher subsidies for microgrid systemssolar photovoltaic (PV) generation. The agency is

providing a 30% subsidy for the benchmark costs of The subsidies are also capped by watt, with a cap of PV systems, as well as loans limited to 5% interest INR 90 (USD 1.66 per watt) for systems with battery annually. storage, and INR 70 per watt (USD 1.29 per watt) for systems without battery storage. Standalone rural PV The subsidies will be capped according to type of plants with battery storage as part of a microgrid will be installation, with systems purchased by individuals provided with INR 150 per watt (USD 2.76 per watt) limited to 1 kW, except for pumps for irrigation and subsidies, and a 5% loan.

community drinking water, which are limited to 5 kW.

(Source: EAI)Subsidies for non-commercial entities are limited to

Indian MNRE offers details of off-grid PV subsidies

coach each on two trains were being run on solar energy. Coaches of Kalka-Shimla toy train the Himalayan Queen Divisional electrical engineer R K Gupta said that the new have been converted to solar-based power system. It is the system will require little maintenance and reduce energy first train in the country to have all its coaches solar

saving by Rs 4.35 lakh per annum.powered. The experiment will earn carbon credit for the track that is on

“This is one of the green initiatives the heritage list of UNESCO.taken by the Indian Railway authorities for the ecologically Each coach has been built at a cost fragile hill state,” said P K Sanghi, of Rs 1.25 lakh and is provided divisional railway manager, with a 100-watt solar panel. The Ambala. “All seven coaches of the florescent tube has been replaced train are lit by solar energy. A with the much brighter LED lights. major advantage on this track is The coach can function two days that the coaches do not require air without the sun and can make two conditioners or fans. If the system trips. The coaches have also been

works successfully we will extend solar lighting to regular provided with solar power charging sockets.tracks on this UNSECO heritage route having more than 806 bridges and 103 tunnels,” Sanghi added. Trial runs were earlier done on trains running on the

Pathankot-Jogindernagar track. For the past one year, one

Solar Powered Trains In India Soon

The increasing industrialization, urbanization and changes in the pattern of life, which accompany

the process of economic growth, give rise to generation of increasing quantities of wastes leading to

increased threats to the environment. In recent years, technologies have been developed that not only

help in generating substantial quantity of decentralized energy but also in reducing the quantity of

waste for its safe disposal. In developed countries like India, environmental concerns rather than

energy recovery is the prime motivator for waste-to-energy facilities, which help in treating and

disposing of wastes. Energy in the form of biogas, heat or power is seen as a bonus, which improves

the viability of such projects. While incineration and biomethanation are the most common

technologies, pyrolysis and gasification are also emerging as preferred options. A common feature in

most developed countries is that the entire waste management system is being handled as a profitable

venture by private industry or non-government organizations with tipping fee for treatment of waste

being one of the major revenue streams. The major Advantages for adopting technologies for

recovery of energy from urban wastes is to reduce the quantity of waste and net reduction in

environmental pollution, besides generation of substantial quantity of energy

Waste to Energy

Off-grid systems eligible to receive MNRE subsidies include water pumps up to 5 kW in size (direc2010.gov.in)

38 39

good news,” Prabhu added. Meanwhile, the M&A activity The solar sector attracted total funding of $ 4.3 billion in the solar sector totaled $325 million in 14 transactions. (over INR 24,000 crore) through 66 deals, including two

Indian transactionsReliance Power and Azure Power in April-June 2012, says a report. Only six of these transactions disclosed details. The top

M&A transaction was the acquisition of Zhejiang According to the Mercom Capital Group's second quarter funding and M&A activity report for solar sector, global venture capital funding saw a slight uptick with 32 deals amounting to $376 million, even in tough solar market.

The report analysed funding on the basis of four categories: project funding, VC funding, debt funding and others.

Two Indian dealsReliance Power securing a $103 million loan from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Azure Power securing $70.4 million in long-term financing from the Export Import Bank of the US were listed in the project funding category. Reliance Power secured ADB loan for its 100 MW CSP project while Azure Power get financing for expanding its 5 MW solar PV project to 40 MW. Of the VC deals downstream firms, Topoint Photovoltaic, a Chinese mono and received the most with $133 million in nine deals, followed polycrystalline maker, for $276 million by Guangxi by thin film companies with $ 121 million in four deals this

Beisheng Pharmaceutical in an asset restructuring plan.quarter, Mercom Capital said.

“Most of the M&A activity were small strategic “In this quarter we are finally seeing VC investments

transactions with a few of them being acquisitions of catch up, with downstream receiving the most funding.

business divisions for synergistic reasons,” said Prabhu Balance-of-system (BOS) companies also represent a

adding that in some cases, acquisitions were of 'sick' significant opportunity for investment, innovation and

companies getting rid of non-strategic businesses and cost reduction, and they are now the largest slice of the

assets. The second quarter of 2012 also saw 13 new solar system pie, but VC investments in BOS have been

cleantech and solar-focused investment funds announced surprisingly low,” Mercom Capital Group Managing

committing $3.2 billion, the report added.Partner Raj Prabhu said. “With news of solar companies downsizing or going out of business seemingly every day, (Source:http://www.firstpost.com)continued steady VC investment activity in the sector is

NEWS:

Solar energy attracts INR 24,000 crore investments in Apr-Jun 2012 100 kW per site, except mini-

grids for rural electrification, which are limited to 250 kW. Finally, industrial and commercial entities have similar caps, however commercial entities can receive either the subsidy or low-interest loans, but not both.

MNRE will also provide funding to primary lending institutions to make loans for such systems at an interest rate of 2% annually or less, provided that such loans are passed on to the purchasers of solar systems at 5% annual interest or less.India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

(MNRE) has released details of subsidies for off-grid Higher subsidies for microgrid systemssolar photovoltaic (PV) generation. The agency is

providing a 30% subsidy for the benchmark costs of The subsidies are also capped by watt, with a cap of PV systems, as well as loans limited to 5% interest INR 90 (USD 1.66 per watt) for systems with battery annually. storage, and INR 70 per watt (USD 1.29 per watt) for systems without battery storage. Standalone rural PV The subsidies will be capped according to type of plants with battery storage as part of a microgrid will be installation, with systems purchased by individuals provided with INR 150 per watt (USD 2.76 per watt) limited to 1 kW, except for pumps for irrigation and subsidies, and a 5% loan.

community drinking water, which are limited to 5 kW.

