Volume 10 • Issue 3 • December 2016

A 119.7 MW Wind Farm in Ellutla, Andhra Pradesh as Vibrant Winds are Blowing Across India

In this Issue www.mnre.gov.in

DECEMBER 2016 | Volume 10 • Issue 3 |

COVER STORY A bi-monthly newsletter of the Ministry of New and , Government of India 25 (Published in English and Hindi)

CHIEF PATRON Shri Piyush Goyal Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy & Mines

PATRON Shri Rajeev Kapoor Secretary, MNRE, New Delhi

EDITOR 119.7 MW wind farm in Ellutla, Andhra Pradesh Dr Arun K Tripathi MNRE, New Delhi

RE NEWS RE INTERVIEW EDITORIAL BOARD 4 National 34 Face to Face with D K Khare 9 International Shri C J Venugopal, IAS B S Negi R K Vimal RE PRODUCT COVER STORY PRODUCTION TEAM 25 Vibrant Winds Blowing Across India 38 Micro Solar Dome Anupama Jauhry, Sangeeta Paul, Abhas Mukherjee, Anushree T Sharma, RE FEATURES RE TRAINING Santosh K Singh, Raman K Jha, Shinjini Sen, R K Joshi, Aman Sachdeva, TERI, New Delhi, Marrakech, Morocco: 44 Suryamitra Skill Development 12 Nimai Ghatak, MNRE The COP of Action Programme in Uttarakhand EDITORIAL OFFICE 16 Conversion of Biomass to Ethanol: RE EVENTS Dr Arun K Tripathi A Prospective Source of Renewable 46 CBIP Awards 2017 for Excellence in Editor, Akshay Urja Energy MNRE, Block No. 14, CGO Complex, Development of Renewable Energy Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003 20 Timeline and Future of Solar 47 US-India Clean Energy Finance Tel. +91 11 2436 3035, 2436 0707 Cells: Year-Wise Innovations and Facility Initiative Announced Fax +91 11 2436 3035 Developments 47 Workshop on Expediting E-mail: [email protected] 31 India’s First Bio CNG Plant: Development in West Bengal Web: www.mnre.gov.in Fuelling the Future with PRODUCED BY Renewable Energy 48 CHILDREN’S CORNER TERI Press TERI, Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex A New Dawn in Renewable Energy 50 WEB/BOOK ALERT 40 Lodhi Road, New Delhi -110 003 Sector in India 52 FORTHCOMING EVENTS Tel. +91 11 2468 2100, 4150 4900 Fax: +91 11 2468 2144, 2468 2145 Email: [email protected] 12 16 20 Web: www.teriin.org PUBLISHER AND PRINTER Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Disclaimer: The views expressed by authors including those of the editor in this newsletter are The 22nd UN Climate Change Dr Madhuri Narra, Solar cells have gone on to not necessarily the views of the MNRE. Conference of Parties (COP22) Er B Velmurugan, and be used in many applications. was convened from November Dr M Shyam present details It has historically been used Published, printed, and edited for and 7–19, 2016 in Marrakech, of the processes and scale- in situations where electrical Morocco. The conference up systems developed at power from the grid was on behalf of the Ministry of New and brought together over SPRERI for conversion of unavailable. Er Kapil K Samar Renewable Energy, Government of India, 22,500 participants, including lignocellulosic biomass to gives a brief history of stepwise from B-14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, 15,800 government officials, ethanol. development of New Delhi, by Dr Arun Kumar Tripathi. 5,400 UN representatives, technology. intergovernmental Printed at Aravali Printers & Publishers organization representatives (P) Ltd. W-30, Okhla Industrial Area, and civil society members. Phase II, New Delhi - 110 020, India. December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 1 Mailbox www.mnre.gov.in fuosnu bl izdkj gS fd ÅtkZ ea=kky; fLFkr t:jr gksxh rkfd os cktkj esa viuh txg read that Shri Piyush Goyal, Union vkids dk;kZy; vkus ij ^v{k; ÅtkZ* if=kdk cuk, j[ksa vkSj 2022 rd Hkkjr ljdkj }kjk Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and i<+us dk lqvolj izkIr gqvk tks Hkkjr ljdkj fu/kZfjr 175 xhxkokWV rd uohdj.kh; ÅtkZ Mines, recently laid the foundation }kjk uohu ÅtkZ osQ iz;ksx gsrq fd, tk jgs {kerk dks mUur cukus dk y{; iwjk djus esa stone for Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan ljkguh; iz;klksa dk ,d csgrjhu ladyu yxkA enn ns losQaA in New Delhi. This will be an iconic mijksDr lanHkZ esa fuosnu gS fd v{k; ÅtkZ osQ MkW- ';kek izlkn 'kekZ landmark building symbolizing energy fganh ,oa vaxzsth vadksa dh ,d&,d izfr izR;sd ubZ fnYyh efficiency and renewable energy, to ekl esjs laLFkku osQ irs ij izsf"kr djokus dk serve as an integrated building for vkns'k djsaA blls laLFkku osQ xzkeh.k ifjos'k I and my Colleagues had an Headquarters of the Ministry of New osQ Nk=k@Nk=kkvksa dks if=kdk }kjk laikfnr uhou opportunity to visit EEREM, Vikas and Renewable Energy. This State- Bhawan, Civil lines, New Delhi. We of-the Art, Net-Zero-Energy Green tkudkfj;ka izkIr djus dk vPNk volj izkIr were presented with your publication Building is designed on the concept gks ldsxkA Akshay Urja magazine English and of solar passive architecture. The MkW- Lora=k dqekj xqIrk Hindi version. We are Training Partner Building is poised to set new standards cjsyh] mÙkj izns'k of Skill Council for Green Job. I for resource efficiency in design, appreciate your efforts for providing construction, and operation stage. I I read the August 2016 issue of Akshay highly informative and rich contents hope that MNRE soon completes the Urja magazine. I was happy to read regarding Renewable Energy. I am process of building this iconic and the article ‘Solar Power Cooperative sure the students and members of inspiring structure will be MNRE’s gift Society’ Formed by Small Farmers at institute will be immensely benefited to the nation. DHUNDI village in Gujarat. Farmers by the periodic magazine. Sushant Basu now pool their excess power and Anil K New Delhi sell this to the grid. By doing this Sr. Manager Farmers save the cost of the diesel Indian Institute of Higher Education & Research Trust, Dwarka, New Delhi vDVwcj 2016 v{k; ÅtkZ esa izdkf'kr ys[k and will also be earning close to ^ty dqaHkh% ck;ksxSl mRiknu ds fy, ,d `40,000 per annum. This idea is very fodYi* i<+dj ;g vkHkkl gqvk fd ÅtkZ dh motivating. I also liked the article on vDVwcj 2016 esa izdkf'kr ys[k ^Hkkoh ih<+h* ‘Canal top PV plant in Gujarat’. The osQ lkSj lsy okLro esa uhodj.kh; ÅtkZ osQ yxkrkj c<+rh [kir ls izkÑfrd lalk/uksa esa canal top Solar Plant is an innovative Hkfo"; dh vksj b'kkjk djrk gSA ys[kd us vkus okyh fujarj deh osQ dkj.k thok'e b±/u idea that efficiently utilizes land and dkiQh vPNh rjg ls igyh ls pkSFkh ih<+h rd osQ LFkku Ikj oSdfYid b±/uksa dh [kkst vfuok;Z conserves water. It provides a better osQ lkSj lsykas osQ fodkl lfgr Hkkoh Ikh<+h osQ gSA ÅtkZ dk ,d ek=k oSdfYid lzksr tSo ÅtkZ administrative model for smart lkSj lsyksa vkSj oSdfYid ÅtkZ osQ laHkkfor lzksr gS] tks vklkuh ls miyC/ gks ldrh gSA village; smart city; and irrigation osQ :Ik esa lqèkkj osQ Hkkoh foLrkj dh tkudkjh fouhr oekZ Projects. Both the above articles eqacbZ] egkjk"Vª are very inspiring, informative, and nh gSA mUgksaus gesa dkiQh vPNh rjg ls le>k;k interesting. Thanks to the Editorial fd lkSj lsyksa dh fMtkbu vkSj fofuekZ.k osQ team of the magazine. fy, fodflr Økafrdkjh rduhdksa ls fdl Er Anant B Tamhane izdkj lkSj lsyksa dh n{krk c<+ ldrh gS vkSj ;s Engineer Consultant Renewable Energy Nagpur, Maharashtra uohdj.kh; lzksrksa osQ :i esa rsth ls cnys tk ldrs gSaA v{k; ÅtkZ osQ vDVwcj 2016 vad esa bjsMk osQ euksgj d`".kk Send or email your letters to: iVuk] fcgkj Editor, Akshay Urja fo"k; esa foLr`r tkudkjh izkIr djosQ vPNk MNRE, Block No. 14, CGO Complex, yxkA vkus okys o"kksZa esa bjsMk osQ fy, mPp Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003 I read the October 2016 issue of E-mail: [email protected] o`f¼ ekxZ Ikj u, fopkjksa vkSj dk;Zuhfr;ksa dh Akshay Urja. I was very happy to

Dear Reader, Thank you very much for your suggestions and encouragement. The editorial team of Akshay Urja will make every effort to make this magazine highly informative and useful to all our readers. We welcome your suggestions and valuable comments to make further improvements in the content and presentation. Editor, Akshay Urja

2 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 From the Editor’s Desk www.mnre.gov.in

lwjt ,d :i vusd From the Editor’s Desk

Dear Readers, and cost-wise amongst the lowest in the world being exported to Europe, USA, and other countries. I am happy to share with you that during the COP22 The current issue also presents an article on conversion Summit in Morocco in November 2016 over 20 countries, of biomass to ethanol which is a prospective source of including Brazil and France, became signatories to the renewable energy. Scientists at the Sardar Patel Renewable framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) have recently developed (ISA)—an initiative that is the brainchild of India. The and demonstrated technologies for in-house production framework agreement of ISA was opened for signatures of enzyme, pretreatment of the crop residues at mild on the sidelines of COP22 and with this legal framework conditions, high solid saccharification, and fermentation in place, the ISA will be a major international body of sugars from lignocellulosic materials. Processes and headquartered in India. Recently, the Union Cabinet, scale-up systems have been developed at SPRERI for chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. We have its ex-post facto approval to the proposal of the MNRE for also presented in this issue an article on the timeline and ratification of ISA's Framework Agreement by India. future of solar cells. Solar power has come a long way in It is a matter of utter pride for us that during the year the past 200 years, from observing the properties of light 2015–16, capacity addition of 3.42 GW was to finding new ways to convert it into power. The history of made, which is highest ever wind power capacity addition PV cell has been described and a comparative view of the in the country during a single year. The present wind current scenario and the future possibilities in the field have power installed capacity in the country is around 28.28 also been discussed. GW. Now, in terms of wind power installed capacity I am sure that all the articles and information in the India is globally placed at 4th position after China, USA present issue will be a useful reading material and you will and Germany. India has emerged as one of the most find it informative and interesting as well. Please do not vibrant markets for wind energy. The price of generation forget to share your views and suggestions. of electricity from wind is falling sharply in recent times. The MNRE envisions wind under Happy reading mission mode to achieve 60 GW capacity installations of wind turbines by the year 2022. India has a strong manufacturing base of wind power equipment in the country. Presently, there are 20 approved manufacturers with 53 models of wind turbines in the country up to a capacity of 3.00 MW single turbines. Wind turbines being ARUN K TRIPATHI manufactured in India are of international quality standards [email protected]

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 3 RE News RENEWABLE ENERGY NEWS 14.30 GW RE Capacity Added under Grid Connected Small Hydro Power, and 0.93 from Renewable Power in the Last 2.5 Years Biopower. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines. In order to achieve the targets, various initiatives have been taken by the Government which include: amendments in the Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO); setting up of exclusive solar parks; development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project; identification of large government complexes/buildings for rooftop projects; provision of rooftop solar and 10 per cent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities; amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of rooftop solar for new construction or higher FAR; creation of Suryamitras for A capacity addition of 14.30 GW of renewable energy has been reported installation and maintenance of the during the last two and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, Solar Project, etc. which include 5.8 GW from Solar Power, 7.04 GW from Wind Power, 0.53 from Source: http://pib.nic.in

BHEL Trichy goes Solar A 5 MWp grid interactive captive solar power plant has been commissioned by BHEL, Trichy, on its premises as part of its efforts to promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources and to achieve significant reduction in energy costs.The captive power plant, including photovoltaic modules, power conditioning units, high tension switch gear panels and the SCADA (supervisory control of electricity since June 2016 and plant will be a minimum of 25 years. and data acquisition) system, is expected to facilitate substantial While this is the first megawatt scale were manufactured and supplied savings in energy costs over the solar power plant at BHEL Trichy, it by BHEL's Electronics Division, long term. The payback period for has earlier commissioned two 50 kW Bengaluru. Utilizing an array of 19,968 the investment of about 30 crore and one 20 kW solar power plants on photovoltaic modules spread over including civil works is expected to the rooftops of major office buildings 25 acres, the solar power plant has be just 5 years and 1 month while the including the Administrative Building. already generated over 18 lakh units operational life of the solar power Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

4 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 [ National ]

Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai Earns `40,000 Per Month through Solar Rooftops 40kW Solar Plant for Eco-Tourism Project Moving away from the usual carbon- around 8–10 kWh power every day. Inaugurated emitting process of using electricity “With lakhs of devotees visiting our generated from burning coal and temple every day, our attempt is to PSU energy firm Oil India has gas, one of the popular temples in encourage them towards taking up inaugurated a 40 kW solar Mumbai has gone the solar way and renewable sources of energy so that power plant, which will supply reduced their monthly electricity bill the carbon-footprint on the city’s electricity to an eco-tourism by 30 per cent. The two century-old environment can be reduced,” said project in Dibrugarh district. Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati temple Narendra Rane, Chairman, Shree Utpal Bora, Chairman and at Prabhadevi has been saving 40,000 Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust Managing Director, Oil India per month for the last four years. A 20 adding that the temple complex Limited, inaugurated a 40 kW kWh solar rooftop project, comprising uses only power-efficient LED lights. solar power plant in Sasoni 72 panels on top of the five-storey “We have plans to install a 100 kWh Merbeel Eco-Tourism Project, Prathisthalaya temple building is used project across remaining parts of which has been provided by to power lights and fans on every floor, the temple to reduce 100 per cent OIL under the company’s reducing their dependency on the grid. dependency from the grid in the next CSR initiatives. A Mumbai house with two two years.” OIL had sanctioned a financial bedrooms on an average uses Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/ package of one crore, which included assistance to the solar power plant, 13 pedal boats, a four-wheeler, two eco-friendly green vehicles, construction of jetty and a bio-digester plant for sewage disposal. Complementing Sasoni Merbeel Eco Tourism Development Committee for its efforts in conservation of the Merbeel, Bora said that OIL was always committed to such meaningful environment preservation and community development initiatives. The Sasoni Merbeel Eco- NHPC Commissions 50 MW Wind Project in Rajasthan Tourism Project is located in the heart of the operational area of The National Hydroelectric OIL, around 20 km from its field Power Corporation (NHPC), headquarters at Duliajan India's largest hydropower in Dibrugarh. generation company, has Source: http://www.saurenergy.com/ commissioned a 50 MW wind power project (WPP) in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The project achieved synchronization with the national grid in the month of October 2016. NHPC has signed a power purchase agreement with Inox Wind and Rajasthan government to set up 25 turbines capacity of 4,290 MW including 1,000 of 2 MW for the project. MW (Pakal Dul hydroelectric project) NHPC is engaged in the being executed through construction of five projects JV company. aggregating to a total installed Source: http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 5 RE News

Green Initiative at Jaipur Metro Stations Going green in its second year of operations, Jaipur Metro has decided to set up rooftop solar panels at eight elevated stations on its 9.25-km-long corridor between Mansarovar and Chandpole. The power generated by 2,500-kWp 'rooftop solar power plant' will be used to meet all the requirements at the stations in day time and would reduce its dependence on non-renewable sources. This will be the biggest solar plant, which will be installed on any of the government buildings.

“For all Metro operations, approximately 11 lakh units are required. The plant will produce 2.5 lakh units which will meet all the requirement of the stations in day time,” said JMRC Director (Operations), C S Jeengar. Earlier, the JMRC had proposed to install 1,000-kwp 'Rooftop Solar Power Plant'. However, proposal was recently forwarded by JMRC to the Centre to install the solar plant of higher capacity. Source: http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/

50 MW Solar Project at Andaman and Nicobar Islands A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NTPC, Andaman & Nicobar Administration & Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). NTPC will set up solar power projects of 50 MW capacity with battery energy storage system at different locations in Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The power generated from these solar plants shall contribute towards increased renewable energy deployment and greening of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The company has drafted its business plan of capacity addition of about 1,000 MW through renewable resources by 2017. In this endeavour, the company has already commissioned 310 MW Solar PV Projects. 50 MW Solar PV at Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh, 260 MW Solar PV at Bhadla in Rajasthan, and 250 MW Solar PV at Mandsar in Madhya Pradesh, and 8 MW Small Hydro Projects are under implementation. Source: http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/

6 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 [ National ]

BMC to Replace Traditional Streetlights with LEDs SECI Issues Tender to The Bhubaneswar Municipal Electrify 1,000 Indian Corporation (BMC) has decided to Villages with phase out traditional streetlights in the A new tender has been issued by the third phase of installation of energy Solar Energy Corporation of India efficient LED lights in the city. At (SECI) calling for the electrification of present, around 20,000 LED streetlights more than 1,000 Indian villages using have already been installed in two off-grid solar power packs. phases. In the third phase, around The global tender has been issued 7,000 such lights will be installed in on behalf of the Arunachal Pradesh new areas. By the end of July 2015, (IFC) to install energy efficient Energy Development Agency (APEDA) the BMC had installed 13,600 lights. lights. The IFC is providing technical and will be developed under a With installation of 13,600 lights, the assistance to BMC. The LED lights government-run programme called BMC saved 81.9 per cent energy due have more illumination and since Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti to which it has to pay considerably less it has no filament in the bulbs, it Yojana (DDUGJY), which is tasked amount in power bills. consumes less energy. The LED with providing continuous power BMC has entered into a 10-year bulbs have 50,000 hours of longevity supply to rural India. According to agreement with the private company, compared to normal bulbs, which Mercom Capital, SECI will seek to which has been chosen by the have less than 10,000 hours of life. attract developers to install 300 Wp International Financial Corporation Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com solar power packs at 1,058 villages in the state, totaling 16,000 solar packs in all. The developer that offers the Renew Power Signs MoU with IIT-Delhi to set up a lowest rates will be successful, and Research Facility on Renewable Energy offers must incorporate site surveys, ReNew Power Ventures, India’s leading renewable energy company exchanged planning, design, engineering, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of echnology, assembly manufacturing, testing, Delhi (IITD) to set up a research facility on renewable energy. This exchange supply, delivery, storage, and took place in the presence of the Honourable President of India at the installation. Companies must also Rashtrapati Bhavan. The MoU is aimed at encouraging and nurturing talent in provide O&M services for five years the field of renewable energy at the IIT Delhi campus thereby encouraging post-installation and also provide opportunities for academic research to advance India’s fast growing renewable SECI with an upfront security deposit energy sector. equivalent to 10 per cent of the value Source: http://www.solarquarter.com/ of the contract. This will be held as a performance bank guarantee for 60 months from the date of the signing of the contract. Source: http://www.pv-magazine.com/

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 7 RE News

Online Training Programme for Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation Launched

Solar Radiation Resource Assessment, design, installation, operation and It also prepares candidates to become National Institute of Wind Energy maintenance of solar power plants. new entrepreneurs in the Solar under the Ministry of New and The course will be delivered online Energy sector. This certificate will Renewable Energy (MNRE) in in a combination of lecture/ PPT / be a valuable addition for people association with Iacharya multimedia/video formats, including already working in the solar industry Limited (ISL),Chennai has developed design exercises, case studies, and looking to update themselves with an online training programme in virtual onsite installation videos. current best practices. It is suitable Hindi and English under Public– Successful candidates shall have for installers, engineers, ITI/diploma Private partnership at an affordable vast opportunities for employment in holders, project managers, and training fee of `599. The training the growing solar industry. The course electricians. Successful candidates is designed as a two-week course will enable participants to effectively will receive a joint certificate from and covers various aspects of solar work on design, integration, and MNRE and Iacharya. PV feasibility studies, basics of management of solar power projects. Source: http://www.business-standard.com/

One of the Largest Single-Site Solar Plants in India Installed in Mumbai

Viviana Mall in Mumbai has installed one of the largest single-site solar plants in India. The mall, located in Thane, has constructed a 900 kW- ampere rooftop solar power plant. The plant will be able to generate about 720 units of electricity per hour, or about 3,033 units in one day. A plant of that size can generate enough power to meet the entire electricity needs of 100–150 households. The mall expects to save 30 per cent of its electricity usage by using solar energy and aims to generate around 33 lakh units of electricity in the next three years. Source: https://rtn.asia/d-r

8 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 RE News [ International ]

Machine Converts Food agribusiness (39 per cent). But from it is also a machine that can be used Waste to Gas for Cooking Homebiogas’s technology the in developed countries. To be more leftovers can be used to produce precise, it works best in countries An Israeli company ‘Homebiogas’ gas which can be used for cooking. where the temperatures are higher, as has developed a ‘digester’ that According to the company, from 1 kg it accelerates the process. converts organic matter into biogas. of leftover food or animal faeces, the Source: www.homebiogas.com Though this biological process has digester produces 200 already been known for several years, L of gas, and this allows Homebiogas has produced one of the cooking for an hour at first home-scale systems, one that can high heat. be installed in just a few hours. The system is usable Each year, 1.3 billion tonnes of not only in rural areas food go to waste around the world, and villages, but representing a full third of the food also in suburban and intended for human consumption. urban areas, though In Europe and in the United States, one needs to have a consumers are the primary culprits. garden. The advantage According to a European Commission is that it allows one to study from 2010, individuals and bring clean energy to families are responsible for 42 areas where access to per cent of food waste, ahead of electricity is limited. But

World's Panel Road Opens in Normandy Village France has opened what it claims to be the world’s first road, in a Normandy village. A 1 km (0.6-mile) route in the small village of Tourouvre-au-Perche covered with 2,800 sq m of electricity- generating panels, was inaugurated on Thursday by the ecology minister, Ségolène Royal. It cost €5m (£4.2m) to construct and will be used by about 2,000 motorists a day during a two- year test period to establish if it can generate enough energy to power street lighting in the village of 3,400 residents. In 2014, a solar-powered cycle path opened in Krommenie in the Netherlands and, despite teething problems, has generated 3,000 kWh of energy—enough to power an average family home for a year. was Colas, part of giant telecoms she would like to see solar panels The cost of building the cycle path, group Bouygues, and financed installed on one in every 1,000 km of however, could have paid for by the state. French highway—France has a total 520,000 kWh Before the solar- Normandy is not known for its of 1m km of roads—but panels laid on powered road—called Wattway—was surfeit of sunshine: Caen, the region’s flat surfaces have been found to be opened on the RD5 road, political capital, enjoys just 44 days less efficient than those installed on the panels were tested at four car of strong sunshine a year compared sloping areas such as roofs. parks across France. The constructor with 170 in Marseilles. Royal has said Source: https://www.theguardian.com

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 9 RE News

Perovskite Solar Cells Hit New World Efficiency Record

A Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for rating on a 1.2 cm2 single cell, and an 11.5 per Advanced (ACAP), announced that her cent for a 16 cm2 four-cell perovskite mini-module, both team at UNSW has achieved the highest efficiency rating independently certified by Newport. "This is a very hot with the largest perovskite solar cells to date. The 12.1 area of research, with many teams competing to advance per cent efficiency rating was for a 16 cm2 perovskite photovoltaic design," said Ho-Baillie. "Perovskites came solar cell, the largest single perovskite photovoltaic cell out of nowhere in 2009, with an efficiency rating of certified with the highest energy conversion efficiency, 3.8 per cent, and have since grown in leaps and bounds. and was independently confirmed by the international These results place UNSW amongst the best groups in testing centre Newport Corp, in Bozeman, Montana. the world producing state-of-the-art high-performance The new cell is at least 10 times bigger than the current perovskite solar cells. And I think we can get to certified high-efficiency perovskite solar cells on record. 24 per cent within a year or so." Her team has also achieved an 18 per cent efficiency Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com

Researchers Develop Demand-driven production of liquid fuels from regenerative energy sources is a major Liquid Fuel from Solar element of the energy turnaround. Production of synthetic fuels from solar energy and Energy and Carbon carbon dioxide extracted from air is the objective of the Soletair project started now Dioxide by Ineratec, a spinoff of the Germany-based Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), in cooperation with Finnish partners. Together, the partners plan to take into operation the first chemical pilot plant worldwide. It is so compact that it fits into a ship container and produces gasoline, diesel, and kerosene from regenerative hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The plant consists of three components. The direct air capture unit developed by the Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT) extracts carbon dioxide from air. An electrolysis unit developed by Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) produces the required hydrogen by means of solar power. A microstructured, chemical reactor is the key component of the plant and converts the hydrogen produced from solar power together with carbon dioxide into liquid fuels. This reactor was developed by KIT. Source: http://www.business-standard.com/cont

10 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 [ International ]

New Technology to Make First Forest-Powered Commercial Flight Makes Debut Photovoltaic Cells 70 Per Cent More Effective Technion Israel Institute of Technology researchers have developed a technology that could improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by nearly 70 per cent. The study was conducted at the Excitonics Lab, headed by Assistant Professor Carmel Rotschild at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, with the assistance of the Grand Technion Energy Program (GTEP) and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI) at the Technion, and as part of the lab's ERC Washington state-based Alaska Airlines has flown the first commercial flight project on new thermodynamic tools powered by renewable jet fuel made from forest residuals. The alternative jet for solar cells. The Technion team's method is based on an intermediate fuel was produced by the Washington State University-led Northwest Advanced process that occurs between sunlight Renewables Alliance (NARA). The demonstration flight departed Seattle-Tacoma and the photovoltaic cell. The International and headed for Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. The photoluminescence material they flight was fuelled with a 20 per cent blend of sustainable aviation biofuel, which created absorbs the radiation from the is chemically indistinguishable from regular jet A fuel. , and converts the heat and light “This latest milestone in Alaska’s efforts to promote sustainable biofuels is from the sun into an ‘ideal’ radiation, especially exciting since it is uniquely sourced from the forest residuals in the which illuminates the photovoltaic cell, Pacific Northwest,” said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines’ Senior Vice President enabling higher conversion efficiency. of Communications and External Relations. “NARA’s accomplishments and As a result, the device's efficiency the investment of the US Department of provide another key in is increased from 30 per cent (the helping Alaska Airlines and the aviation industry reduce its carbon footprint and conventional value for photovoltaic dependency on fossil fuels.” devices), to 50 per cent. Source: http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com Source: Technion Israel Institute of Technology

