Sustainability Outlook Headlines

India’s share of global funding for solar power in January-March just 1 per cent

India may be targeting 100 gigawatt of solar power generation capacity by 2022, but funding in the sector remains abysmally low compared to that in the other countries.

The quarter to March saw just about 1% of the total global funding for the sector coming to India, said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group, a solar sector analyst firm. Prabhu said that while 29 deals worth $2.6 billion were sealed across the world, India saw just one venture capital funding of $2 million and two project funding deals totalling $150 million.

Tobias Engelmeier, founder and... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: Economic Times

PM Modi's smart city GIFT to Sabarmati could be India's fix for urban housing

India's push to accommodate a booming urban population and attract investment rests in large part with dozens of "smart" cities like the one being built on the dusty banks of the Sabarmati river. So far, it boasts modern underground infrastructure, two office blocks and not much else.

The plan, however, is for a meticulously planned metropolis complete with gleaming towers, drinking water on tap, automated waste collection and a dedicated power supply - luxuries to many Indians.

With an urban population set to rise by more than 400 million people to 814 million... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: Economic Times

Now, an eco-friendly toilet that saves cost, minimizes water use

A city-based researcher has developed an eco-friendly toilet which can convert dry human faeces into humus (organic matter) and utilize urine for vermicomposting in an odourless, pollution-free manner. "The system does not require extra water or an expensive drainage system. It will especially help green-zones, parks and agri-rich areas where water is scarce," said Mohan Ketkar, who has conceptualized and developed the eco-friendly toilet.

Ketkar worked for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research through Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute, Phaltan. The eco-friendly... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: Times of India

Modi's coal turnaround to ease chronic power cuts

Fewer power cuts are likely in India this summer after a surge in output at Coal India (COAL.NS) helped generators amass record stocks, a turnaround for Narendra Modi who had to battle a power crisis within months of becoming prime minister last May.

Fast-track mine approvals, tighter production oversight and more flexibility in coal sales have helped power station stocks recover from a six-year low hit in October, vindicating Modi's pitch to voters as the state leader who brought round-the-clock power to industrial Gujarat.

As Modi prepares to mark his first... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: Reuters

India and Climate Change: Will it be all Talk?

As we look forward to the 21st session of the UN Climate Change Conference or COP21, countries across the globe will commit to create a new international climate agreement by the conclusion of the Paris Climate Summit in December, 2015. As the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), after China and the United States, India faces international pressure on what’s its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) will be.

The Earth’s climate is changing at a fast rate, transforming many ecosystems and will continue to do so at an accelerated pace. Despite... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: International Policy Digest

New Motion to build electric car charge stations in India

With the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMP 2020) kicking in, the electric vehicle industry is seeing new investments as the financial year begins. New Motion, one of the world's largest smart charging companies, is investing about Rs1,000 crore to set up a manufacturing facility in India and it a global manufacturing hub – incidentally giving a boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'make in India' campaign.

"In Europe there'll be 3 million electric vehicles in the coming 5 years. We expect the numbers in India to be much larger than that," said Ritsaart... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: Auto Zone

Smaller toilet tanks could save 10% of water

India could save millions of litres of water simply by changing the size of the water cistern or tank at tached to flush type toilets according to a technical note submitted to the governmen by science policy advocacy group Delhi Science Forum (DSF).

Most advanced coun tries have smaller cisterns while India continues with the water guzzling 10 litres cistern for full flush and 6 litres for low flush options Reducing this to 6 litres for full flush and 3 litres for low flush would reduce water use in toilets by around 40% and total water use in cities by around 8-10%, the... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: Economic Times

Maruti Suzuki May Consider Launching Swift Hybrid in India

In an effort to lure buyers towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the country, the government of India recently introduced the FAME India Scheme - 'Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India' - as a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. Under the new scheme, the Government will offer incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of upto Rs. 29,000 for two-wheelers and Rs. 1.38 lakh for cars.

During the event, government officials also revealed that carmakers like Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki will soon launch such products in the... Read more..

Date : Apr 16

Source: Auto NDTV

India builds first 'smart' city as urban population swells

India's push to accommodate a booming urban population and attract investment rests in large part with dozens of "smart" cities like the one being built on the dusty banks of the Sabarmati river in Gujarat. So far, it boasts modern underground infrastructure, two office blocks and not much else.