(Source: EAI)Subsidies for non-commercial entities are limited to

Indian MNRE offers details of off-grid PV subsidies

coach each on two trains were being run on solar energy. Coaches of Kalka-Shimla toy train the Himalayan Queen Divisional electrical engineer R K Gupta said that the new have been converted to solar-based power system. It is the system will require little maintenance and reduce energy first train in the country to have all its coaches solar

saving by Rs 4.35 lakh per annum.powered. The experiment will earn carbon credit for the track that is on

“This is one of the green initiatives the heritage list of UNESCO.taken by the Indian Railway authorities for the ecologically Each coach has been built at a cost fragile hill state,” said P K Sanghi, of Rs 1.25 lakh and is provided divisional railway manager, with a 100-watt solar panel. The Ambala. “All seven coaches of the florescent tube has been replaced train are lit by solar energy. A with the much brighter LED lights. major advantage on this track is The coach can function two days that the coaches do not require air without the sun and can make two conditioners or fans. If the system trips. The coaches have also been

works successfully we will extend solar lighting to regular provided with solar power charging sockets.tracks on this UNSECO heritage route having more than 806 bridges and 103 tunnels,” Sanghi added. Trial runs were earlier done on trains running on the

Pathankot-Jogindernagar track. For the past one year, one

Solar Powered Trains In India Soon

The increasing industrialization, urbanization and changes in the pattern of life, which accompany

the process of economic growth, give rise to generation of increasing quantities of wastes leading to

increased threats to the environment. In recent years, technologies have been developed that not only

help in generating substantial quantity of decentralized energy but also in reducing the quantity of

waste for its safe disposal. In developed countries like India, environmental concerns rather than

energy recovery is the prime motivator for waste-to-energy facilities, which help in treating and

disposing of wastes. Energy in the form of biogas, heat or power is seen as a bonus, which improves

the viability of such projects. While incineration and biomethanation are the most common

technologies, pyrolysis and gasification are also emerging as preferred options. A common feature in

most developed countries is that the entire waste management system is being handled as a profitable

venture by private industry or non-government organizations with tipping fee for treatment of waste

being one of the major revenue streams. The major Advantages for adopting technologies for

recovery of energy from urban wastes is to reduce the quantity of waste and net reduction in

environmental pollution, besides generation of substantial quantity of energy

Waste to Energy

Off-grid systems eligible to receive MNRE subsidies include water pumps up to 5 kW in size (direc2010.gov.in)

40 41

panels, said a top official of the Gujarat State Electricity The solar power plant will generate 1.6 million units of Corporation (GSECL).electricity per year. The project has been developed by

the Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited The plant was set up at the cost of around Rs. 17.50 crore by the US-based Sun Edison and is projected to generate 1.6 million units annually and simultaneously prevent evaporation of 9 million litres of water. "This is the first-of-its-kind canal-top solar power plant to be set up by Sun Edison in the world using panels made by our parent firm MEMC Electronics Materials Ltd," said Head of Communications at Sun Edison Jaideep Singh Chowdhary. The plant which is connected to the state grid through Uttar Gujarat Vidyut Corporation Limited, had already gone on stream.

"The trial run of the plant indicates that solar panels here could produce 15% more power

as compared to conventional installations as the water (GSECL) and was inaugurated by Gujarat state Chief flowing under the panels keeps them relatively cool," Minister, Narendra Modi last April. The project, which said GSECL MD Gurdeep Singh. The cost of the plant is virtually eliminates the need to acquire huge tracts of expected to come down to Rs. 12 crore or so as it was land as is typically needed in setting up such plants. The higher since it being the first such pilot project, he said.project covers 750 metres of Sardar Sarovar Narmada

Nigam Limited (SSNL) branch canal passing through The entire length of SSNL canal network in Gujarat is remote village of Chandrasan, with a network of solar

around 19,000 kilometres and if even 10% of it is used for this type of projects it could generate 2,400 MW of clean energy annually, Singh said."It would eliminate need of 11,000 acres of land required for a solar project of this magnitude and save 2 billion litres of water annually," he claimed.

A 800 KW of peak energy production has been recorded from this plant during a day so far, which is connected to the state grid, a GSECL official said. Sun Edison has a total installed capacity of 45 MW of solar power in Gujarat and has also bagged a contract for a 2.5 MW rooftop solar project in Gandhinagar.

A dual purpose project: Saving water and harnessing energy

Pic: India's first 1MW canal-top solar power plant at Chandrasan village near Mehsana in Gujarat

Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban urban centres cleaner, like publication of manual on Reconstruction Mission (JNNURM), 45 solid waste municipal SWM, notification of municipal solid waste management (SWM) projects at a cost of Rs. 2,086 crore (management and handling) rules, constitution of and 70 projects of Rs. 409 crore have been approved so far technical advisory group on SWM, and a task force to in different states by the Urban Development Ministry, formulate an action plan. However, he lamented, no Government of India. JUNNURM has listed 65 mission urban local body had complied with the rules relating to cities for financial assistance for urban development in the municipal solid waste (management and handling), country.

though it had given specific directions to local bodies, district administration and urban development