EU on Track to Meet 2020 Target for Renewable Energy

European Union (EU) countries are on track to meet their 2020 targets for renewable energy and emissions cuts but could fall short of ambitious longer-term goals, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). "The EU's 2020 targets on energy and climate are now well within reach," EEA Executive Director Hans Bruyninckx said in a statement released with the report. "But certain trends are alarming, in particular for transport. In that sector, renewable energy use remains insufficient and gas emissions are rising again," he added. The bloc's 2020 target calls for 20 per cent of gross final energy consumption to come from renewable sources, and that number rose to 16.4 per cent in 2015 from 16.0 per cent in 2014, according to preliminary estimates cited in the report. Energy consumption and warm winter’ the previous year, which led to lower energy greenhouse gas emissions grew slightly in 2015 but, demand for heating, it said. admittedly, the increase came after ‘an exceptionally Source: http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 11 RE Feature

he 22nd UN Climate Change Conference of Parties T(COP22) was convened from MARRAKECH, November 7–19, 2016, in Marrakech, Morocco. The conference brought together over 22,500 participants, including 15,800 government officials, 5,400 UN representatives, intergovernmental organization representatives and civil society MOROCCO members, and 1,200 members of The COP of Action the media.

he years leading up to countries will submit nationally international climate agreement COP22 have seen a drastic determined contributions (NDCs) signed by all top greenhouse gas change in international and report on progress on mitigation emitters. The Agreement was the Tpolitical response to climate and adaptation efforts. The Paris first of its kind where countries of change. In December 2015, at COP21 Agreement marks a fundamental vastly different economic, social in Paris, France, parties signed the shift in parties’ attitudes towards and environmental standing such as Paris Agreement that specifies that the climate issue and is the first China, India, USA, EU, Japan, Brazil,

12 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Marrakech, Morocco: The COP of Action etc., came together to recognize the would not define the long-term India has been clear about its imminent threat of climate change. success of the climate effort as it is agenda—continued economic growth The Paris Agreement entered into the first COP after the recently ratified to alleviate poverty conditions while force on November 4, 2016. The Paris Agreement, there were a number balancing important environmental Paris Agreement attempts to keep of important issues to be discussed objectives, such as reduced global average temperature rise well at the conference including (but not greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. below 2˚C above pre-industrial levels; limited to) funding, loss and damages The outcome for COP21 Paris was pursues efforts to limit temperature (Warsaw mechanism), technology a solid agreement from all parties increase to 1.5˚C above pre-industrial transfer, transparency framework to reduce GHG emissions. With the levels; enhances global adaptive under Paris Agreement and so on. advent of COP22 Marrakesh, parties, capacity; strength resilience to climate including India, must now begin to impacts; and reduces vulnerability India’s Position actualize commitments to mitigation to climate change. All parties have India’s long-held stance in of climate change. “The importance agreed to report their efforts via a international climate negotiation of sustainable lifestyle anchored for common transparency framework spheres was guided by three the first time in the climate change with support provided to developing principles; first, common but agreement was a big victory for countries to increase internal capacity differentiated responsibility; second, India. India has always followed a and fulfill their reporting obligations. the per-capita principle; and third, path of sustainable lifestyle which is COP22, Marrakech was termed equity rights. According to this stance, based on the principle of need-based the ‘COP of action’. After the Paris developed and developing countries consumption. India will continue Agreement came into force, it fell to should resolve climate change to push this agenda of sustainable the next COP to flesh out the finer issues through collective action but lifestyle at Marrakech. Enhanced pre- implementation details. As a result, responsibilities borne by individual 2020 actions and mobilizing finance in the agenda for COP22 Marrakech was countries should be adjusted as per both pre-2020 and post-2020 period primarily technical. While Marrakech their current economic status. remains an overriding concern for

The Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (IC) Shri Anil Madhav Dave at COP22 Summit at Marrakech in Morocco

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 13 RE Feature

India and the group of developing in Paris Agreement 7.10 and 7.11, matter of urgent priority’ and ‘strong countries. Access to adequate and continue to oversee the work on solidarity with those countries most predictable climate finance especially the development of modalities and vulnerable to the impacts of climate from funds under the Convention, is procedures for the operation and change, and underscore the need needed for successful implementation use of a public registry referred to to support efforts aimed to enhance of the Paris Agreement”, the Ministry in Paris Agreement Article 7.12. It their adaptive capacity, strengthen of Environment, Forest and Climate was decided to convene at COP23, resilience and reduce vulnerability’, Change stated. Bonn, 2017, to review the progress ‘parties to strengthen and support on the implementation of the efforts to eradicate poverty, ensure Matters Related to work programme under the Paris food security, and take stringent Long-Term Climate Agreement. It was agreed that action to deal with climate change Finance Discussed at implementation details for the Paris challenges in agriculture’ apart COP22 Agreement will be finalized by 2018. from reaffirming the commitment With regard to Article 9.7, parties of developed countries to mobilize The discussions focussed on how to recognized the need to ensure US$100 billion towards developing avoid a gap in finance; access and the development of modalities countries. delivery of finance; recommendations under this agenda item in time on loss and damage; adaptation from them to be integrated into the finance. India highlighted the need to Reflections transparency framework referred to pinpoint sources within and outside COP22 rose to the challenge of the Framework in Paris Agreement Article 13. For beginning to operationalize the Paris Convention on Climate Change the technology transfer mechanism, Agreement and carried forward the (UNFCCC) framework and called the parties agreed that the initial key momentum from the previous COP. for the reviewing of the terms of themes for the technology framework With regard to the Paris Agreement reference (ToR) of the financial bodies. are innovation, implementation, rulebook, COP22 made fair progress. Views of the parties differed on a enabling environments and Important outcomes included ‘needs assessment programme’ for capacity building, collaboration and setting 2018 as the deadline for developing countries. Some parties stakeholder engagement and support. concluding the operationalization preferred focussing on developing Finally, the COP adopts the ToR of the Agreement and revisiting the countries’ access to climate finance, for the Paris Committee on Capacity so-called ‘orphan issues’ that had while others supported the idea of Building (PCCB) and reaffirms that the not yet been explicitly included on focussing on the role of policies objective of the PCCB is to address the agendas of the COP including and enabling environments. Several gaps and needs, both current and common timeframes for NDCs and parties stressed they wanted to see emerging, in implementing capacity Paris Agreement Article 12 (education, ‘something robust on adaptation building in developing countries and training, and public awareness). finance’. Further, developing countries further enhance capacity-building urged ‘developed countries to scale efforts, including with regard to India at COP22 up their provision of financial support coherence and coordination in Sessions at India Pavilion at to developing countries in line with capacity building activities under Marrakech discussed the importance the latter’s increasing need and the convention. COP25 will review of sustainable practices. After the priorities identified in a country- the progress on this front, including inauguration of the Pavilion, Minister driven manner’. need for extension, effectiveness, and of State (Independent Charge), enhancement of PCCB. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Matters Relating to the Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Marrakech Action Implementation of the Dave elaborated on the importance Paris Agreement Proclamation of integrating sustainable practices From the discussions, it was decided The Marrakech Action Proclamation into daily lives as a way forward in that the COP will continue to for Our Climate and Sustainable the fight against climate change. oversee the implementation of the Development (MAP) was an initiative Access to adequate and predictable work programme under the Paris of the Moroccan Presidency. MAP climate finance, especially from Agreement and work on further underscores the urgency of the funds under the Convention, in both guidance in relation to the adaptation climate change issue calling for pre-2020 and post-2020 period communication, including to the the ‘highest political commitment remains an overriding concern for component of NDCs referred to to combat climate changes, as a developing countries. “It is absolutely

14 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Marrakech, Morocco: The COP of Action

The participants at the COP22 Summit at Marrakech in Morocco critical and necessary that equal ISA an innovative, action-oriented delay in funds from the developed focus is given to pre-2020 actions and sui generis international and world, suggesting that there is a by developed countries under the inter-governmental treaty-based disconnect between the promises Kyoto Protocol and that they provide organization that will be registered from developed countries and effective finance, technology transfer, under Article 102 of the UN charter,” materialization of funds. and capacity building support to an official statement said. There were reasons to celebrate developing countries,” Dave said. Overall, COP22 achieved to at COP22, including the Paris “Mahatma Gandhi in his message to sustain the momentum of climate Agreement’s entry into force and humanity had said that his life was negotiations, reaffirming aspirations many announcements of funding his message and that is why his life and clarifying details of the Paris and action by state and non-state of simple living based on minimum Agreement. However, think-tanks actors. While the COP was successful requirements is a role model for and NGOs in general came out in a number of ways, some experts everyone,” Dave added. disappointed with the progress made expressed concerns that delegates Further, over 20 countries including at Marrakech. Think-tanks noted were lost in technical details while Brazil and France became signatories that despite the warning of the latest forgetting that the current pledges to the framework agreement of the UNEP report which emphasized the are inadequate to stay below 2°C and International Solar Alliance (ISA). inadequacy of the current pledges, bridge the estimated emissions gap of The initiative is the brainchild of countries have not ratcheted up their 12–14 gigatonnes (roughly equivalent the Prime Minister of India, Shri ambition on finance or emission cuts. to taking all cars in Europe off the Narendra Modi. According to Shri The Climate Action Network South road for 12–14 years). Calls to ratchet Dave, this legal framework in place, Asia (CANSA) applauded the progress up NDCs were left unanswered. On the financial front, the announcement the ISA will be a major international made on technical front but expressed of US$81 million contributed to body headquartered in India. Indian disappointment on lack of urgency the Adaptation Fund, surpassing its climate experts termed it as a ‘good’ shown by developed countries on fundraising target for 2016, helped, initiative which will increase demand, delivering their promise of providing but did not fully satisfy urges to also improve quality of energy, and reduce necessary funding to developing close the finance gap. Such issues will cost of solar energy in developing countries to cope with the adverse be brought up again at COP23, countries. “The Framework Agreement impacts of climate change. Dr Ajay Bonn, 2017. of ISA was opened for signature in Mathur, Director-General of The Marrakech on the sidelines of the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Contributed by Ms Shubhi Sharma, Trainee at the Earth Science and Climate Change Division, COP22 to the UNFCCC. This will make at a press conference questioned the TERI, New Delhi.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 15 RE Feature CONVERSION OF BIOMASS TO ETHANOL A Prospective Source of Renewable Energy Scientists at the Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) have recently developed and demonstrated technologies for in-house production of enzyme, pretreatment of the crop residues at mild conditions, high solid saccharification, and fermentation of sugars from lignocellulosic materials. Dr Madhuri Narra, Er B Velmurugan, and Dr M Shyam present details of the processes and scale-up systems developed at SPRERI for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol.

16 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Conversion of Biomass to Ethanol: A Prospective Source of Renewable Energy

ioethanol is one of the most SINCE HUGE QUANTITIES OF BIOMASS IS USUALLY LEFT important renewable fuels TO ROT OR BURN IN THE FIELD AFTER HARVESTING, globally accepted as substitute UTILIZATION OF THESE MATERIALS FOR BIOETHANOL Bfor liquid fossil fuels for transport sector. To promote biofuels PRODUCTION WILL NOT ONLY ENHANCE NATIONAL in transport sector, the Government ENERGY SECURITY BUT ALSO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF ITS of India initiated the ethanol ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY DISPOSAL. blending policy in 2003 and made a decision for mandatory blending of 20 per cent ethanol (E20) by the end of 2017. Currently, production of bioethanol relies on molasses from sugar industries. However, it will not be enough to meet the demand. From this perspective, bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is an interesting alternative. Since huge quantities of biomass is usually left to rot or burn in the field after harvesting, utilization of these materials for bioethanol production will not only enhance national energy security but also solve the problem of its environment-friendly disposal. Lignocellulosic materials mainly consist of cellulose (35–50 per cent), hemicellulose (20–35 per cent), and lignin (10–25 per cent). The chemical properties of components of lignocellulose make them a substrate of enormous biotechnological value. Typical bioprocesses for conversion Figure 1: Overview of process flow chart of lignocellulose to bioethanol involve pretreatment, treatment with Process Details Chemical pretreatment of enzymes, and hydrolysis of biomass Low-cost cellulases rice straw and fermentation of sugars. Scientists Biomass contains a significant at the SPRERI have recently developed In-house produced crude enzyme is percentage of lignin that has been and demonstrated technologies for far more economical than commercial demonstrated to be the most in-house production of enzyme, enzymes. As there is a demand for pretreatment of the crop residues cost-effective enzyme technology, important preventive factor in at mild conditions, high solid which is necessary for producing biomass hydrolysis by cellulolytic and saccharification, and fermentation of viable biofuels, laboratory results hemicellulolytic enzymes. A pre- sugars from lignocellulosic materials. demonstrated that the use of low- condition for lignocellulosic biomass Efforts have also been made to cost substrate mixtures (wheat bran utilization for ethanol production adapt concepts of integration of and sugarcane bagasse) are feasible is loosening out the lignin to reveal the processes, reuse of enzymes, alternative sources for on-site enzyme holo-cellulose (cellulose and hemi- and appropriate technologies for production by in-house fungal cellulose), thus making it accessible to treatment of solid and liquid wastes strain. The one potential cellulase- enzymatic hydrolysis (Figure 2). generated. Figure 1 shows the producing fungal strain isolated from Rice straw was pretreated with overview of process flow chart used degraded rice straw was identified potassium hydroxide and sodium for pretreatment, saccharification, as Aspergillus terreus on the basis hydroxide (NaOH) in different ethanol fermentation, and biogas of its morphological and molecular concentrations (1–5% w/v) at room production using rice straw as characteristics (GenBank Accession temperature for varying time intervals feedstock. Number: KF971363). (30–120 minutes). Pre-treatment

