Sustainability Outlook Headlines

BHEL renovates, commissions hydro power plant in Tajikistan

Strengthening its overseas footprint, state-run BHEL today said a renovated hydro project with enhanced generation capacity has been commissioned in Tajikistan.

The power equipment major is also implementing hydro projects in Rwanda, Afghanistan, Vietnam, DR Congo and Bhutan.

BHEL has completed the Renovation, Modernisation & Uprating (RMU) of the 2x4.75 MW Varjob hydro power plant of Barki Tojik in Tajikistan. The project is funded by the Indian government.

The company -- which had supplied the complete electro- mechanical package for the project --... Read more..

Date : Jan 16

Source: Business Standard

NGT asks Centre to fix noise norms for public vehicles

The National Green Tribunal ( NGT) has directed the Union government to notify standards for sirens and multi-tone horns used by vehicles including those of Government, police or ambulance within three months.

The directions were issued by principal bench of Justice A S Naidu and G K Pandey who felt an urgent need to have source specific noise standards, as there were no standards specified by the Union government with regard to use of horns and sirens in ambulances, government and police vehicles.... Read more..

Date : Jan 16

Source: Business Standard

Environment norms may be eased to spur investment

In a bid to spur fresh investments and unlock investments stuck in the pipeline, the government is considering some dilution in environment norms.

While the tribal affairs ministry has given its in-principle approval for exceptions to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), the norms governing environmental clearances pertaining to projects of Coal India Ltd (CIL) were simplified to expedite approvals.

The tribal affairs ministry has agreed in principle to allow a few concessions in FRA for linear projects such as power transmission lines, roads and railways, said a top ministry... Read more..

Date : Jan 16

Source: Livemint

Global venture capital funding in solar sector down 50% in 2012

Global venture capital (VC) investments in the solar sector plunged nearly 50 % to $992 million in 103 deals in 2012 compared to $1.9 billion raised in 108 deals in the previous year. The 2012 total represent the lowest amount since 2007.

Mercom Capital Group, llc, a global clean energy communications and consulting firm, released its report on funding and mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity for the solar sector during 2012.

VC funding in Q4 2012 came in at $220 million in 27 deals compared to just $72 million in 14 deals in Q3. Twenty-five investors... Read more..

Date : Jan 16

Source: Economic Times

National Green Tribunal forms committee to find causes of pollution

The National Green Tribunal constituted an expert body on Tuesday to determine the 'causes' and 'extent' of environmental pollution in Noida, which 'is certainly affecting the life of residents'. The tribunal passed the order on a petition filed by a Noida resident alleging high levels of environmental pollution in the city. The committee, to be headed by a joint secretary-level official of the Union environment ministry, will comprise, among others, the member secretaries of the CPCB and the UPPCB and a technical... Read more..

Date : Jan 16

Source: Economic Times

Vodafone releases sustainability report

Vodafone India on Tuesday spelt out its game plan to include socially relevant services as part of its business. The company released ‘Footprints II’, the second edition of its Sustainability Report, which encapsulates the various initiatives undertaken by Vodafone India. Marten Pieters, Managing Director & CEO, Vodafone India, said, “We believe what is good for society is also good for business. We would like to be seen as making meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.” Bharti Airtel had earlier this week launched a similar report in which it... Read more..

Date : Jan 16

Source: Hindu Business Line

Welspun Energy to set up research lab in Gujarat

Welspun Energy, India's biggest developer of solar projects, today said it will set up a research lab in Gujarat for advancement of solar technology in the country.

It will partner Gandhinagar-based Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) to set up a lab where "different solar technologies will be studied for their performance in Indian terrain and climatic conditions", the company said in a statement.

An MoU was signed with Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), during the recently held Vibrant Gujarat's International Conference for Academic... Read more..

Date : Jan 16

Source: Economic Times

Google surpasses $1bn in renewables investment

Google’s investments into renewable energy now exceed $1 billion (£620m), after the internet firm announced it would be pumping $200m (£124m) into a wind farm development in Texas.

The search engine giant revealed in November that it was edging closer to reaching the landmark, and its recent deal to finance Spinning Spur Wind Project in Oldham County – where 70 turbines generate enough energy to power some 60,000 homes – cements its place at the forefront of clean energy investment.

“We look for projects like Spinning Spur because, in addition to creating more... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Blue & Green Tomorrow

FSI benefits likely for eco-friendly buildings proposed

The draft development plan (DP) approved by the civic general body recently, has proposed floor space index benefits to properties which promote use of wind and solar energy in their schemes.

"Amendments should be made to make constructions more eco-friendly and solar and wind energy equipment should be installed to reduce use of electricity," the amendment given in the general body by Congress leader Aba Bagul and board chairman Sudhir Janjot said. It further stated that tax FSI benefits should be extended to those who use such equipment. Discounts in paid FSI was also... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Times of India

India plans to develop a forecasting model for energy demand and supply

India plans to develop a forecasting model for energy demand and supply that will help in policy decisions. The model, on the lines of UK's Energy Calculator 2050, will be available to industry and researchers.

"The proposal has in-principle approval of the Prime Minister and the task to set up a model is entrusted to Planning Commission," a senior government official said.

Apart from India, China is also in talks with UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to set up a similar model. "This will be the government's own energy model, which will provide... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Economic Times

JSW Energy Project gets forest clearance

JSW EnergyBSE 0.51 % has received forest clearance for its planned 240 MW hydropower project in Himachal Pradesh, making way for the company to start construction of the project. The project, being set up at an estimated cost of about Rs 2,000 crore, was awarded to the company in 2007 but has not taken off due to lack of clearances. This would be the maiden hydropower venture of the Sajjan Jindal-led company which has an operational capacity of 2,600 MW and aims to scale up capacity to 11,770 MW.