The plan, however, is for a meticulously planned metropolis complete with gleaming towers, drinking water on tap, automated waste collection and a dedicated power supply - luxuries to many Indians. With an urban population set to rise by more than 400 million people to 814 million by... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Times of India

Rooftop solar projects, a good business opportunity: Ministry official

Grid connected rooftop solar power offers a major business opportunity, said Tarun Kapoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, on Tuesday. “Grid connected rooftop solar power is the most important sector as far as renewables are concerned. This 40,000 MW project requires an investment of up to ₹4 lakh crore and is a big business opportunity for all,” said Kapoor, addressing a conference organised by The Energy Research Institute (TERI).

Of the Government’s target of setting up 100,000 MW of solar energy by 2020, 40,000 MW will come from rooftop solar power... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Business Line- The Hindu

Transforming our cities: On water, Singapore shows the way

Most Indian cities suffer from acute shortages and poor quality of water. Singapore, a country whose water challenge was perhaps the worst faced by any country in the world in the mid-1960s, has transformed its water scenario. We often dismiss outside experience as being irrelevant for India’s development efforts. With a water crisis staring urban India in the face, perhaps it is time we understood how Singapore turned its water story around.

Singapore imported 55 per cent of its water for consumption from Johor, in the neighbouring state of Malaysia, in August 1965. By... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Indian Express

How France Is Helping India Meet Its 100 GW Solar Target

During Modi’s recent visit to Paris, India and France signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in the fields of solar and other renewable energies.

The memorandum was signed between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and France’s Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy. France is eyeing major cooperation with India in the field of solar energy. So far, French firms are involved in the production of 10% of the solar electricity output in India.

A joint statement issued by the two countries read:
France welcomes the... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Clean Technica

Government forms task force on interlinking of rivers

The government has constituted a task force on interlinking of rivers comprising experts and senior officials, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The task force, constituted by the ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation, will be chaired by B N Navalawala, the water ministry's communique said, adding that it will take up issues for expediting work on interlinking of rivers in the country.

It said apart from examining the existing links that are laid out as per the national perspective plan, "the task force would also consider... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Zee News

Solar power for railway routes in Marwar

Indian Railways is exploring solar and windmill power generation through public-private partnership (PPP) for the proposed electrification of routes in Marwar region.

"Railways has developed an action plan for power supply in next five years with private partnership for setting up 1,000 Mw solar power project and 25 Mw windmill plant," said Railway board member, Naveen Tandon, while talking to the TOI here on Wednesday. Tandon is in Jaisalmer on a personal visit. Railways has sanctioned electrification of routes in Jaisalmer, Lalgarh, Phalodi and Bhildi.

... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Times of India

Fossil Fuels Just Lost the Race Against Renewables

The race for renewable energy has passed a turning point. The world is now adding more capacity for renewable power each year than coal, natural gas, and oil combined. And there's no going back. The shift occurred in 2013, when the world added 143 gigawatts of renewable electricity capacity, compared with 141 gigawatts in new plants that burn fossil fuels, according to an analysis presented Tuesday at the Bloomberg New Energy Finance annual summit in New York. The shift will continue to accelerate, and by 2030 more than four times as much renewable capacity will be added.

Date : Apr 15

Source: Bloomberg

Oxford becomes first British city to ban non-recyclable food containers

Oxford may be known the world over for its famous university -- but it is not far behind in terms of action to safeguard the environment. This could be said of the British city as it is thought to have become the first city in the country to ban non-recyclable polystyrene foam food containers, beating New York City across the Atlantic, in enforcing the policy, The Independent reported on Tuesday.

All street vendors in Oxford will be required to use recyclable or biodegradable food containers from now on, in a bid to reduce the amount of waste the city sends to landfill.... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Zee News

A Call to Look Past Sustainable Development

The average citizen of Nepal consumes about 100 kilowatt-hours of electricity in a year. Cambodians make do with 160. Bangladeshis are better off, consuming, on average, 260. Then there is the fridge in your kitchen. A typical 20-cubic-foot refrigerator — Energy Star-certified, to fit our environmentally conscious times — runs through 300 to 600 kilowatt-hours a year.

American diplomats are upset that dozens of countries — including Nepal, Cambodia and Bangladesh — have flocked to join China’s new infrastructure investment bank, a potential rival to the World Bank and other... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: NY Times

‘Policy revamp key to boost renewable energy projects’

A policy revamp could help accelerate implementation of renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power, while lowering cost of implementation, the US-based Climate Policy Initiative and Indian School of Business say. Their report suggests the cost of support can be further reduced by accelerating wind deployment in the near term and gradually ramping up solar deployment.