“These projects are in the different stages of

departments of the States for proper and scientific implementation,” Union Minister of State for Urban SWM.Development Saugata Roy said, highlighting the efforts

of the government to tackle the SWM problem in urban Highlighting the challenge urban bodies had before India.them, the Union Minister told the International Conference on SWM 2012 that, according to the 2011 Mysore was among those beneficiary cities and a Rs. census, the total urban population stood at 373.10 29.85 crore project had been approved by the Ministry. million and was projected to touch 600 million by 2030.Bangalore, the other city in Karnataka under JNNURM,

has however not sent any proposal so far to the The number of cities and towns had increased from Ministry,

he said. A survey of 423 cities did not find a single green 5,161 in 2001 to 7,935 in 2011 while the share of city in the country, which, the minister said, highlights the population had gone up from 28 to 31.15% of the total need for a proactive approach to make cities cleaner. population in the last decade. Population in 35 metro Chandigarh, however, was the first city followed by cities constituted 37% of India's total urban population. Mysore in good sanitation. “These two are reasonably By 2050, it was expected that 50% of the country's cleaner cities. They must improve further to achieve green population would be urban. Urban India generated 42 city status,” he said. million tonne solid waste annually, i.e. 115,000 tonnes a

day, out of which 83,300 tonnes per day was generated Stating that his Ministry was proactive in funding SWM

in 423 Class I cities, equivalent to 72.42% of the total projects, Roy listed various measures taken up to make

urban waste generated each day in India. The per capita

Waste management projects to get Rs. 2,086 crore from Centre

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi inaugurating the project

40 41

panels, said a top official of the Gujarat State Electricity The solar power plant will generate 1.6 million units of Corporation (GSECL).electricity per year. The project has been developed by

the Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited The plant was set up at the cost of around Rs. 17.50 crore by the US-based Sun Edison and is projected to generate 1.6 million units annually and simultaneously prevent evaporation of 9 million litres of water. "This is the first-of-its-kind canal-top solar power plant to be set up by Sun Edison in the world using panels made by our parent firm MEMC Electronics Materials Ltd," said Head of Communications at Sun Edison Jaideep Singh Chowdhary. The plant which is connected to the state grid through Uttar Gujarat Vidyut Corporation Limited, had already gone on stream.

"The trial run of the plant indicates that solar panels here could produce 15% more power

as compared to conventional installations as the water (GSECL) and was inaugurated by Gujarat state Chief flowing under the panels keeps them relatively cool," Minister, Narendra Modi last April. The project, which said GSECL MD Gurdeep Singh. The cost of the plant is virtually eliminates the need to acquire huge tracts of expected to come down to Rs. 12 crore or so as it was land as is typically needed in setting up such plants. The higher since it being the first such pilot project, he said.project covers 750 metres of Sardar Sarovar Narmada

Nigam Limited (SSNL) branch canal passing through The entire length of SSNL canal network in Gujarat is remote village of Chandrasan, with a network of solar

around 19,000 kilometres and if even 10% of it is used for this type of projects it could generate 2,400 MW of clean energy annually, Singh said."It would eliminate need of 11,000 acres of land required for a solar project of this magnitude and save 2 billion litres of water annually," he claimed.

A 800 KW of peak energy production has been recorded from this plant during a day so far, which is connected to the state grid, a GSECL official said. Sun Edison has a total installed capacity of 45 MW of solar power in Gujarat and has also bagged a contract for a 2.5 MW rooftop solar project in Gandhinagar.

A dual purpose project: Saving water and harnessing energy

Pic: India's first 1MW canal-top solar power plant at Chandrasan village near Mehsana in Gujarat

Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban urban centres cleaner, like publication of manual on Reconstruction Mission (JNNURM), 45 solid waste municipal SWM, notification of municipal solid waste management (SWM) projects at a cost of Rs. 2,086 crore (management and handling) rules, constitution of and 70 projects of Rs. 409 crore have been approved so far technical advisory group on SWM, and a task force to in different states by the Urban Development Ministry, formulate an action plan. However, he lamented, no Government of India. JUNNURM has listed 65 mission urban local body had complied with the rules relating to cities for financial assistance for urban development in the municipal solid waste (management and handling), country.

though it had given specific directions to local bodies, district administration and urban development

“These projects are in the different stages of

departments of the States for proper and scientific implementation,” Union Minister of State for Urban SWM.Development Saugata Roy said, highlighting the efforts

of the government to tackle the SWM problem in urban Highlighting the challenge urban bodies had before India.them, the Union Minister told the International Conference on SWM 2012 that, according to the 2011 Mysore was among those beneficiary cities and a Rs. census, the total urban population stood at 373.10 29.85 crore project had been approved by the Ministry. million and was projected to touch 600 million by 2030.Bangalore, the other city in Karnataka under JNNURM,

has however not sent any proposal so far to the The number of cities and towns had increased from Ministry,

he said. A survey of 423 cities did not find a single green 5,161 in 2001 to 7,935 in 2011 while the share of city in the country, which, the minister said, highlights the population had gone up from 28 to 31.15% of the total need for a proactive approach to make cities cleaner. population in the last decade. Population in 35 metro Chandigarh, however, was the first city followed by cities constituted 37% of India's total urban population. Mysore in good sanitation. “These two are reasonably By 2050, it was expected that 50% of the country's cleaner cities. They must improve further to achieve green population would be urban. Urban India generated 42 city status,” he said. million tonne solid waste annually, i.e. 115,000 tonnes a

day, out of which 83,300 tonnes per day was generated Stating that his Ministry was proactive in funding SWM

in 423 Class I cities, equivalent to 72.42% of the total projects, Roy listed various measures taken up to make

urban waste generated each day in India. The per capita

Waste management projects to get Rs. 2,086 crore from Centre

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi inaugurating the project

42 43

generation in cities varied from 200 to 600 gramme a strengthening power generation from agro-forestry day. residues, bagasse and non-bagasse-based co-generation Urban population growing between 3% and 3.5% per in industries and renewable power plants at the tail end annum, the annual increase in urban solid waste was of the grid. Sixty small scale biomass-based units have assessed at 5%, he said calling for tackling of this been established in Bihar with a generating capacity of stupendous challenge on priority with practical 32 KW of power at a cost of Rs.15 lakh per plant.approach.

According to B.V. Reddy, Professor, University of Ontario Institute of Technologies, Canada, while the total power While there was a potential to generate 18,000 MW of generation in India today was 1.4 lakh MW, it is clean power per year from biomass, biomass-based power

plants capable of producing only 2,000 MW have been predicted that the country's power requirements would installed in 12 states including Tamil Nadu. Efforts were on be tripled in the next 20 years.to increase it to 7,000 MW in the 12th Five-Year Plan.