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 17 RE Feature

Cellulose Lignin Scale-up Studies Based on the optimized data, scale-up systems for cellulase production and enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated rice straw at high solid loadings were designed, fabricated, and tested in Amorphous the laboratory (Figure 3). Cellulase region Pre-treatment production was carried out using tray fermentation at 45°C by Aspergillus terreus in a temperature-controlled humidity chamber. The walk-in humidity chamber was constructed Crystalline region with double-wall, PUF-insulated, leak-proof modular panels with cam-and-lock arrangement for easy on-site assembly for bulk enzyme production. The total capacity of the Hemicellulose humidity chamber was 20,800 L with Figure 2: Schematic representation on effect of pretreatment on lignocellulosic material external dimensions of 2,160 × 4,160 × 2,760 mm and thickness of 160 mm. with 1 NaOH at room temperature sugar syrups, and eventually lower Temperature and humidity were in the showed better results in terms of distillation costs. Saccharification range of 20°C–60°C and 40 per cent material recovery and maximum studies were carried out with 2.5 per to 95 per cent RH, respectively. The holo-cellulose content in the cent to 30 per cent (w/v) substrate chamber was provided with two racks solid biomass compared to other concentration to determine the that can accommodate 40 trays each concentrations tested. Based on maximum amount of substrate load of (250 × 150 × 210 mm) size. The these findings, further optimization that the system could withstand humidity was maintained by steam studies were carried out at lower without affecting the rate of NaOH concentrations (0.125, 0.25, hydrolysis and sugar conversion injection. By availing this facility, 80 0.5, and 1.0% w/v) at a fixed time efficiency using in-house L per batch crude cellulases can be period of 24 hours. By increasing the concentrated enzymes. For substrate produced. NaOH concentration, deliginification concentration of up to 10 per cent, A bench scale horizontal was found enhanced from 13.4 per enzymatic hydrolysis was not much rotary drum reactor for high solid cent to 57.9 per cent, the solid losses affected. For higher substrate loads, saccharification was designed and increased from 30 per cent to 52.3 the process mimics solid state and fabricated with programmable logic per cent, and holo-cellulose content the method of mixing the content controller (PLC) controlled and LCD decreased from 9.55 ± 0.44 g to inside the vessel can also have a display. It is completely made up 8.00 ± 0.26 g (47.75 per cent to 40 substantial influence on conversion of SS 316 with structural support. per cent on raw sample basis). Since of lignocellulose. Thus, to test the The total volume of the reactor was maximum amount of holo-cellulose efficiency of in-house enzymes 7.5 L. The design pressure and the was obtained with 0.5 per cent NaOH, at high solid loads, a modified working pressures were 4.0 and 3.0 further studies were carried out to saccharification system was tried in kg/cm2 at full vacuum, respectively. select exposure time for treatment. the laboratory. Barrel-shaped bottles Working temperature of the system The optimum exposure time was were placed in a horizontal position was 15°C–60°C. The reactor was found to be 24 hours. and rotated at 16 rpm. The results supported by variable speed drive for revealed that a substrate load of up speed variation and hydraulic power Enzymatic hydrolysis of to 25 per cent could be sustained press (inside the drum) for separating mild alkali pretreated rice by the system without significant liquid and solid after saccharification. straw at high solid loading reduction in the saccharification The reactor was also provided with efficiency. At the end of 40 hours, microprocessor-controlled chiller/ Enzymatic hydrolysis at high solid the saccharification efficiency was heater circulator with control loading has a positive effect on found to be 69 per cent without temperature of 0°C to 50°C with an economics of the process in terms supplementing any external accuracy of 0.5°C to maintain the of reactor size, concentrated source of enzymes. temperature in jacket (Figure 3).

18 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Conversion of Biomass to Ethanol: A Prospective Source of Renewable Energy

Figure 3: (a) Humidity chamber with trays for solid-state fermentation for bulk enzyme production; (b) Solid and liquid separator; (c) Solid-state fermenter for saccharification studies; (d) 5 L capacity submerged fermenter for ethanol fermentation

Enzymatic hydrolysis studies were also revealed that for 25 per cent (w/v) kilogram of solid residues (left after performed in a horizontal rotary drum substrate load with 9 FPU/g substrate, enzyme extraction and enzymatic reactor at 50°C with 25 per cent (w/v) the in-house enzyme (no addition of hydrolysis) from thermophilic reactors solids loading and 9 FPU/g substrate commercial cellulases) was able to (TR1 and TR2) produced around 131 enzyme load using in-house as well release almost the same amount of L and 84 L of biogas, respectively; as commercial cellulases, that is, sugars when commercial cellulases whereas, biogas production from celluloclast 1.5 L. During operation, it were completely replaced. mesophilic reactors (MR1 and MR2) was observed that liquefaction of the was 86 L and 62 L, respectively. contents inside the reactor occurred Utilization of Solid within 12 hours of start of the and Liquid Waste Conclusion hydrolysis. Once liquefaction started, Generated During With the results obtained by free-fall mixing of the contents also Ethanol Fermentation began. The other challenge specific pretreatment, separate hydrolysis, and to high solid enzymatic hydrolysis Process fermentation, anaerobic digestion to is both time and money, since the The conversion of crop residues methane, 1 tonne rice straw at the reaction time needed for most such as rice straw into bioethanol rate of 65 per cent recovery during enzymes to convert lignocellulose generates huge amount of liquid and pretreatment (659 kg of pretreated into sufficient glucose concentrations solid wastes, which could be used rice straw) could be converted to for fermentation is on the order of for biogas generation. Thus, as an 5,775 kg of fermentable sugars days (usually ≥3 days). In the present attempt to utilize energy-generation including glucose (3,282 kg) and study, optimum conditions for higher potential of the biomass as far as xylose (2,492 kg). This amount of yield was at temperature, 50°C; rpm, possible, studies were carried out sugars eventually produced ethanol 16; enzyme load, 9 FPU/g substrate; towards utilization of liquid fraction of 115 kg or 146 L from glucose time, 40 hours; Tween, 80 1.0% (v/v); (wastewater/influent) generated after and 36.5 kg or 46.2 L from xylose, and solid load, 25% (w/v). Under these alkali pretreatment and solid biomass respectively. Besides ethanol, liquid conditions, efficiency increased by left after enzyme production and waste generated during pretreatment 9.8 per cent and produced up to 20 enzymatic hydrolysis. Four laboratory and solid residues left after enzyme per cent concentrated sugar syrup anaerobic hybrid reactors (AHRs) with extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis in less than 2 days using in-house two different natural and synthetic produced 272 m3 of biogas. Therefore, concentrated cellulases alone without packing media were operated at by using zero-waste approach 192 addition of external β-glucosidase. 15–3 days HRT for treating liquid L of ethanol and 141 m3 of biogas is The reason could be that horizontal fraction whereas batch reactors were generated during pretreatment and orientation might have provided operated for treating solid residues at enzymatic hydrolysis and 131 m3 of better free fall and thorough mixing of 10 per cent total solid concentration biogas during enzyme production. the contents inside the vessel. Thus, at mesophilic and thermophilic The current results demonstrated minimizing particle settling and local temperatures, respectively. AHRs that most of the surplus rice straw, accumulation of reaction products packed with natural media showed which is wasted currently, could within the reactor as well as ensuring better chemical oxygen demand serve as a source of energy better enzyme distribution leads to (COD) removal efficiency and generation in the form of ethanol higher efficiency in scale up system methane yield. Higher COD removal and methane-rich biogas. compared to laboratory systems. efficiency (69.2 per cent) and methane These types of reactors are also easily yield (0.153 L CH /g COD ) were Dr Madhuri Narra, Er B Velmurugan, and Dr M 4 added Shyam, Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research scalable from bench scale to pilot achieved in reactor packed with Institute, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India. scale and larger (Figure 3). The results pumice stone at 5 days HRT. One Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 19 RE Feature TIMELINE AND FUTURE OF SOLAR CELLS Year-wise Innovations and Developments The timeline of solar cells begins in the nineteenth century, when it was observed that the presence of sunlight is capable of generating usable electrical energy. Solar cells have gone on to be used in many applications. It has historically been used in situations where electrical power from the grid was unavailable. Er Kapil K Samar gives a brief history of stepwise development of solar cell technology.

20 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Timeline and Future of Solar Cells: Year-wise Innovations and Developments

olar photovoltaic (SPV) cells THE FIRST SOLAR CELL WAS CREATED IN THE YEAR 1883 BY convert the sun’s energy NEW YORK INVENTOR CHARLES FRITTS. THE SOLAR CELL into electricity. Sunlight is WAS COATED WITH AND A THIN LAYER OF GOLD. composed of miniscule S THIS CELL ACHIEVED AN ENERGY CONVERSION RATE OF particles called photons, which radiate energy from the sun. As 1–2 PER CENT. MOST MODERN SOLAR CELLS WORK AT AN these hit the silicon atoms of the EFFICIENCY OF 15–20 PER CENT. solar cell, they transfer their energy to loose electrons. Hence, the flow of electrons produces electricity. Most modern solar cells work at an Commercial Production Although harnessing of energy efficiency of 15–20 per cent. of Silicon Solar Cells through solar cells is no more than 60 In the year 1953, physicists at Bell years old, the photovoltaic (PV) effect Observation of the Laboratories discovered that silicon was discovered about 200 years ago. is more efficient than selenium. This article describes the history of PV German physicist first Between 1953 and 1956, they created cell and gives a comparative view of observed the photoelectric effect in the first practical solar cell that had the current scenario. the year 1887, where light is used to 6 per cent efficiency. This discovery led to solar cells capable of powering Discovery of PV effect free electrons from a solid surface (usually metal) to create power. electrical equipment. In 1956, Western French scientist Edmond Becquerel Contrary to expected results, Hertz Electric began selling commercial first discovered the PV effect (Figure found that this process produced licenses for its silicon PV technologies, 1) in 1839. This process occurs when but the prohibitive costs of silicon more power when exposed to light is absorbed by a material and solar cells kept them from widespread ultraviolet light, rather than more creates electrical voltage. Most market saturation. intense visible light. modern solar cells use silicon crystals later received the Nobel Prize to attain this effect. Solar Energy for for further explaining the effect. Modern-day solar cells rely on the Spaceship Discovery of Selenium’s After years of experiments to improve Photoconductivity photoelectric effect to convert sunlight into power. the efficiency and commercialization English electrical engineer Willoughby Smith discovered the photoconductivity of selenium in year 1873. This means that selenium becomes electrically conductive when it absorbs light. Three years later, in 1876, William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day learned that selenium could produce electricity from light without heat or moving parts that could easily break down. This discovery proved that solar power was easy to harvest and maintain, requiring fewer parts than other energy sources—such as coal-fired plants.

Solar Cell The first solar cell was created in the year 1883 by New York inventor Charles Fritts. The solar cell was coated with selenium and a thin layer of gold. This cell achieved an energy conversion rate of 1–2 per cent. Figure 1:

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 21 RE Feature of solar power, solar energy gained The First Solar Park 1995 for a retractable awning with support when the governments integrated solar cells. This was one of Arco Solar built the first solar park around the world first used it to the first times solar cells were used (a solar power plant) in Hesperia, power space exploration equipment in recreational vehicles. Today, this California, in 1982. This park in 1958. The first solar-powered feature is a popular way to power RVs. generated 1 MW or 1,000 kW/hour satellite, Vanguard 1, has travelled while operating at full capacity. more than 197,000 revolutions This could power a 100-kW light PV Conversion Reaches around the Earth in the 50 years bulb for 10 hours. In 1983, Arco Solar New Levels that it has been in orbit (Figure 2). built a second solar park in Carrizo In 1994, the NREL developed a This application paved the way for Plains, California. At the time, it was new solar cell from gallium indium more research to decrease costs and the largest collection of solar arrays phosphide and that increase production. in the world, containing 100,000 PV exceeded 30 per cent conversion arrays that generated 5.2 MW at full efficiency. By the end of the century, Cost Cutting Years capacity. While these plants fell into the laboratory created thin-film solar As oil prices rose in the 1970s, demand disarray with oil’s return to popularity, cells that converted 32 per cent of the for solar power increased. Exxon they demonstrated the potential for collected sunlight into usable energy. Corporation financed research to commercial solar power production. create solar cells made from low- An example is Serpa Solar Park DIY Solar Panels in Portugal built in 2006. grade silicon and cheaper materials, Become Popular pushing costs from $100 per watt to In 2005, as technology and efficiency only $20–$40 per watt in those years. Retractable of solar cells gradually increased, The federal government of the USA Recreational Vehicles residential solar power became more also passed several solar-friendly bills Solar Panels popular. DIY (do it yourself) solar and initiatives and created the National Solar research continued to expand panels started hitting the market in Renewable Energy Laboratory into other commercial industries— 2005 and have become more (NREL) in 1977. Thomas Faludy filed a patent in prevalent with each year. Today, there are many ways to make your own solar panels, from putting together a solar panel kit to planning a solar array.

Flexible Printed Solar Panels Hit the Market A recent development that took place in 2015 is that solar cells as thin as paper can now be manufactured using an industrial printer. They have 20 per cent power conversion efficiency, and a single strip can produce up to 50 W/m2. This is great news for the 1.3 billion people in developing countries as the strips are flexible and inexpensive to produce (Figure 4).

