Showing posts with label Renewable Energies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renewable Energies. Show all posts

Sunday, 3 June 2012

Innovative India: Three projects selected for Indo-US clean energy research

Here is a piece of news that should rejoice all those committed to the development of innovative sustainable solutions for a greener future: three Indian projects focusing on the development of renewable energies have been selected for funding under an India-USA agreement. The international partnership announced during President Obama’s 2011 visit to India set up a joint fund and cooperative processes between academic institutions, to support research and development of innovative solutions in green energies.

Under the agreement, three major U.S. research centers (the National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL, the University of Florida and the Laurence Berkeley National Laboratory LBNL) will team up with three equivalent Indian institutions (the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad and the CEPT University, Ahmedabad) and bring together their brightest minds and their respective expertise to develop breakthroughs in clean energy research. Aside from knowledge and imagination, the international cooperation provides for $12 million (RS 125 crore) in funding over the next five years for each project, thus ensuring resources and peace of mind for scientists to conduct their research in the optimum conditions.

As for the broader framework, this is taking place under the benevolent auspices of the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC). This is a quick and exhilarating start for a broad partnership that is barely six months old, providing hope for quick progress and revolutionary results in a field that is critically underdeveloped yet promising for a brighter future.

Monday, 14 May 2012

Carbon Footprint Study Draft Report: Renewable Energies a Top Priority for Tamil Nadu

Did you know that 75% of Tamil Nadu’s emissions stem from energy and power-related sources? This fact was revealed in the draft report of the Carbon Footprint Study by the Confederation of Indian Industry. The study, sponsored by Michelin India, is the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu. Its purpose is to help the State gain a greater insight into its carbon situation. Both total and per capita emissions have been calculated from data provided by 15 State departments.

Clearly, the outcome of the study points to an urgent need to adopt a renewable energy strategy to lower the overall carbon footprint of Tamil Nadu and bring it in line with the national commitment of reducing emissions intensity by 20 to 25% of 2005 levels by 2020.

The report lays down several recommendations including: adoption of voluntary renewable power obligation targets; creation of green funds; charge of a fuel tax on diesel and petrol to fund bio-fuel research, support technology absorption and public transportation system; adoption of green buildings in residential and commercial space.

Astonishingly, we also learn that a single tree can sequester 30 kg of carbon per year while the per capita carbon footprint stands at 1.59 tons. Afforestation would be the most obvious step, not to mention that it would entail so many other benefits…