India's per capita power consumption was 630 KW per The Central government official said that the efforts to person per annum as against 8,000 MW in U.S., and harness the biomass potential should be supported by 4,000 MW in Japan and U.K. Despite this low power wasteland-based integrated energy plantation to meet consumption, the country was unable to meet the the energy needs of 60,000 million households in the power needs of the people owing to poor planning.country.

As we have enough potential in the country in all areas, Every MW of power generated from plant residues hydro, thermal, wind, solar and biomass, India must would be able to cover about 6,000 rural households. harness the potential and work towards attaining self-

sufficiency in power in order to compete with other Power plants with capacity ranging from a few KW to countries, energy experts say.30 KW would help change the power scenario in the

entire country. The Department of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India was focussing on

Solar photovoltaic installations in India have crossed the 25,000 MW. During the quarter, 495 MW were added 1,000 MW or 1 gigawatt (GW) mark, according to data 291.70 MW of which came from the wind sector. This

addition took the total installed capacity of renewable power plants in the country to 25,409 MW.

Target for 2012-13

The Ministry has set a target of 4,125 MW of additional green power capacity for the current financial year. This includes 2,500 MW of wind power and 800 MW of solar PV. It is worthy of note that the targeted wind power capacity is lesser than the achievement of last year, which was 3,164

made available by the Ministry of New and Renewable MW.Energy (MNRE).

However, the wind industry expects that even 2,500 As at the end of June, 2012, India had grid interactive MW would be a tough target to achieve, due to two solar PV installed capacity of 1,030.66 MW. Most of the reasons removal of two key benefits of 'accelerated capacities have come in from Gujarat. In addition, India depreciation' and 'generation-based incentive', and the has 85.21 MW of off-grid solar PV systems, counting tough operating environment in key States, especially in only those that are higher than 1 kW. the windiest State in the country, viz., Tamil Nadu.

Renewable Energy in India crossed another milestone (Source: Energy Alternatives India, Chennai)in the first quarter of the current year total grid interactive renewable energy installations crossed

Solar photovoltaic installations in India cross 1 GW milestone

Farooq Abdullah has recently informed the Lok Sabha that The Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Dr. under the Off-grid Solar Applications Scheme of JNNSM, the Ministry is providing subsidy of 30% of the benchmark cost (Rs. 270/- per watt peak) of the solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems subject to a maximum of Rs.81/- per watt peak for distribution/ installation of solar lanterns and home lights and Rs.57/- per watt peak for SPV water pumping systems to individuals in the country.

The Ministry is also providing subsidy of 40% of the capital cost limited to Rs.108/- per watt peak for installing solar lanterns, home lights and small capacity PV plants up to 210 Watt peak by individuals through NABARD, Regional Rural Banks and other Commercial Banks. For balance 60% of the cost, the banks extend credit facility to the beneficiary at usual commercial rates.

A programme to have 10,000 off-grid solar homes in the target could be set higher in the following years.Kerala State by the end of 2012-13 is expected to take off in a month. The project, pending clearance with the Union One of the special beauties of net-metered roof top solar is Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), is that it is community centric. The homeowner or business awaiting approval for release of money from the Central that invests in solar gets the most direct benefits. Yet each pool, said sources in the Agency for Non-Conventional roof is a "brick" equivalent of a massive urban solar power Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), which would plant that feeds the community, not just the homes that oversee the implementation of the programme. invest. All the neighbors are connected to this solar power

plant and benefit from the same zero fuel cost, clean Sources said that the draft proposal for the programme has energy every sunny day.distributed the heavily subsidised solar homes equally among the districts, though the quota may be rearranged Grid-connected panels can make solar power cheaperdepending on the performance of the districts after the project is launched.

Once it is under way, those wishing to set up solar homes will get more than 50% subsidy. Union and State governments will provide Rs.1.20 lakh of the total Rs.2 lakh to Rs.2.20 lakh needed to set up a single unit to generate 1 kW of power. The beneficiary contribution will be Rs.80,000 per unit. The programme, when completed, will generate 10 MW of power from roof-mounted and off-grid solar electric power systems. This represents five units of power per day for about 20 years. Sources said that once the solar homes project takes off successfully, it will be imitated in Kerala and

Kerala plans to have more than 10,000 off-grid solar homes by the end of 2013

Government Provides 30% Subsidy For Solar Lanterns And Home Lights

42 43

generation in cities varied from 200 to 600 gramme a strengthening power generation from agro-forestry day. residues, bagasse and non-bagasse-based co-generation Urban population growing between 3% and 3.5% per in industries and renewable power plants at the tail end annum, the annual increase in urban solid waste was of the grid. Sixty small scale biomass-based units have assessed at 5%, he said calling for tackling of this been established in Bihar with a generating capacity of stupendous challenge on priority with practical 32 KW of power at a cost of Rs.15 lakh per plant.approach.

According to B.V. Reddy, Professor, University of Ontario Institute of Technologies, Canada, while the total power While there was a potential to generate 18,000 MW of generation in India today was 1.4 lakh MW, it is clean power per year from biomass, biomass-based power

plants capable of producing only 2,000 MW have been predicted that the country's power requirements would installed in 12 states including Tamil Nadu. Efforts were on be tripled in the next 20 years.to increase it to 7,000 MW in the 12th Five-Year Plan.

India's per capita power consumption was 630 KW per The Central government official said that the efforts to person per annum as against 8,000 MW in U.S., and harness the biomass potential should be supported by 4,000 MW in Japan and U.K. Despite this low power wasteland-based integrated energy plantation to meet consumption, the country was unable to meet the the energy needs of 60,000 million households in the power needs of the people owing to poor planning.country.

As we have enough potential in the country in all areas, Every MW of power generated from plant residues hydro, thermal, wind, solar and biomass, India must would be able to cover about 6,000 rural households. harness the potential and work towards attaining self-

sufficiency in power in order to compete with other Power plants with capacity ranging from a few KW to countries, energy experts say.30 KW would help change the power scenario in the

entire country. The Department of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India was focussing on

Solar photovoltaic installations in India have crossed the 25,000 MW. During the quarter, 495 MW were added 1,000 MW or 1 gigawatt (GW) mark, according to data 291.70 MW of which came from the wind sector. This

addition took the total installed capacity of renewable power plants in the country to 25,409 MW.