In an analytical study ‘Reaching India’s Renewable Energy Targets Cost-Effectively’ conducted by CPI and ISB, it observes that with appropriate policies, the Budget 2015 target of 60 GW of wind power... Read more..

Date : Apr 15

Source: Business Line- The Hindu

India will set Climate Change conference agenda: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday night slammed developed nations for questioning India over global warming despite it having the lowest per capita emission of gases and asserted that India will set the agenda for the Climate Change conference to be held in France in September.

"I am surprised that the world is scolding us even though our per capita gas emission is the lowest...," he said while addressing a reception for the Indian community here.

Underlining that preservation of nature was in the customs and tradition of Indians which they have done for... Read more..

Date : Apr 14

Source: Zee News

India needs $100 billion energy boost to meet demand annually

India must spend $100 billion every year to meet the ballooning energy demand of its expanding economy, International Energy Agency's chief economist Fatih Birol said on Monday. "India needs three things for its energy sector — investment, investment and investment," Birol said, laying emphasis on India's need to attract investment in the energy sector. The country's energy needs have rocketed in the past decade, when its economy grew at 7% on average despite global hiccups. Many of India's power plants are lying idle while coal, oil and gas production have struggled to rise for years. ... Read more..

Date : Apr 14

Source: Economic Times

France to invest two billion euros of climate-linked finance in India

France will invest two billion euros in clean energy and efficiency projects in India, president Francois Hollande announced last week. Speaking at a press conference with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, Hollande said French support was vital ahead of a proposed UN climate change pact, due to be finalised in Paris this December.

“We have discussed these issues ahead of the upcoming conference and once again we are perfectly in step when it comes to desire and analysis,” Holland said. “We need India for the conference to be successful. We need its commitment.
... Read more..

Date : Apr 14

Source: RTCC

Plea on violation of E-waste Rules: NGT asks DGFT to reply

The National Green Tribunal has sought response from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on a plea alleging rampant violation of E-waste management rules notified in 2011. "We find that the reply of Director General of Foreign trade will be of great assistance to us particularly, as regards the electronic/electrical products imported to our country. We, therefore, expect its response in the present application," a bench headed by Justice U D Salvi said.

The green panel directed DGFT to file its reply within a week and fixed the matter for hearing on April 28.... Read more..

Date : Apr 14

Source: Zee News

Wind energy companies Gamesa, Suzlon & Mytrah infusing huge funds into solar energy

Big wind energy companies in India such as Gamesa, Mytrah and Suzlon are all diversifying into solar space this year with plans to invest several hundred million dollars in the next five years in installing thousands of solar megawatts, given the government's impetus to the sector.

While London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM)-listed Mytrah Energy (India) Ltd, which is an independent power producer, plans to invest a total of $400 million, of which $100 million would be in equity over the next one year solely in setting up its solar business, Gamesa India will invest... Read more..

Date : Apr 14

Source: Economic Times

Tata Power Delhi Distribution becomes first utility to receive accreditation for implementing solar projects across India

Tata Power Delhi Distributing (TPDDL) has been accredited with ‘SP 1A’ by ICRA, one of India’s leading rating agencies. The acknowledgement has been credited to TPDDL’s for its commitment towards ‘Highest Performance Capability’ and ‘Highest Financial Strength’ to undertake solar projects. While providing the rating, the credit agency considered several strengths of TPDDL like financial flexibility and strengths arising from its status as a 51 percent subsidiary of Tata Power, strengths arising out of an experienced team of technocrats and investment / finance professionals, feedback... Read more..

Date : Apr 14

Source: Your Renewable News

Havells India gears up for smart city projects

Electrical goods maker Havells IndiaBSE 0.51 % plans to capitalise on government's smart city projects by developing new technology-driven lighting products and home appliances.

"Smart city project has a good potential... There are lot of possibilities for us to do good business in cities," Havells India CMD Anil Rai Gupta told PTI.

Elaborating on how it is preparing to tap these opportunities, he said: "We are looking at connecting our products through technology."

For instance, he said, home automation is an area of focus where fan and light... Read more..

Date : Apr 14

Source: Economic Times