Sunless Solar Power is Discovered A research team from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Australian National University discovered new properties of non-material in 2016. One of these properties is called magnetic hyperbolic dispersion, Figure 2: Vanguard 1, first solar-powered satellite

22 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Timeline and Future of Solar Cells: Year-wise Innovations and Developments which means the material glows when fences, home lightening, and water These weigh about 15–20 kg and are heated. Combined with thermo-PV pumping, either for livestock watering heated at hundreds of degrees Celsius cells, it could turn heat into electricity or crop irrigation. Current prices during the manufacturing process, without the need for sunlight. for solar panels and continuous which actually results in greenhouse hike in prices of conventional fuel gas (GHG) emissions. Developing Application of Solar PV makes PV technology economical technologies, such as dye-sensitized in Agriculture for agriculture. In addition, the cost solar cells (DSSCs), organic PV, of PV panel is projected to decline PV technology is a cheaper option perovskite PV, and inorganic quantum significantly over time, which will than new electric lines for providing dot solar cells, will take the place of make more applications cost- power to remote locations on silicon solar panels in the near future. effective. Skill development course on farms, ranches, orchards, and other Organic solar cells are made by technology repair maintenance can agricultural operations. As it requires thinly coating the polymers on various make it better in operation. no fuel and no maintenance, it is more materials, such as plastic. The cells convenient to operate and maintain are crafted at temperatures of less than diesel or gasoline generators. Future of Solar Cells than 100°C, making them more PV systems are a highly reliable and Presently, silicon-based solar panels environmentally friendly. Organic cells low-maintenance option for electric are widely use in solar power plants. are flexible in nature, so these can be

Figure 3: Isolated high tech communication satellite with solar cells

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 23 RE Feature

Figure 4: Flexible solar panel stacked vertically on weak structures more attention in the past few years the properties of light to finding new such as vinyl . than all other types of emerging ways to convert it into power. This DSSCs feature a porous network PV technologies because they are technology shows no signs of slowing proceeding on an unprecedented down. Recent boom in the demand of disordered (TiO2) nanoparticles that are coated with trajectory. These devices use for PV modules has created shortage light-harvesting dye molecules compounds with the perovskite in supply of silicon. It provides and are typically surrounded by a crystal structure and stoichiometry an opportunity for technological liquid-phase electrolyte. Photons to absorb light. In quantum dot solar advancement in nanotechnology- captured by the dye—generally a cells, nanocrystals of semiconducting based thin-film solar cell modules. ruthenium complex—generate pairs metal chalcogenides—including It is clear that improvements and of negatively charged electrons and CdS, CdSe, PbS, and PbSe—and innovations are needed for further positively charged electron vacancies other materials function as the light- market scale-up. The cost comparison called holes. The charges separate absorbing material in the device. of PV technology with various at the surface of the nanoparticles. These new technologies in solar cell technologies for agriculture showed Electrons are injected into and are therefore expected to play a vital that PV technologies are suitable for role in the future. any location in the world. transported through the TiO2 layer to one electrode, and positive charges Er Kapil K Samar, Project Manager, Biogas CONCLUSION Development and Training Center, MPUAT migrate via the electrolyte to the Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. opposite side of the cell. Solar power has come a long way in Email: [email protected]. Perovskite solar cells have attracted the past 200 years, from observing

24 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Cover Story VIBRANT WINDS BLOWING ACROSS INDIA New Developments in the Wind Energy Sector

119.7 MW wind farm in Ellutla, Andhra Pradesh

India is poised to become a global powerhouse in renewable energy, especially in the wind energy sector. Wind power penetration in the overall electrical energy mix is increasing with each installation of wind turbine. Dr Siraj Ahmed gives a brief summary of the sector.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 25 Cover Story

n recent times, India has emerged and local wind potential with annual is assumed to be estimated as 2 per as one of the most vibrant markets average wind speed, wind power cent for windy states and 0.2 per for wind energy. The price of density (WPD) values, and capacity cent for non-windy states. The zones Igeneration of electricity from wind utilization factor (CUF) calculated by with 20 per cent and above capacity is falling sharply in recent times. assuming that generic 2 MW wind utilization factor CUF are considered The Ministry of New and Renewable turbines are installed in the potential for potential estimates of installable Energy (MNRE) envisages wind energy sites with 100 m hub height. The power calculations. Installable wind development under mission mode to Weibull scale factor (A) and shape power capacity is estimated by achieve 60 GW capacity installations factor (k), air density, temperature, considering installations of 6 MW per of wind turbines by the year 2022. and joint frequency distribution are km2 (capacity of wind turbine power Wind turbine prices have fallen additional wind parameters estimated per square kilometre) assuming the by almost a third since 2009. On- for potential sites for future wind turbine layout in the windfarm as 5 D shore wind is now one of the most turbine installations. The realistic × 7 D (D is rotor diameter of turbine) competitive sources of electricity potential is based on actual land use micro-siting configuration. Table 1 available with some projects now from data source of Land Use Land shows state-wise gross wind turbine delivering electricity for about `4.16 Cover (LULC) in GIS format. Land use installable capacity in different types per kWh. There are four other key is also ranked as Rank I for waste land, of land use and land cover areas with environmental and social challenges Rank II for agricultural land, and Rank last column shows current utilisation that point to renewable sources such III for forest land. The land availability of available potential. as wind as a smarter energy solution: Table 1: Installable potential at 100 m (MW) and wind turbine capacity installed employs more people per unit of electricity than fossil fuel based; State Rank I Rank II Rank III Total Wind Turbine Waste Agricultural Forest Installation requires no water; decreases harmful Land Land Land (MW) at the end emissions from pollutants, such as of March 2016 ammonia, particulate matter, volatile Andaman & 4 3 1 8 0.2 organic compounds, and sulphur Nicobar dioxide. Electricity from wind is also Andhra Pradesh 22,525 20,538 1,165 44,229 1,393.5 most socially and environmentally advantageous. World on-shore wind Chhattisgarh 3 57 16 77 0.8 power generation capacity reached Goa 0 0 1 1 0.1 435 GW at the end of 2015, which is only 7 per cent of the total global Gujarat 52,288 32,038 106 84,431 4,030.65 power generation capacity. India with Karnataka 15,202 39,803 852 55,857 2,878.5 28.4 GW capacity of wind turbines installation is at fourth position Kerala 333 1,103 264 1,700 43.4 worldwide after China (146 GW), USA Lakshadweep 3 3 1 8 0.2 (75 GW), and Germany 45 GW. Madhya Pradesh 2,216 8,259 9 10,484 2,171.9 Resource Potential and Maharashtra 31,155 13,747 492 45,394 4,670.85 Capacity Installation The National Institute of Wind Odisha 1,666 1,267 160 3,093 0.1 Energy (NIWE) recently published Puducherry 69 79 4 153 2.2 100 m height mesoscale-derived Rajasthan 15,415 3,343 13 18,770 3,994.9 wind maps and micro-scale measurement for India with spatial Tamil Nadu 11,251 22,153 395 33,800 7,652.15 resolution of 500 m coupled with Telangana 887 3,348 9 4,244 77.5 numerical wind flow model in corroboration with 1,300 met-mast West Bengal 0 2 0 2 0.7 wind parameters measurements at Total MW 153,020 145,743 3,489 302,251 26,847.65 different locations in the country. The new wind atlas is supported by Table 1 shows that there are numerous is to be harnessed in near future Geographical Information System states where huge potential of particularly: Gujarat, Karnataka, (GIS) for identification of regional wind resources exist and same Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil

26 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Vibrant Winds Blowing across India: New Developments in the Wind Energy Sector

Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, 0.25 per cent over and above the Telangana, Odisha, and Kerala. interest rate available to the new wind projects being financed by IREDA Re-Powering and all existing fiscal and financial benefits will also be available to re- Over the course of time, the powering projects. The re-powering wind power industry has made projects would be implemented in path-breaking enhancement in the state through the respective state turbine efficiency and reliability. nodal agencies. Under the policy, Advancement in technology also state transmission utility will provide offers opportunity of re-powering. augmentation of transmission system It refers to replacement of installed from pooling station onwards. The old turbines of lower capacity by re-powering projects may avail modern turbines of higher capacity accelerated depreciation (AD) benefit normally in lesser numbers. A new or generation-based incentives, as policy of re-powering announced by per the conditions applicable to new the Government of India (GoI) has the wind power projects. The new policy potential to turn around 28.4 GW of has had a favourable impact in the existing installed capacity of electricity state of Tamil Nadu, which has highest generation in the country. The main share of wind power of about 2,000 objective of the policy is to promote MW installed are having a capacity less optimum utilization of wind resource than 1 MW of individual wind turbine an off-shore wind roadmap for India. by creating a facilitative framework. capacity and that too in high wind India has vast coastline of more than It is estimated that 3,000 MW of the resource locations. 7,500 km in south-western and south- wind turbines installed up to the year eastern parts of the country in Arabian 2000 are of capacity below 500 kW Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. and are installed at sites having high Off-Shore Developments Several wind potential zones can be wind potential. Initially turbines below identified for setting up of off-shore 1 MW capacity would be eligible Global off-shore wind turbine wind farms within territorial waters, for re-powering under the policy. installation up to the end of 2015 was which extend up to 12 nautical miles As per current policy of GoI, Indian over 12 GW mostly in Europe with from the coastal baselines of India, Renewable Energy Development UK leading in installed capacity. The including Andaman and Nicobar Agency Limited (IREDA) will provide Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) Islands. A preliminary assessment an additional interest rate rebate of led FOWIND consortium is developing suggests there is potential to establish around 1 GW capacity wind farm each along the coastline of Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Recently, India is planning to enter into off-shore wind power with a 100 MW demonstration project located off the Gujarat coast. The National Off-Shore Wind Energy Policy was announced by GoI on August 5, 2016. The following essential elements are identified for the development of off- shore wind farms: ƒƒ Preliminary Resource Assessment and preliminary oceanographic and bathymetric studies for demarcation of blocks in the sea. ƒƒ Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study of proposed off-shore wind farms regarding aquatic life, Wind turbines midst of India's agricultural farms fishing studies relating to navigation,

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 27 Cover Story

new turbines for new locations with lower wind resources. The low-wind speed turbines generally are on taller towers with smaller generators and larger blades and operate with a higher capacity factor. ƒƒ With time-tested legal and fiscal systems of India, it is growing at a fast track economy and it is considered as a favoured destination for business and investment opportunity. This is proved by the fact that of the over 28.4 GW of installed wind power, almost 95 per cent is from private sector. ƒƒ Entire wind energy industry is 90.3 MW hybrid tower wind farm in Madhya Pradesh governed by solid foundations from the Electricity Act, viable regulatory and related exploration, and turbines with hub heights up to 120 procedures from Central Electricity exploitation activities and other m and rotor size above 100 m. The Regulatory Commission (CERC) and users of the sea. modern class III and IV turbines are other state regulatory policies. ƒƒ Detailed studies and surveys will designed to harness even in medium- ƒƒ The paradigm shift from retail determine the construction costs and low-wind regimes. More than 20 market to the Independent Power for special foundations, special ships manufacturers are operating with over Producer (IPP) market with major for both operation and maintenance 50 models and with a manufacturing investors from over the globe is requirements of wind farm. capacity of over 10,000 MW per the proven demonstration of the ƒƒ Sea bed lease arrangement, annum in the country. There is also interest of the private sector and statutory clearances and NOCs, an increased emphasis on developing developers. grid connectivity and evacuation of power (both off-shore and on-shore), security of off-shore installations, and confidentiality of the data collected during studies and surveys, etc. The significant challenges that exists in off-shore wind power deployment relates to resource characterization; subsea cabling; turbine foundation, including logistics, grid interconnection, and operation; development of transmission infrastructure; and coastal security during construction and operation, reliable integration to the grid, etc.

Wind Turbine Industry The manufacturing industry in India is equipped with proven technology from abroad with turbine sizes ranging from 250 kW to 3 MW of various technologies of stall, pitch, direct drive variable speed, and constant speed 50.4 MW hybrid tower wind farm in Rajasthan

28 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Vibrant Winds Blowing across India: New Developments in the Wind Energy Sector

754 MW wind farm at Dhule in Maharashtra

ƒƒ Capital cost of wind power project in India is perhaps one of the lowest in the world, and it is emerging as the fastest growing supply chain hub with many industries choosing for in-house manufacture of towers, blades, generators, convertors, etc. The commercial arm of MNRE, IREDA, and other financial and banking institutions has backed the industry as a stable market and viable business model. ƒƒ Recently, the drive has been started from NIWE and other agencies to push the idea of mounting suitable aero-generator (small wind turbines) on numerous telecommunication towers in the country, particularly in 119.7 MW wind farm in Ellutla, Andhra Pradesh windy rural and remote areas. There is a trend to install smaller rated Current Research Areas downstream of rotor, blade profile machines on taller towers characterization, power quality From Indian perspective, few potential with longer blades in lower wind issues, grid enhancement and related areas of research are emerging to speed areas. issues, power evacuation, wind flow ƒƒ Approximately, every new megawatt further boost and to make wind modelling for small wind turbines, of capacity installed in the country energy technology mature and energy storage, short- and long- is given a year, 14 persons/MW/ familiar with own innovations and term forecasting models of wind year of employment is created indigenous efforts, such as use of flow, integration of wind turbines in through manufacturing, component nano-composite materials for wind high rise buildings, weak grid issues, supply, wind farm development, turbine components, wind flow calibration of wind instruments, construction, transportation, etc. visualization, wake and turbulence remote sensing application for wind,

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 29 Cover Story rotor equivalent wind speed, large wind tunnel facility for scaled models, etc. In off-shore, front foundations are planned to be spar-bouy, tension leg, and semi-submersible floating wind platforms that maintain stability and motion control. Technology is developing for enhanced sensing for turbine loads, condition monitoring, wind farm controls, and smart rotors with active control surfaces that use built-in blades’ intelligence to reduce rotor blade loads. The plant is operated as a whole system instead of on a turbine by turbine basis. If a single turbine is yawed for few degrees off the optimum setting, it can possibly steer the wake or turbulence in the next row of turbines and consequently array efficiency can be improved. On wind resource modelling, more dimensions are added in terms of 90.3 MW hybrid tower wind farm in Madhya Pradesh modelling interaction between The biggest challenges are longer lattice tall tower. For taller towers, the atmospheric boundary layer blades and taller towers to build the other options may be used. These and the flow through the wind more powerful, efficient, durable, include using concrete and using farm. Application of light detection and cost-effective wind turbine for partially unrolled steel or by spiral and radar (LIDAR) technology to on-shore as well as for off-shore welding process to onsite and bypass supplement and sometimes replace applications. One of the solutions the transportation. fixed steel met-mast particularly in from research and innovation is Dr Siraj Ahmed, Professor & Former Head, off-shore wind energy development building blades onsite by wrapping Department of Mechanical Engineering, will provide detailed picture of the very strong architectural fabric around Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Email: wind resource over a large area with a metal space frame and using this [email protected]. more representative data. same principle for a fabric covered WANT TO BE A WRITER ON RENEWABLE ENERGY ? IF YES, HERE'S THE OPPORTUNITY!