Target for 2012-13

The Ministry has set a target of 4,125 MW of additional green power capacity for the current financial year. This includes 2,500 MW of wind power and 800 MW of solar PV. It is worthy of note that the targeted wind power capacity is lesser than the achievement of last year, which was 3,164

made available by the Ministry of New and Renewable MW.Energy (MNRE).

However, the wind industry expects that even 2,500 As at the end of June, 2012, India had grid interactive MW would be a tough target to achieve, due to two solar PV installed capacity of 1,030.66 MW. Most of the reasons removal of two key benefits of 'accelerated capacities have come in from Gujarat. In addition, India depreciation' and 'generation-based incentive', and the has 85.21 MW of off-grid solar PV systems, counting tough operating environment in key States, especially in only those that are higher than 1 kW. the windiest State in the country, viz., Tamil Nadu.

Renewable Energy in India crossed another milestone (Source: Energy Alternatives India, Chennai)in the first quarter of the current year total grid interactive renewable energy installations crossed

Solar photovoltaic installations in India cross 1 GW milestone

Farooq Abdullah has recently informed the Lok Sabha that The Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Dr. under the Off-grid Solar Applications Scheme of JNNSM, the Ministry is providing subsidy of 30% of the benchmark cost (Rs. 270/- per watt peak) of the solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems subject to a maximum of Rs.81/- per watt peak for distribution/ installation of solar lanterns and home lights and Rs.57/- per watt peak for SPV water pumping systems to individuals in the country.

The Ministry is also providing subsidy of 40% of the capital cost limited to Rs.108/- per watt peak for installing solar lanterns, home lights and small capacity PV plants up to 210 Watt peak by individuals through NABARD, Regional Rural Banks and other Commercial Banks. For balance 60% of the cost, the banks extend credit facility to the beneficiary at usual commercial rates.

A programme to have 10,000 off-grid solar homes in the target could be set higher in the following years.Kerala State by the end of 2012-13 is expected to take off in a month. The project, pending clearance with the Union One of the special beauties of net-metered roof top solar is Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), is that it is community centric. The homeowner or business awaiting approval for release of money from the Central that invests in solar gets the most direct benefits. Yet each pool, said sources in the Agency for Non-Conventional roof is a "brick" equivalent of a massive urban solar power Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), which would plant that feeds the community, not just the homes that oversee the implementation of the programme. invest. All the neighbors are connected to this solar power

plant and benefit from the same zero fuel cost, clean Sources said that the draft proposal for the programme has energy every sunny day.distributed the heavily subsidised solar homes equally among the districts, though the quota may be rearranged Grid-connected panels can make solar power cheaperdepending on the performance of the districts after the project is launched.

Once it is under way, those wishing to set up solar homes will get more than 50% subsidy. Union and State governments will provide Rs.1.20 lakh of the total Rs.2 lakh to Rs.2.20 lakh needed to set up a single unit to generate 1 kW of power. The beneficiary contribution will be Rs.80,000 per unit. The programme, when completed, will generate 10 MW of power from roof-mounted and off-grid solar electric power systems. This represents five units of power per day for about 20 years. Sources said that once the solar homes project takes off successfully, it will be imitated in Kerala and

Kerala plans to have more than 10,000 off-grid solar homes by the end of 2013

Government Provides 30% Subsidy For Solar Lanterns And Home Lights

44 45

A grid-connected system linking rooftop solar panels “Today, a 1 Kilo Watt (KW) domestic rooftop solar across the State could drive down the cost of generating power system with battery backup can be installed for solar power and provide the basis of a sustainable energy about Rs.2 lakh. If the system is directly connected to system for Kerala, noted social and environmental activist the grid, the power generated during daytime can be fed

and the former director of the Agency for Non- into the grid and the consumer can draw power when conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) Prof. required, obviating the need for storage batteries and R.V.G. Menon has suggested. bringing down the investment by Rs.50,000,” he said.

In a paper presented at the ongoing Kerala Environment Prof. Menon said the falling price of solar panels would Congress (KEC 2012) organised by the Centre for make it possible to have a 1 KW grid-connected system Environment and Development (CED) and the Rajiv at a cost of Rs.1 lakh or less in the near future. The Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) here, Prof. paper said Kerala had the potential to generate 5,400 Menon said the time had come for Kerala to adopt a MW from rooftop solar panels mounted on concrete proactive policy, making it mandatory for new buildings to

houses and public buildings. Prof. Menon said the State have rooftop solar photovoltaic panels.

could think of installing float-mounted solar panels over backwaters and reservoirs to tap the energy from the The paper said a system to connect rooftop solar panels sun.directly to the utility grid could push down costs.

Tata Motors started its innovation with CNG products, and moved on to series and parallel CNG-electric hybrid buses. At the Auto Expo 2012, the company showcased the Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell (Hydrogen) bus. The Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell is a zero emission transport solution for commuting within the city. This environment-friendly bus is ideal for stop and go applications, and is built on rear module low entry platform, equipped with a ramp facility, pneumatic

To address energy security and environment concerns, the government and the auto industry are trying to find alternate modes for transportation. Tata Motors has always been at the forefront to innovate more environment-friendly and efficient products for public transportation.