Sanjay Sagar, joint managing director and chief executive officer of JSW Energy told ET... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Economic Times

Wind energy industry calls for restoration of accelerated depreciation

The wind energy industry, in its pre-budget memorandum to the finance ministry, has made a strong pitch for the restoration of accelerated depreciation (AD), waiver in the uniform customs duty of five per cent for components used in generation and inclusion of projects under the priority lending category for the fast implementation.

“The wind sector has been severely hit post-March 31, 2012, after the discontinuation of the AD, which has reflected in capacity addition during the first half of the year. We want the AD for the wind energy sector to be reinstated,” said D V Giri,... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Business Standard

PFC Green Energy to start operations by March

With projects worth Rs 3,000 crore already in its kitty, PFC Green Energy will commence operations in the next two months, according to sources.

PFC Green Energy Ltd, the wholly-owned subsidiary of state-owned Power Finance CorporationBSE 1.38 %, was constituted mainly to fund renewable power projects.

"The company's (PFC Green Energy) functioning will start by the end of the current financial year," a source close to the development said.

PFC, which had been funding renewable power projects in the past, carved out a separate unit to provide greater focus on the... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Economic Times

The State of Gujarat Joins the Climate Group

THE STATE OF GUJARAT JOINS THE CLIMATE GROUP

Partnership aims to facilitate the government’s commitment to building a low carbon economy.

The Climate Group today announced that the Government of Gujarat has joined its International States and Regions Alliance, following the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at The Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

The partnership will work towards addressing climate change issues in the State of Gujarat through the preparation of integrated strategies and action plans for energy efficient and climate change resilient... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: The Climate Group

SGS India launched “First Product Carbon Footprint Marks”

Climate Change & Global Warming is the growing concerns for the gradual increase in temperature of the Earth's surface that has worsened since the industrial revolution.

With more than 70,000 employees in 1350 global locations providing services across industries, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark of quality and Integrity

SGS Carbon Footprint Marks helps to demonstrate company’s commitment to evaluating and or reducing its impact on the climate.

In an official ceremony held at Tirupur on Jan 10, 2013, the 1st SGS Product Carbon Marks in India were awarded... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Sustainability Outlook

First world atlas on renewable energy launched

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on Sunday launched the world’s first atlas on clean energy which will offer open-access information on countries’ renewable energy potential.

“The Global Atlas is the largest ever initiative to help countries assess their renewable energy potential, and companies bringing together data and maps from leading technical institutes and private companies worldwide,” IRENA said.

“It currently charts solar and wind resources, and will expand to other forms of renewable energy over 2013 and 2014,” the agency announced as it... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: The Hindu

Inverter maker Su-Kam plans green energy foray

After tasting success with its power back up devices, inverter maker Su-Kam is now planning to tap the renewable energy market. The company is looking at launching solar-powered, wind powered inverters and storage devices for domestic customers, and have planned investments to the tune of Rs 300 crore for the same.

“We are looking at acquiring a solar panel firm as well as enhance capacity of our existing plants to start manufacturing solar powered inverters,” Kunwer Sachdev, Managing Director, Su-Kam said.

The company has a war chest of Rs 100 crore for acquiring companies... Read more..

Date : Jan 15

Source: Business Standard

Solar fishing trawler launched in Gujarat

Fishing could become more environment-friendly and commercially viable with the introduction of a fishing trawler that runs on solar energy.

"I began using the solar fishing boat last month. It is functioning well and delivering good results", Asghar Saiyed who hails from Mangrol taluka in Gujarat's Junagadh district said.

Saiyed is the owner of the solar boat developed by two private companies. The trawler was launched here in December last year.

For Saiyed, who has been using the solar boat for over a month now, fishing has become less expensive against huge expenses... Read more..

Date : Jan 14

Source: Economic Times

Haryana misses renewable energy target

There's a world of difference between drafting a policy and carrying it through. This was made evident by how dissimilar Haryana's 'renewable energy dream' turned out to be from the state's 'renewable energy reality.'

"The state government aims to achieve a minimum of 500 MW... generated through renewable energy projects by 2012," - these were the terms set by the official power policy. However, the actual figures achieved by the end of the previous year - just over 164 MW - were a sorry sight, to say the least.

What explains this failure? And most importantly, what can an... Read more..

Date : Jan 14

Source: Times of India

Students produce power with biogas from poultry waste

Five students from BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary in Shastri Nagar have successfully been able to produce electricity from biogas made from poultry waste. The project was recently showcased at the 20th National Children’s Science Congress held at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi.

Adjudged outstanding with grade A among 22 projects out of a total of 616 projects presented, the department of science and technology has also selected the project for the fellowship programme.

One of the project guidance teachers, Anuja Kaushal, talking to Ludhiana Newsline, said: “It was a... Read more..

Date : Jan 14

Source: Indian Express

UAE's TAQA buys stake in India hydro plant

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company on Sunday said it has acquired a minority interest in the developer of a 100 megawatt hydroelectric plant in northern India, with plans to fully acquire the firm at a later date.

The purchase is the latest in a string of acquisitions by the firm, which is 75 percent owned by the Abu Dhabi government.

TAQA said in a statement it had acquired an interest in Himachal Sorang Power Limited (HSPL) through a joint venture with Jyoti Structures Ltd (JSL), an Indian power infrastructure company. No value for the purchase was given.

TAQA and JSL... Read more..

Date : Jan 14

Source: MSN