Today RE is an established sector with a variety of systems and devices available for meeting the energy demand of urban inhabitants, but there is a need to create mass awareness about their adoption. Akshay Urja is an attempt to fulfil this need through the dissemination of 20,000 copies (bilingual) in India and abroad. The magazine publishes news, articles, research papers, case studies, success stories, and write-ups on RE. Readers are invited to send material with original photographs and statistical data. The photographs should be TERI PRESS provided in high resolution files on a CD or through email. TERI, Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex Akshay Urja will pay an honorarium of `2,500 to the authors Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003 for each published article of 1,500 words and above. The Tel: +91 11 2468 2100, 4150 4900 publication material in two copies, along with a soft copy on CD/ Fax: +91 11 2468 2144, 2468 2145 DVD/email may be sent to: Email: [email protected] Web: www.teriin.org

30 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 RE Feature INDIA’S FIRST BIO CNG PLANT Fuelling the Future with Renewable Energy

Produced exclusively from agricultural waste and plant material, AgroGasTM, is also known as the ‘Fuel of the Future’. Atul Akolkar reveals how AgroGasTM is delivering a three-fold socio-environmental impact—reducing carbon footprint, conserving fossil fuels, and giving a sustainable entrepreneurial opportunity to the farmers, thereby undoing the wrongs of fossil fuels.

he Indian economy has been the world together. However, it efficiency as fossil fuel CNG and is growing steadily over the last has also given rise to some serious now dispensed under the brand name few years leading to a rise problems such as pollution. Rapid AgroGasTM. Tin demand for petroleum globalization has paved the way for products. With limited availability of increased use of crude oil and CNG in What is Bio CNG? petroleum products domestically, machines and vehicles. Bio CNG is the purified form of India is compelled to import over There was a time when countries biogas where all the unwanted gases 75 per cent of petroleum products around the world would compete are removed to produce >95% pure every year. within themselves for being touted as methane gas. Bio CNG is exactly India has total reserves of 763.476 the most ‘developed country’ or the similar to the commercially available MMT of crude oil and 1488.73 BCM of country with the best lifestyle to offer. natural gas (CV: ~52,000 kJ/kg) in its natural gas, according to a research Little did they know that this would composition and energy potential. study conducted by the Ministry of come at an enormous price. As it is generated from biomass, it Petroleum and Natural Gas, India, in is considered a renewable source FY 2014–15. The Innovation of energy and thus, attracts all the The CGD (City Gas Distribution) There are encouraging signs on the commercial benefits applicable to Infrastructure consists of two horizon as there is a solution, which is other renewable sources of energy. Bio CNG can directly replace every components—Compressed Natural first-of-its-kind in the country. utility of LPG and CNG in India. It Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas A better future has been envisaged has the potential to be the future (PNG). How are they different? CNG with sufficient fuel, no burning of of renewable fuel because of the caters to public and private transport fossil fuels, reduction in imports of abundance of biomass in India. whereas PNG caters to domestic and petroleum products saving a huge industrial consumers. chunk of foreign exchange every year The Director, Research and and above all, 'no pollution'. Primove Development, at Primove Engineering Engineering Pvt. Ltd, a clean tech said, “600 million tonnes of The Problem Area company, based in Pune has built agricultural wastes are generated As every coin has two sides, the same India’s first Bio CNG plant where every year in the country. With very is true in this scenario. Globalization Bio CNG is made using agricultural few uses of this residue, most of it is has broken financial barriers, given waste. This Bio CNG can be used to wasted.” Primove’s process converts economic supremacy, and brought power automobiles with the same this agricultural waste into Bio CNG.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 31 RE Feature

Features plants or after consumption by solid waste, garbage, and sewage consumers slurry ƒƒ Compressed natural gas made from ƒƒ Industrial waste: Bio-wastes ƒƒ Energy crops: Crops that have high agricultural and plant residue from industries, such as sugar- energy content grown specifically ƒƒ Indigenously developed through manufacturing plants and beer for this purpose a patented technology and with a distilleries Figure 1 shows the various biomasses proof of concept (PoC) already up ƒƒ MSW: Organic fraction of municipal that can be used. and running successfully ƒƒ Physically and chemically same as CNG that is currently being imported ƒƒ Bio CNG has a high calorific value and can be used in blast furnaces; also it can be converted into electricity Criteria AgroGasTM CNG (Bio CNG) available IS:16087 2016 IS:15958

CH4 Min 90% 90%

CO2 Max 4% Max 3.5%

H2S 16 ppm 16 ppm Moisture 5 ppm 5 ppm

Filling 220 bar (g) 220 bar Figure 1: Various sources of biomass pressure (g) Step 2: Purification Step 4: Dispersion Production Process The next phase in the process is to The Bio CNG, so collected, is now Primove Engineering has set up a pilot purify this biogas to get highly purified ready to be dispensed for use in two plant in Pirangut as a PoC, which was biomethane, wherein the component wheelers, autos, cars, as well as trucks recently inaugurated on August 14, gases have the least impurities and and buses. 2016, in Pune. Close to `5 crore has adhere to the standards set by the been invested in the pilot plant so far government regulatory bodies. Step 5: Monitoring and about `16 crore is required to The Bio CNG reserve is logged into construct an entire standalone facility Step 3: Pressurizing and special software and data analysis for producing 5 tonnes of Bio CNG storage systems that continuously track the per day. Bio CNG is produced in the The purified biomethane so produced purity of the Bio CNG. The Bio CNG five main steps mentioned below. is then pressurized and filled in plant is continuously monitored for proper functioning and safety. Step 1: Extraction certified high-pressure cylinders mounted on the cascades. Figure 2 shows the five main steps in Biogas is produced in a single-stage the production of Bio CNG. reactor from biomass through a Primove patented process. This biogas is a mixture of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulphide (H2S).

Sources of biomass ƒƒ Agricultural residues: Farm waste or agricultural waste derived from farms or food processing ƒƒ Food waste: Wastes produced as a by-product from food-processing Figure 2: The five main steps in the production of Bio CNG

32 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 India’s First Bio CNG Plant: Fuelling the Future with Renewable Energy

Figure 3: Applications of AgroGasTM

Why to invest in efficient fuel alternative to fossil fuels. ƒƒ 500 cars (10 kg/fill) AgroGasTM (Bio CNG)? Setting up tens of thousands of Bio ƒƒ 800 auto rickshaws (6 kg/fill) CNG production plants and supply ƒƒ A combination of the above ƒƒ Technically feasible: Meets IS 16087 stations across the country can cover 2016 Bio CNG standard for vehicles a substantial requirement of our The Road Ahead ƒƒ Economically viable: Self-sustaining fuel requirements. and profitable market supported As the Honourable Minister for Road project Distribution Transport, Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari said, “If we initiate ƒƒ Return on Investment: Sustained The first Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) 5,000 such Bio CNG plants across high return on investment for Bio CNG production facility has been the country then fuel import cost of decades set up at Pirangut in Pune with all `7 lakh crore could be reduced to ƒƒ Environmentally sustainable: the required permissions, licenses, almost `3 lakh crore. If such plants Follows carbon neutral cycle that and approvals. It also meets the IS are initiated in every village, then it reduces global warming 16087:2016 standards. Primove’s can provide employment to at least ƒƒ Socially empowering: Creating technology can produce over 100 500 people from that community. In India’s energy security with benefits TM million tonnes of crude equivalent addition to this, AgroGas can prove for farmers Bio CNG per year, which is about to be a good import substitute as it ƒƒ Import substitution: Huge foreign 50 per cent of India’s fuel imports. is cost effective and pollution free.” exchange savings potential of lakhs With the technology patented by Our goal is to take the innovation of crores TM Primove, biomass can be compacted of AgroGas plants throughout ƒƒ Income for farmers: Income and transported in situ, stored, and the length and breadth of India to potential of over one lakh crores for ensure higher fuel substitution, more distributed easily. This will cut down farmers livelihood opportunities to the farmers the costs in supply chain for Bio CNG. and above all, reduction of carbon A typical CNG installation can footprint, thereby lending a hand Applications of distribute about 5–10 MT of CNG per TM to the nation’s goals of fighting the AgroGas day. This daily output of 5 tonnes of effects of pollution at a global level. Figure 3 presents various applications AgroGasTM (Bio CNG) can TM power about: Mr Atul Akolkar, Vice President—Business of AgroGas . Development, Primove Engineering Pvt Ltd, Bio CNG is an equally effective and ƒƒ 70 buses (70 kg/fill) Pune 411038.Email: [email protected]

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 33 RE Interview FACE TO FACE

Shri C J Venugopal, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Odisha highlights the development of renewable energy in Odisha.

Q What is the current carrying out all off-grid and on- and all MNRE, Govt of India framework of grid projects in non-solar and missions, schemes, and projects renewable energy in up to 1 MW in the solar sphere. are synchronized in the state Odisha? The Green Energy Development mechanism. Corporation of Odisha Ltd Odisha has achieved a quantum (GEDCOL) is entrusted with the jump in renewable energy Q How well do you think implementation of on-grid solar sector in recent past and various OREDA has contributed power projects above 1 MW. EIC, roles and responsibilities on in meeting the exploration, promotion, and Electricity is responsible for small targets of renewable propagation of renewable hydro projects among other energy in Odisha? energy in state have been things. The Odisha Electricity How do you assess allocated. A renewable energy Regulatory Commission (OERC) policy is in force. the achievements of policy has been notified. The OREDA? Odisha Renewable Energy This will benefit the private, Development Agency (OREDA) household, and corporate OREDA has contributed is the state nodal agency of sector. Significantly, the climate significantly in the renewable new and renewable energy and change action plan is in place energy sector since its

34 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Face To Face with Shri C J Venugopal, IAS

inception. Presently, OREDA has prioritized off-grid sector and small decentralized solar power plants. Nearly 6,000 solar water pumps for drinking water through RWS&S, Science & Technology Dept, OTELP schemes have been installed in the state. This is unique in the country, most systematically; well-crafted methods have been adopted. The highest number is achieved in the country and functionality of the systems installed in the last three years is the most encouraging. DC pumps with only minimum solar modules are fitted in the existing hand pump with independent Irrigation Pump initiative by OREDA riser pipes. People are getting explored to cover by various village electrification along with water round the clock as there options. This has been most REC in 276 villages through is storage in the absence of challenging as the habitations solar mini-grid. This is the first sun rays. Since no battery has are in most inaccessible, steep time the inhabitants in the been used, there is hardly any hilly location. Similar types of remote inaccessible area are maintenance difficulty. This is simple pumps are being installed given the benefit of longer very much appreciated in the for farmer empowerment for non-conventional energy country. It has been emphasized irrigation with minimum user’s supply. Under TDCOL scheme to include Particularly Vulnerable contribution. Nearly 2,000 269 remote villages are being Tribal Groups (PVTG) in the state. such irrigation projects have provided with stand-alone Out of 543 habitations, OREDA been taken up in the current lighting facility. The total biogas has covered 268 habitations year. Around 476 rooftop solar capacity addition is 300,000 m3, to provide safe drinking water power plants have been installed considerable number of improved through solar intervention. The in government institutions. fixed improved stoves are being balance habitations are being OREDA has taken up remote implemented in MDM schools. Besides, 48 MW on-grid solar PV projects have been facilitated, and biomass power projects of 61 MW capacity have been facilitated.