Tata Motors brings environment-friendly and efficient fuel-cell powered public transport system

door operations, and climate control features. by the Government of India's Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Technology Development & The fuel cell technology makes this bus completely clean Demonstration Programme.and silent bus on-road. Hydrogen is stored in compressed form, which combines with oxygen from the air to generate John Sheridan, Ballard's President and CEO said, "We are electricity, and gives water vapour as the only emission. very pleased to have signed this MOU with India's premier This electricity is used to charge the battery to power the bus manufacturer for Tata's upcoming zero-emission bus motor of the bus. A number of fuel cells are combined to testing program. This is additional validation of the mature form a fuel cell stack, which is placed in the rear module of state of our products and of the growing global market for the bus. This mechanism involves a fuel cell with gross clean energy transit buses."peak power of 114 HP, coupled with a motor with the peak power output of 250 HP from 600 rpm to 2100 rpm and Ballard FCvelocityTM-1100 fuel cell stacks are based on a torque of 1050 Nm at 800 rpm. The maximum speed of the design that is ideal for use in heavy duty vehicles. bus is 70 kmph and gradability is 17%, which is very FCvelocityTM-1100 fuel cell stack technology is at the suitable for city application. heart of the Company's FCvelocityTM-HD6 fuel cell module, a "plug and play" power solution used by bus The bus comes with hydraulic power steering, pneumatic OEM's around the world.suspension and full air dual circuit SCAM brakes with ABS, and radial tubeless tyres. The instrument cluster and Ballard Power Systems provides clean energy fuel cell cabin controls are of world class design. Quick and products enabling optimized power systems for a range of effortless acceleration make the driving experience less applications. Products are based on proprietary esencia™ tiresome for the driver. technology, ensuring incomparable performance, durability and versatility. Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell has the potential to revolutionise public transportation in India. The efficiency in a fuel cell Tata Motors makes natural gas commitmentbus is about 40-60% which is almost 3 times than that of conventional buses. This leads to more than 50% reduction Indian car maker Tata Motors will highlight its in fuel costs per Km. Since hydrogen is a domestically commitment to natural gas technology after selecting produced fuel, there will be no dependency on foreign Omnitek Engineering Corporation to supply filters for its policies and expensive fuels. Fast refueling will also reduce 2012 natural gas passenger vehicles. The companies first the downtime of the bus. established a supplier relationship back in 2009 and now this agreement will be furthered as Tata looks to rapidly Thus, the Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell provides a convenient, expand its use of natural gas cars in its home market. It quiet, completely relaxed and smooth ride. wants to shift from fuel injection systems with a coalescing

filter to a compressed natural gas system that can provide Ballard to provide Tata with bus fuel cells 99.9 per cent protection from oil aerosols and solid

particulate matter.The Vancouver-based Ballard Power Systems, last January, signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding Werner Funk, the president and CEO of Omnitek, (MOU) with Tata Motors (India) for 12 FCvelocityTM- commented that the company's high pressure natural gas 1100 fuel cell stacks. These stacks are expected to power filter has grown in popularity in the USA and abroad since zero-emission buses planned for demonstration in various receiving international certification in 2010. He also Indian cities. Delivery to Tata Motors is planned for 2012 believes there has been a general expansion in demand for and 2013, in-line with that Company's plans. natural gas engine conversions and industry sources now

estimate that there are approximately 11.0 million light and Tata Motors, one of the world's largest bus OEM's, heavy duty vehicles operating on compressed natural gas displayed the first fuel cell bus built in India at "Auto Expo throughout the world.2012" held in New Delhi January 6-11, 2012. The bus is powered with a Ballard FCvelocityTM-1100 fuel cell stack, Tata reveals hybrid and fuel cell carspreviously delivered to Tata Motors in 2011.

The thoughts of many in the automotive world may be Mr. P.M. Telang, Managing Director (India Operations) at fixed on the upcoming North American International Auto Tata Motors said, "We strive to be leaders in the use of Show but Tata Motors decided to shine the spotlight on the technology, while maintaining very high standards of New Delhi Auto Expo 2012 by displaying four concepts at product quality. Working with technology companies such the event. Making their debut were: the Tata Nano CNG as Ballard only strengthens our ability to design and market (compressed natural gas); the Tata Indigo Manza diesel-the wheels of a greener world here in India." electric hybrid; the Tata Magic CNG; and the Tata Starbus

Fuel Cell, which runs on hydrogen power. Tata Motors is part of the Tata Group, a pioneer in India's automotive industry, and has previous bus system ? Tata Nano CNG Concept: The famous Tata Nano integration experience working with Ballard fuel cell now boasts compressed natural gas vehicle kit components. products. Tata Motors' plan to supply fuel cell buses for It features a sequential gas injection system that has been testing and demonstration in revenue service is supported calibrated with an EMS system for smart switching

44 45

A grid-connected system linking rooftop solar panels “Today, a 1 Kilo Watt (KW) domestic rooftop solar across the State could drive down the cost of generating power system with battery backup can be installed for solar power and provide the basis of a sustainable energy about Rs.2 lakh. If the system is directly connected to system for Kerala, noted social and environmental activist the grid, the power generated during daytime can be fed

and the former director of the Agency for Non- into the grid and the consumer can draw power when conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) Prof. required, obviating the need for storage batteries and R.V.G. Menon has suggested. bringing down the investment by Rs.50,000,” he said.

In a paper presented at the ongoing Kerala Environment Prof. Menon said the falling price of solar panels would Congress (KEC 2012) organised by the Centre for make it possible to have a 1 KW grid-connected system Environment and Development (CED) and the Rajiv at a cost of Rs.1 lakh or less in the near future. The Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) here, Prof. paper said Kerala had the potential to generate 5,400 Menon said the time had come for Kerala to adopt a MW from rooftop solar panels mounted on concrete proactive policy, making it mandatory for new buildings to

houses and public buildings. Prof. Menon said the State have rooftop solar photovoltaic panels.

could think of installing float-mounted solar panels over backwaters and reservoirs to tap the energy from the The paper said a system to connect rooftop solar panels sun.directly to the utility grid could push down costs.

Tata Motors started its innovation with CNG products, and moved on to series and parallel CNG-electric hybrid buses. At the Auto Expo 2012, the company showcased the Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell (Hydrogen) bus. The Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell is a zero emission transport solution for commuting within the city. This environment-friendly bus is ideal for stop and go applications, and is built on rear module low entry platform, equipped with a ramp facility, pneumatic

To address energy security and environment concerns, the government and the auto industry are trying to find alternate modes for transportation. Tata Motors has always been at the forefront to innovate more environment-friendly and efficient products for public transportation.

Tata Motors brings environment-friendly and efficient fuel-cell powered public transport system

door operations, and climate control features. by the Government of India's Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Technology Development & The fuel cell technology makes this bus completely clean Demonstration Programme.and silent bus on-road. Hydrogen is stored in compressed form, which combines with oxygen from the air to generate John Sheridan, Ballard's President and CEO said, "We are electricity, and gives water vapour as the only emission. very pleased to have signed this MOU with India's premier This electricity is used to charge the battery to power the bus manufacturer for Tata's upcoming zero-emission bus motor of the bus. A number of fuel cells are combined to testing program. This is additional validation of the mature form a fuel cell stack, which is placed in the rear module of state of our products and of the growing global market for the bus. This mechanism involves a fuel cell with gross clean energy transit buses."peak power of 114 HP, coupled with a motor with the peak power output of 250 HP from 600 rpm to 2100 rpm and Ballard FCvelocityTM-1100 fuel cell stacks are based on a torque of 1050 Nm at 800 rpm. The maximum speed of the design that is ideal for use in heavy duty vehicles. bus is 70 kmph and gradability is 17%, which is very FCvelocityTM-1100 fuel cell stack technology is at the suitable for city application. heart of the Company's FCvelocityTM-HD6 fuel cell module, a "plug and play" power solution used by bus The bus comes with hydraulic power steering, pneumatic OEM's around the world.suspension and full air dual circuit SCAM brakes with ABS, and radial tubeless tyres. The instrument cluster and Ballard Power Systems provides clean energy fuel cell cabin controls are of world class design. Quick and products enabling optimized power systems for a range of effortless acceleration make the driving experience less applications. Products are based on proprietary esencia™ tiresome for the driver. technology, ensuring incomparable performance, durability and versatility. Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell has the potential to revolutionise public transportation in India. The efficiency in a fuel cell Tata Motors makes natural gas commitmentbus is about 40-60% which is almost 3 times than that of conventional buses. This leads to more than 50% reduction Indian car maker Tata Motors will highlight its in fuel costs per Km. Since hydrogen is a domestically commitment to natural gas technology after selecting produced fuel, there will be no dependency on foreign Omnitek Engineering Corporation to supply filters for its policies and expensive fuels. Fast refueling will also reduce 2012 natural gas passenger vehicles. The companies first the downtime of the bus. established a supplier relationship back in 2009 and now this agreement will be furthered as Tata looks to rapidly Thus, the Tata Starbus - Fuel Cell provides a convenient, expand its use of natural gas cars in its home market. It quiet, completely relaxed and smooth ride. wants to shift from fuel injection systems with a coalescing

filter to a compressed natural gas system that can provide Ballard to provide Tata with bus fuel cells 99.9 per cent protection from oil aerosols and solid

particulate matter.The Vancouver-based Ballard Power Systems, last January, signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding Werner Funk, the president and CEO of Omnitek, (MOU) with Tata Motors (India) for 12 FCvelocityTM- commented that the company's high pressure natural gas 1100 fuel cell stacks. These stacks are expected to power filter has grown in popularity in the USA and abroad since zero-emission buses planned for demonstration in various receiving international certification in 2010. He also Indian cities. Delivery to Tata Motors is planned for 2012 believes there has been a general expansion in demand for and 2013, in-line with that Company's plans. natural gas engine conversions and industry sources now

estimate that there are approximately 11.0 million light and Tata Motors, one of the world's largest bus OEM's, heavy duty vehicles operating on compressed natural gas displayed the first fuel cell bus built in India at "Auto Expo throughout the world.2012" held in New Delhi January 6-11, 2012. The bus is powered with a Ballard FCvelocityTM-1100 fuel cell stack, Tata reveals hybrid and fuel cell carspreviously delivered to Tata Motors in 2011.

The thoughts of many in the automotive world may be Mr. P.M. Telang, Managing Director (India Operations) at fixed on the upcoming North American International Auto Tata Motors said, "We strive to be leaders in the use of Show but Tata Motors decided to shine the spotlight on the technology, while maintaining very high standards of New Delhi Auto Expo 2012 by displaying four concepts at product quality. Working with technology companies such the event. Making their debut were: the Tata Nano CNG as Ballard only strengthens our ability to design and market (compressed natural gas); the Tata Indigo Manza diesel-the wheels of a greener world here in India." electric hybrid; the Tata Magic CNG; and the Tata Starbus

Fuel Cell, which runs on hydrogen power. Tata Motors is part of the Tata Group, a pioneer in India's automotive industry, and has previous bus system ? Tata Nano CNG Concept: The famous Tata Nano integration experience working with Ballard fuel cell now boasts compressed natural gas vehicle kit components. products. Tata Motors' plan to supply fuel cell buses for It features a sequential gas injection system that has been testing and demonstration in revenue service is supported calibrated with an EMS system for smart switching

46

between the petrol and compressed natural gas systems; vehicle that has been developed with support from the and the vehicle offers a range of more than 93miles and Government of India's Department of Scientific and CO2 emissions of 92.7g/km. Industrial Research. It boasts peak power output of 186kW

with torque of 774lb-ft at 800rpm.? Tata Indigo Manza Hybrid Concept: Designed to deliver performance with emissions of less than 90g/km in ? Tata Magic IRIS CNG: Equipped with a 611cc, city traffic conditions, the Tata Indigo Manza Hybrid water-cooled 12.8hp CNG engine with 37Nm of torque, the Concept is powered by a hybrid 1.05litre DiCOR engine vehicle has a tamper proof ECU which electronically limits and a 45kW electric traction engine. It also includes a host the maximum speed based on local city requirements.of environmental features such as: auto start/stop; limited (Contact for more information: Ashmita Pillay | Manager | range pure electric operation; regenerative braking; and Corporate Communications | TATA MOTORSspeed cranking. Direct: +91-22-66158625 | Fax: +91-22-66158646 |

Mobile: +91-9029037016 | E-Mail: ? Tata Starbus Fuel Cell Concept: This is a 30-seat ashmita.pillay@tatamotors.com)

market, is powered mainly by diesel generators, is India's massive power outage in July 2012, the world's particularly attractive because high diesel fuel costs and largest, is energizing the nation's interest in solar energy lower solar panel module pricing have make solar power a and clean transportation. Not only is India's government cost-effective alternative. speeding auctions for 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar plant

development through 2017, it's planning investments of $4.1 Billion for Electric, Hybrid Vehicles$4.1 billion to spur electric and hybrid vehicle production.