Q What are the plans of OREDA in the coming years? What are the areas that you would be looking at in the future? It is envisaged to execute at least 70–80 MW of SPV off- grid addition in the policy period, i.e., March 2022. This will be a great contribution on demand side management and Renewable energy initiatives in Odisha off-set conventional energy

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 35 RE Interview

dependence. The sectors challenging task to be taken support of all stakeholders for which are targeted in the plan up. Livelihood generation, harnessing of renewable energy are: (i) village electrification Suryamitra training, and capacity are given shape. It is emphasized through stand-alone and mini building schemes are in full to implement rooftop grid grid; (ii) agriculture pumps; steam. All enabling mechanisms connected solar power plants (iii) community drinking water are in order including strong with minimum battery backups to and lighting; (iv) rooftop SPV online system feedback and to reduce maintenance responsibility power plants in households, all address maintenance issues. and recurring expenditure of the government institution buildings, user. Some restructuring and disaster mitigation centres. For Q What future do you see outsourcing methods are being small rooftop on-grid SPV power in wind sector in the envisaged. We are also planning plant two distinct approaches state? to make a quantum jump in both have been explored. A group of on-grid and off-grid RE solutions As far as the scenario in the wind 12 vendors has been empanelled in the future. sector is concerned, one project to implement rooftop SPV power of 50 MW is being explored by plant in household, private, and Q Since the solar energy- NALCO in the interior of the corporate sector in the most based dual pump state. We have to look for some liberal way. This is the first- hybrid commercial options. pipe water supply of-its-kind in the country. In a for drinking water similar way, another group of Q What is the broad schemes is a unique vendors are being empanelled outlook of the initiative in the country for government and government and is a success institution buildings with rate Department on Renewable Energy? story, please tell us contract. All these will enable an in detail about all of auto-pilot mechanism towards Our Department is working on OREDA’s initiatives to extension of the programme. In various aspects of strengthening provide safe drinking such cases, minimum battery OREDA. It has been chalked options are considered. This will out to facilitate the investment water through solar help reduce initial cost and also opportunity in manufacturing intervention. regular maintenance burden. It sector in renewable energy. Solar energy-based dual pump is planned to cover all the PVTG This will also open up the scope pipe water supply project habitations through mini-grid/ of downstream employments. comprises of a solar array of DDG by solar applications. The institutional arrangement, minimum capacity, say 675 This is the most ambitious and roles and responsibilities, and wp / 900 wp, a brushless DC

Irrigation Pump initiative by OREDA

36 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Face To Face with Shri C J Venugopal, IAS

Power plant in Odisha

submersible pump which can Except occasional cleaning of People are happy and have adjust such variations of array solar array, there is hardly any accepted the scheme. through MPPT (maximum power human involvement. Besides point tracking) control and auto submersible pump, existing hand Q What were the water level control and auto pump can be operated during challenges that off-on, an independent riser pipe very cloudy weather or after OREDA had to face to as water delivery system among sunset. Existing hand pumps can provide safe drinking other things with preferably be repaired/maintained without water through solar helical rotor. Pumping of water any disruption to the solar water intervention and how takes place from early hours of supply. The maintenance towards morning with the helical rotor. technical fault is minimal. did you overcome those challenges? Most of the drinking water projects are in the hilly, remote, and inaccessible areas. Major challenges faced while installing the systems have been transportation of the materials in the difficult terrain and topology, cut-off areas to islands, and life- threatening situations. A classic example is Malkangiri district, the most disturbed area. In the last 3 years, more than 200 solar drinking water projects have been ground in the district in the most difficult geographical and social conditions. People at large have cooperated to this community purpose and have made the Solar Water Pump initiative by OREDA programme a success.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 37 RE Product MICRO SOLAR DOME For Lighting up Households in Slums and Rural Areas

low-cost and energy-efficient The device is leak proof and capable lighting applications by the Ministry device has been developed of working throughout the day. After of New and Renewable Energy to capture sunlight and light sunset, it can work for four hours. (MNRE) and is eligible for subsidy. Aup households, particularly The product has been tested at in urban slum or rural areas which Electronics Regional Test Laboratory Types of Micro lack electricity supply. Micro Solar (ERTL), which has paved the way for its Solar Domes Dome (MSD) has been developed acceptance on pan India basis. Micro solar dome is a unique device by the Department of Science and The micro solar dome was also that captures light from various Technology in collaboration with tested for select parameters at IIT- directions and concentrates it inside N B Institute for Rural Technology. Bombay, Mumbai; TERI University, the house, brightening it enough to The device has a semi-spherical upper New Delhi; and Indian Institute of ease the tasks of cooking, cleaning, dome made of acrylic material that Engineering Science and Technology reading, and other day-to-day captures sunlight. It passes through (IIEST), Kolkata. On up-scaling the activities. It can be fitted in any type a sun tube which has a thin layer of photovoltaic-enabled MSD device will of roof, viz., GCI sheet, asbestos, clay highly reflective coating on the inner cost `1,200 and non-PV MSD will tiles. There are three types of micro wall of the passage. It also contains a cost `500. However, these prices solar domes: lower dome made of acrylic. There is are expected to come down over a ƒƒ Normal Micro Solar Dome: Dome a shutter at the bottom of the lower period of time. The PV-integrated type day-lighting device has a dome which can be closed if light is micro solar dome has been included transparent semi-spherical upper not required during the day. as a product for off-grid solar dome made of acrylic material

38 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Micro Solar Dome for Lighting up Households in Slums and Rural Areas

which captures the sunlight and equivalent Watt from morning the light passes through a sun- to evening. Suntube with highly tube having a thin layer of highly reflective coating; upper dome; reflective coating on the inner wall and lower dome are the ƒƒ PV Integrated Micro Solar Dome: of the passage. The light output components of a normal micro It is the latest version of the micro varies from 3 W to 15 electrical solar dome. solar dome. The integrated PV module fitted in the dome charges a battery during day time which in turn provides light during night time from the micro solar dome for about 4 hours through LED fitted in the lower dome. Components of PV integrated micro solar dome include: Suntube with highly reflective coating; upper dome; lower dome with LED fitted; PV panel; battery; and controller circuit ƒƒ Non-PV Filtered Micro Solar Dome: In both these types of domes, sun filter is used to reduce illumination during summer.

Conclusion Micro solar domes can be installed on that part of the GCI/asbestos/ clay tile rooftop which gets the maximum sunlight. Before installation the roof should be checked properly particularly in respect of durability. It should be ensured that a person can work on the roof to fix up the dome.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 39 RE Feature A NEW DAWN IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR IN INDIA

Highlights*

ƒƒ India attains 4th position in global wind power installed capacity ƒƒ 46.33 GW grid-interactive power added ƒƒ 7,518 MW of grid-connected power added ƒƒ 1,502 MW Wind power capacity added ƒƒ Small hydro power capacity reaches 4,323 MW ƒƒ 92,305 Solar Pumps installed ƒƒ 38,000 crore Green Energy Corridor is being set up

ƒƒ ‘Surya Mitra’ mobile App launched

* As on October 31, 2016 1,500 MW in Ananthapuramu Solar Park, Andhra Pradesh

he Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) by the growth rate in clean energy fiscal incentives, etc. In order to has taken several steps to sector, the Government of India in achieve the renewable energy target fructify Prime Minister Shri its submission to the United Nations of 175 GW by the year 2022, the T Frame Work Convention on Climate major programmes/ schemes on Narendra Modi’s dream of clean energy. The largest renewable Change on Intended Nationally implementation of Solar Park, Solar Defence Scheme, Solar scheme capacity expansion programme in Determined Contribution (INDC) has stated that India will achieve 40 for CPUs Solar PV power plants on the world is being taken up by India. per cent cumulative electric power Canal Bank and Canal Tops, Solar The government is aiming to increase capacity from non-fossil fuel-based Pump, Solar Rooftop, etc., have been share of clean energy through massive energy resources by 2030 with the launched during the last two years. thrust in renewables. Core drivers help of transfer of technology and low Various policy measures have for development and deployment of cost International Finance including been initiated and special steps taken new and renewable energy in India from Green Climate Fund. As in addition to providing financial have been energy security, electricity on October 31, 2016, Solar Energy support to various schemes being shortages, energy access, climate Projects with an aggregate capacity of implemented by the MNRE for change, etc. over 8,727.62 MW have been installed achieving the target of renewable A capacity addition of 14.30 GW of in the country. energy capacity to 175 GW by the renewable energy has been reported The government is playing an year 2022. These include, inter during the last two and half years active role in promoting the adoption alia, suitable amendments to the under Grid Connected Renewable of renewable energy resources by Electricity Act and Tariff Policy for Power, which include 5.8 GW from offering various incentives, such as strong enforcement of Renewable Solar Power, 7.04 GW from Wind generation-based incentives (GBIs), Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for Power, 0.53 from Small Hydro Power capital and interest subsidies, viability providing Renewable Generation and 0.93 from Bio-power. Confident gap funding, concessional finance, Obligation (RGO); setting up of

40 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 A New Dawn in Renewable Energy Sector in India

exclusive solar parks; development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project; identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects; provision of rooftop solar and 10 per cent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities; amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of rooftop solar for new construction or higher Floor Area Ratio; infrastructure status for solar projects; raising tax free solar bonds; providing long tenor loans; making rooftop solar as a part of housing loan by banks/NHB; incorporating measures in Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for encouraging distribution companies and making net-metering compulsory and raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target.

Estimated Potential of Renewable Energy The increased use of indigenous renewable resources is expected A 22.5 MW Wind Farm to reduce India’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels. India waste to power 10 MW), has been renewable energy sources has been has an estimated renewable energy set for 2016–17. Besides, under off- added so far this year (January 2016 to potential of about 900 GW from grid renewable system, targets of 15 October 2016) in the country. commercially exploitable sources, MW eq. waste to energy, 60 MW eq. A total of 7,060 MW of grid- viz., Wind—102 GW (at 80 meter biomass non-bagasse cogeneration, connected power generation capacity mast height); Small Hydro—20 GW; 10 MW eq. biomass gasifiers, 1.0 MW from renewable energy sources, such Bio-energy—25 GW; and 750 GW eq. small wind/hybrid systems, 100 as solar (3,019 MW) and wind (3,423 solar power, assuming 3 per cent MW eq. solar photovoltaic systems, MW), Small hydro power (218 MW), wasteland. 1.0 MW eq. micro hydel and 100,000 Bio-Power (400 MW) has been added nos. family size biogas plants have during 2015–16 in the country against Targets been set for 2016–17. target of 4,460 MW. During 2016–17, The Government of India has set a a total 3,575 MW capacity has been target of 175 GW renewable power Achievements added till October 31, 2016, making installed capacity by the end of 2022. The details of year-round initiatives cumulative achievement 46,327 MW. This includes 60 GW from wind and achievements of MNRE are power, 100 GW from solar power, 10 given below. Sector-Wise Highlights GW from biomass power, and 5 GW of Achievements from small hydro power. Green Power Capacity A target of 16,660 MW grid ƒƒ Largest ever wind power capacity renewable power (wind 4,000 MW, Addition addition of 3,423 MW in 2015–16 solar 12,000 MW, small hydro power A total of 7,518 MW of grid-connected exceeding target by 43 per cent. 250 MW, bio-power 400 MW, and power generation capacity from During 2016–17, a total 1,502

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 41 RE Feature

MW capacity has been added 2016–17, against a target of 1.00 power consumption. SECI is till October 31, 2016, making lakh biogas plants, 0.26 lakh aggregating demand for a part cumulative achievement 28,279 biogas plants installations has been of this requirement and helping MW. Now, in terms of wind power achieved making the cumulative in procuring rooftop solar installed capacity India is globally achievement to 49.35 lakh biogas systems. SECI has issued a tender placed at fourth position after plants as on October 31, 2016. for development of 1,000 MW China, USA, and Germany. rooftop solar capacity on pre- ƒƒ Biggest ever solar power capacity Major Initiatives identified central government/ addition of 3,019 MW in 2015–16 taken by the department owned buildings. It is exceeding target by 116 per cent. Ministry the largest such tender in India’s During 2016–17, a total 1,750 fledgling rooftop solar market. Solar Power MW capacity has been added till October 31, 2016, making ƒƒ Under National Solar Mission, the Solar Rooftop cumulative achievement 8,728 MW. target for setting up solar capacity ƒƒ A target of 40 GW grid connected ƒƒ 31,472 solar pumps installed in increased from 20 GW to 100 GW solar rooftops to be achieved by 2015–16, higher than total number by 2021–22. Target of 10,500 MW, 2022 has been set. So far, about 500 of pumps installed during last 24 set for 2016–17 which will take the MW have been installed and about years, i.e., since beginning of the cumulative capacity to 17 GW till 3,000 MW has been sanctioned programme in 1991. So far, 92,305 March 31, 2017. which is under installation. All major solar pumps have been installed in ƒƒ As on date, 19,276 MW has been sectors, i.e., Railways, Airports, the Country as on October 31, 2016. tendered out, of which LOI issued Hospitals, Educational Institutions, Government Buildings of Central/ ƒƒ Solar projects of capacity 20,904 MW for 13,910 MW/PPA signed for State/PSUs are being targeted were tendered in 2015–16. Of these, 10,824 MW. besides, the private sector. 11,209 MW capacity already awarded. ƒƒ 34 Solar Parks of capacity 20,000 ƒƒ A massive Grid Connected Solar ƒƒ A capacity addition of 0.53 GW MW in 21 states have been Rooftop Programme launched has been added under Grid sanctioned which are under various with 40 GW target. State Electricity Connected Renewable Power stages of execution. Regulatory Commissions of 30 since the last 2.5 years from ƒƒ As on October 31, 2016, a total States/UTs notified regulations for Small Hydro Power plants. of 90,710 solar pumps have been net-metering/feed-in-tariff installed throughout the country. ƒƒ Biomass power includes installations mechanism. `5,000 crore approved from biomass combustion, ƒƒ Also, a total amount of `67.01 for solar rooftops. About 500 MW biomass gasification and bagasse crore has been sanctioned for solar rooftop capacity installed till co-generation. During 2016–17, preparation of master plans, solar September 30, 2016. against a target of 400 MW, 51 MW city cells, promotional activities and ƒƒ A total sanction of 1,300 million installations of biomass power installation of renewable energy dollars has been received from plants has been achieved making projects and an amount of `24.16 World Bank, KFW, ADB and NDB a cumulative achievement to crore has been released, so far, through which the SBI, PNB, Canara 4,882 MW. under Solar City Programme. Bank, and IREDA will be in the ƒƒ Family type biogas plants mainly for ƒƒ Various departments and ministries position to fund at the rate of less rural and semi-urban households under central government than 10 per cent. are set up under the National have collectively committed ƒƒ Ministry has tied up with ISRO for Biogas and Manure Management to deploying 5,938 MW of rooftop Geo tagging of all the Rooftop Programme (NBMMP). During solar capacity for their internal plants using ISRO’s VEDAS Portal.