Speeding Up Solar While developers angle for a piece of India's solar market, the country is also taking steps to accelerate the sluggish market for electric and hybrid vehicles. India's target is 6 Auctions for up to 1,000 MW of new solar could be held million green vehicles by 2020, the vast majority of which before the end of the current fiscal year. India's National (4 million to 5 million) will be two-wheelers, such as Solar Mission calls for 10% of its energy - 2,000 GW - to bicycles, scooters and motorcycles. The government be supplied by solar by 2022. Right now, at least half of approved a $4.1 billion investment to spur production over India's power comes from coal-fired power plants. India's the next eight years, with about 60% coming from the solar auctions give the lowest bidder the right to supply public sector and 40% from private companies. energy. Most of its existing capacity - about 1,040 MW -

has been built in the last 12 months; another 3,000 MW Government officials say the funds will be used for could be constructed between 2013-2017. subsidies, research and development support, consumer demand creation, and development of infrastructure. Most India has used auctions, along with tariffs and power-

bundling arrangements as development incentives to encourage solar development. And that's reduced the cost of solar energy by an impressive 38% from 2010-2011. It is now also considering implementing subsidies, according to Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

India's last auction in December 2011 awarded 350 MW of solar capacity to utilities including Welspun Group, Mahindra Group and partner Kiran Energy Solar Power Pvt., and Azure Power India Pvt. With the exception of a 10 MW project that was cancelled later, all of those projects should be finished by early next year. First Solar has made

manufacturers are focused on low-emission conventional India a priority for solar project development. It is angling cars right now because of the infrastructure for EVs doesn't to win 20% of the country's solar PV sales, by working exist and the vehicles are too expensive. India's Tata directly with businesses seeking a more predictable energy Motors is among the domestic companies experimenting supply.with green transportation alternatives, although its AIRpod urban car runs on compressed air not electricity.The solar transition in India's 30 GW backup power

India Speeds Solar Auctions, Approves $4.1 Billion for Sustainable Transportation

46

between the petrol and compressed natural gas systems; vehicle that has been developed with support from the and the vehicle offers a range of more than 93miles and Government of India's Department of Scientific and CO2 emissions of 92.7g/km. Industrial Research. It boasts peak power output of 186kW

with torque of 774lb-ft at 800rpm.? Tata Indigo Manza Hybrid Concept: Designed to deliver performance with emissions of less than 90g/km in ? Tata Magic IRIS CNG: Equipped with a 611cc, city traffic conditions, the Tata Indigo Manza Hybrid water-cooled 12.8hp CNG engine with 37Nm of torque, the Concept is powered by a hybrid 1.05litre DiCOR engine vehicle has a tamper proof ECU which electronically limits and a 45kW electric traction engine. It also includes a host the maximum speed based on local city requirements.of environmental features such as: auto start/stop; limited (Contact for more information: Ashmita Pillay | Manager | range pure electric operation; regenerative braking; and Corporate Communications | TATA MOTORSspeed cranking. Direct: +91-22-66158625 | Fax: +91-22-66158646 |

Mobile: +91-9029037016 | E-Mail: ? Tata Starbus Fuel Cell Concept: This is a 30-seat ashmita.pillay@tatamotors.com)

market, is powered mainly by diesel generators, is India's massive power outage in July 2012, the world's particularly attractive because high diesel fuel costs and largest, is energizing the nation's interest in solar energy lower solar panel module pricing have make solar power a and clean transportation. Not only is India's government cost-effective alternative. speeding auctions for 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar plant

development through 2017, it's planning investments of $4.1 Billion for Electric, Hybrid Vehicles$4.1 billion to spur electric and hybrid vehicle production.

Speeding Up Solar While developers angle for a piece of India's solar market, the country is also taking steps to accelerate the sluggish market for electric and hybrid vehicles. India's target is 6 Auctions for up to 1,000 MW of new solar could be held million green vehicles by 2020, the vast majority of which before the end of the current fiscal year. India's National (4 million to 5 million) will be two-wheelers, such as Solar Mission calls for 10% of its energy - 2,000 GW - to bicycles, scooters and motorcycles. The government be supplied by solar by 2022. Right now, at least half of approved a $4.1 billion investment to spur production over India's power comes from coal-fired power plants. India's the next eight years, with about 60% coming from the solar auctions give the lowest bidder the right to supply public sector and 40% from private companies. energy. Most of its existing capacity - about 1,040 MW -

has been built in the last 12 months; another 3,000 MW Government officials say the funds will be used for could be constructed between 2013-2017. subsidies, research and development support, consumer demand creation, and development of infrastructure. Most India has used auctions, along with tariffs and power-

bundling arrangements as development incentives to encourage solar development. And that's reduced the cost of solar energy by an impressive 38% from 2010-2011. It is now also considering implementing subsidies, according to Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

India's last auction in December 2011 awarded 350 MW of solar capacity to utilities including Welspun Group, Mahindra Group and partner Kiran Energy Solar Power Pvt., and Azure Power India Pvt. With the exception of a 10 MW project that was cancelled later, all of those projects should be finished by early next year. First Solar has made

manufacturers are focused on low-emission conventional India a priority for solar project development. It is angling cars right now because of the infrastructure for EVs doesn't to win 20% of the country's solar PV sales, by working exist and the vehicles are too expensive. India's Tata directly with businesses seeking a more predictable energy Motors is among the domestic companies experimenting supply.with green transportation alternatives, although its AIRpod urban car runs on compressed air not electricity.The solar transition in India's 30 GW backup power

India Speeds Solar Auctions, Approves $4.1 Billion for Sustainable Transportation