Wind Power ƒƒ During the year 2015–16, wind power capacity addition of 3.42 GW was made, which is highest ever wind power capacity addition in the country during a single year. The present wind power installed capacity in the country is around 28.28 GW.

42 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 A New Dawn in Renewable Energy Sector in India

ƒƒ India has a strong manufacturing during the last 2.5 years under Grid operation & maintenance of solar base of wind power equipment in Connected Renewable Power, 0.53 energy devices and boiler operations the country. Presently, there are GW from Small Hydro Power. in co-generation plants, have been 20 approved manufacturers with organized. About 7,800 persons have 53 models of wind turbines in the Biomass Power been trained through these short- term training programmes during the country up to a capacity of 3.00 Biomass power includes installations last two years. MW single turbines. Wind turbines from biomass combustion, biomass Shri Piyush Goyal, launched being manufactured in India are of gasification, and bagasse co- ‘Surya Mitra’ mobile App at National international quality standards and generation. During 2016–17, against a Workshop on Rooftop Solar Power on cost-wise amongst the lowest in the target of 400 MW, 51 MW installations June 7, 2016. The GPS-based mobile world being exported to Europe, of biomass power plants has been app has been developed by National USA, and other countries. achieved making a cumulative Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) which ƒƒ The wind power potential of the achievement to 4,882.33 MW. is an autonomous institution of MNRE. country has been reassessed by the National Institute for Wind Energy Family Size Biogas Plants (NIWE), it has been estimated to be Other Initiatives Family Size Biogas Plants mainly for 302 GW at 100 meter hub-height. ƒƒ The International Solar Alliance was rural and semi-urban households are Online wind atlas is available on launched as a special platform set up under the National Biogas and NIWE website. This will create for mutual cooperation among Manure Management Programme new dimension to the wind power 121 solar resource rich countries (NBMMP). During 2016–17, against a development in the country. lying fully or partially between target of 1.00 lakh biogas plants, Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of ƒƒ India has a long coastline where 0.26 lakh biogas plants installations Capricorn at COP21 in Paris on there is a good possibility for has been achieved, making a November 30, 2015 to develop developing offshore wind power cumulative achievement to and promote solar energy, with its projects. The cabinet has cleared 49.35 lakh biogas plants. the National Offshore Wind Energy headquarters in India. On January Policy. Certain blocks near Gujarat New Office Building of 25, 2016, the Foundation Stone for the proposed Headquarters of the and Tamil Nadu coastline have been MNRE identified. NIWE is in process of ISA was laid at Gurgaon, Haryana doing the wind resource assessment Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony (India) and its interim Secretariat in these coastal areas. of ‘Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan’, an was inaugurated. The International integrated headquarters building for ƒƒ Comprehensive Guidelines for Steering Committee (ISC) of the the Ministry was held on ISA has held four meetings so far. Development of On-shore Wind October 19, 2016. The Foundation The Framework Agreement of ISA Power Projects in the country have Stone was laid by Shri Piyush Goyal, has been finalized after discussions been formulated and issued on Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent with various stakeholders. It was October 22, 2016. Charge) for Power, Coal, New and presented in the fourth meeting ƒƒ Guidelines for implementation of Renewable Energy and Mines. of the ISC of ISA. The Framework “Scheme for Setting up of 1,000 MW Agreement of ISA has been signed Inter-State Transmission Skill Development by 20 member countries including System (ISTS)—connected SuryaMitra Scheme was launched India, France, Brazil, and others Wind Power Projects” issued on on November 15, 2016 at October 22, 2016. for creating 50,000 trained solar photovoltaic technicians by March Marrakech, Morocco, on the ƒƒ The Policy for Repowering of the 2020. A total number of 5,492 side-lines of COP22. Wind Power Projects has been Surya Mitras have been trained as ƒƒ Bank loans up to a limit of `15 released on August 5, 2016, to on September 30, 2016 and more crore will be given to borrowers promote optimum utilization of than 3,000 are undergoing training. for purposes like solar-based wind energy resources by A network of over 150 institutions, power generators, biomass-based creating facilitative framework spread all over the country, have power generators, wind power for repowering. been created for implementing the systems, micro-hydel plants and SuryaMitra scheme. for renewable energy-based public Small Hydro Power In addition, short term training utilities, viz., street lighting systems, A capacity addition of 14.30 GW of programmes for small hydro, and remote village electrification. renewable energy has been reported entrepreneurship development, Source: http://pib.nic.in/

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 43 RE Training SURYAMITRA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN UTTARAKHAND nder the National Solar and Solar PV plants. In all aspects the selected to conduct the programme. Mission, there is a need for structuring of programme is such that The selections of students were done the skill development in the it provides the all-round development on the first-cum-first-served basis Ufield of Solar PV to cater of skills of participants in the field of and the applications were invited to the huge demand of trained and Solar PV installation, operation, and through the advertisement in English skilled persons to install, operate maintenance. and Hindi newspapers of Uttarakhand. and maintain the SPV system. The After receiving, the applications were programme is aimed to enhance the Programme in scrutinized by the college authority skills of the field technicians and small Uttarakhand as per the eligibility criteria given entrepreneurs who are responsible Uttarakhand is amongst the first few by the NISE. for operation, maintenance and states who took up the Suryamitra Skill The first programme in Government troubleshooting. The qualification Development programme in the initial Polytechnic Dehradun was started of the participants is minimum ITI or phases after its launch by National in September 2015 and got a huge Diploma in engineering particularly in Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). attention amongst the youth and the branch of mechanical, electrical, Uttarakhand Renewable Energy young entrepreneurs. Similarly, the and electronics. Special emphases Development Agency (UREDA) as a second programme in Ordnance have been given to the participants State Nodal Agency for MNRE took up Factory Institute of Learning, having rural background and who are the task of conducting the Suryamitra Dehradun was started in the unemployed. Skill Development programme in same month. Uttarakhand. Initially, two institutes From the first two batches total of Training Structure namely Government Polytechnic, 60 nos. of students passed out and Dehradun and Ordnance Factory currently 70 per cent of students The training curriculum of Suryamitra Institute of Learning, Dehradun were had started working in the solar Skill Development Programme is designed as per the NCVT curriculum for the training of 03 month (600 hours). In these 03 months, for first 02 month participants were given training through classroom lectures and hands-on training in the laboratories and for the last 01 month training was arrange in the Solar PV companies as an internship. The major areas covered include basics of electricity, fundamentals of solar energy, solar photovoltaic power plants and systems, components, tools and equipments used for site survey including load assessment, system installation, and inspection. Also, the students were taken to the field visit of various Solar Picture 1: Classroom training in progress under the Suryamitra skill development PV module manufacturing industries programme in Uttarakhand

44 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Suryamitra Skill Development Programme in Uttarakhand

companies, such as Rays Power, Fidato Consultancy, Sankalp Energy, Recube, etc., in the salary package of `9,000–15,000 per month and some others are working as self-entrepreneurs in their respective locations.

The Way Forward MNRE has given the target of total 500 MW for the installation of solar PV in the state till 2021. To achieve this task huge numbers of skilled Picture 2: Suryamitra Skill development programme in Uttarakhand manpower is required to pace up the Learning, Dehradun. In the next installation process. UREDA is looking few years this programme will be up to this programme as a booster for expanded to the grassroots level in Uttarakhand in terms of getting skilled the various district of Uttarakhand manpower and empowering youth for as UREDA has already planned to self entrepreneurship in the field of organize 08 new programmes in the Solar PV. Four more programmes in different districts so as to strengthen the FY 2016–17 have been scheduled the local youth with entrepreneurial in Govt. Polytechnic Lohaghat, skills and self-sustainability. Institute of Engineers Dehradun, Courtesy: Shri A K Tyagi, Chief Project Officer, Govt. Polytechnic Dehradun, Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development and Ordnance Factory Institute of Picture 3: The training in progress Agency (UREDA)

SHRI RAJEEV KAPOOR TAKES OVER AS SECRETARY, MNRE Shri Rajeev Kapoor, has taken over as the new Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India in New Delhi on December 13, 2016. Shri Rajeev Kapoor is an IAS Officer of UP cadre (1983). He obtained BTech degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur; got PGP, Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad; and obtained MPP, Public Policy from the Princeton University. Before joining MNRE, he was the Director of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration from May 2014 to November 2016. Before that he was the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Government of Uttar Pradesh from May 2013 to May 2014. Akshay Urja cordially welcomes Shri Rajeev Kapoor as the Patron of Akshay Urja newsletter.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 45 RE Event

CBIP AWARDS 2017 FOR EXCELLENCE IN DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

hri K S Popli, Chairman and contribution in development of Chairperson, CEA; Shri G S Jha, Managing Director of the Renewable Energy Sector in India. Chairman, Central Water Commission Indian Renewable Energy The awards were presented by Dr and Shri V K Kanjlia, Secretary, Central SDevelopment Agency Limited Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Honourable Board of Irrigation and Power among (IREDA), has been conferred with Minister of State for Water Resources, others. The award was adjudicated ‘CBIP Award 2017’ for his outstanding River Development & Ganga by high level jury comprising present contribution in Development of Rejuvenation, Government of India, on and former top executives of Renewable Energy Sector. Also, the occasion of CBIP Day Celebrations organizations, such as CERC, CEA, honoured with CBIP Award 2017 2017 on December 29, 2016 at SCOPE CWC, IREDA Ltd, SECI Ltd and Tata was Shri Upendra Tripathy, former Complex in New Delhi. Present on power Co. Ltd. Secretary, MNRE for his exceptional this occasion were Shri S D Dubey, Source: IREDA

46 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 RE Events US-INDIA CLEAN ENERGY FINANCE FACILITY INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED hri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy and Mines and US Ambassador Mr Richard Verma in India launched a new joint initiative of US-India Clean Energy Finance (USICEF) Initiative Son December 16, 2016, in New Delhi, which would help in unlocking OPIC financing and mobilize public and private capital to expand access to distributed clean energy projects. Shri Rajeev Kapoor, Secretary, MNRE; White House Senior Director John Morton; and Mr William Pegues, Managing Director, OPIC and representatives of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Good Energies Foundation were also present. Letter of Intents were signed and exchanged between MNRE and OPIC in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal for the creation of a $20 million for US-India Clean Energy Finance (USICEF) Initiative, equally supported by the United States and India would support projects which, upon long-term financing and deployment, and would qualify for the support of long-term debt financing from OPIC. Source: http://pib.nic.in

WORKSHOP ON EXPEDITING SOLAR POWER DEVELOPMENT IN WEST BENGAL ERI, in conjunction with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), organized a workshop on 'Expediting Solar Power Development' in Ecopark, Kolkata, West Bengal, on TOctober 25, 2016. Various stakeholders, including Electricity Regulatory Commissions (ERCs), DISCOMs, State Load Dispatch Centres (SLDCs) and State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) from the Eastern and Northeastern regions of India actively participated in the workshop to accelerate the grid-connected solar capacity addition. The major objective of the workshop was to generate a movement to boost the deployment of solar power in the Eastern and the Northeastern regions of India. The workshop also aimed at strengthening the financial investments for the said regions. It also focussed on the issues and challenges that hamper the promotion of solar power in these regions.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 47 Children's Corner LEARN TO MAKE A MINI WIND TURBINE Dear Children, One main difference of Darrieus and Savonius models are that the former uses the lift force for its function and the Wind turbines are classified into two types depending on working principle is similar to a HAWT which also uses the its axis of rotation. The turbines that have a horizontal lift force to generate power. The Savonius model makes axis of rotation are called Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine use of the drag force and this makes its rotation very slow. (HAWT). Here the axis of rotation is parallel to the ground. It will have two blades. One side of the blade will catch In a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT), the rotor rotates the wind more than the other and this rotates the rotor. against a vertical rotor shaft. Depending on the type of Because of this, a Savonius turbine cannot rotate faster rotor blades, VAWT is further classified into Darrieus model, than the wind. Since it is slow-rotating its efficiency is Giromill, Helical Blade VAWT, Cyclo turbine, and Savonius. very low and is used for low power functions like Darrieus and Savonius are the two basic models. Other operating pumps, etc., this cannot be used in areas models are modifications of Darrieus model. with slower wind speed.

48 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Children's Corner

The electricity bill of the temple was very huge this time as we celebrated the Navaratras and other festivals.

HAWT is the most commonly used wind turbine to generate electricity on a large scale whereas VAWT are used to power individual homes. HAWT has blades with aerodynamic design that produces lift force which turns the rotor. This rotates the generator shaft and drives the generator producing electricity. HAWT is installed with the Have you heard rotor in the direction of the wind. about the initiative of the Siddhivinayak The main parts of a wind turbine are the rotor, gearbox, temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai? and generator. You can easily build a wind turbine. Building a simple model HAWT is explained below. ƒƒ The blades could be made from bamboo or PVC pipes. You will need a PVC pipe 24 inches long having a diameter of 8”. Cut this into 4 equal parts along the length. Take 2 of these pieces and mark a point at 30 mm distance from the side at one end and similarly at the diagonally opposite end. Draw a line connecting these points and cut along the line. You will get 4 triangular pieces which are right angled. Out of this, 3 pieces are used as blade. ƒƒ Next 2 holes have to be drilled on all the blades 3/8

inches from the straight side, one at ½” and the other at 1 No, please tell ¼” from the wider side. me about it. ƒƒ You will need a 260 VDC continuous duty motor of 5 Amps. Mark 3 equidistant holes on the hub 2 3/8 inches from the centre of the shaft. Holes have to be drilled with 7/32 inch drill bit and tapped with ¼”x20 tap. ƒƒ The blades have to be bolted on to the hub through the holes using ¼” bolts. Through the empty hole on the blade mark on the hub so that it can be aligned easily. ƒƒ This has to be assembled over a base tower made of The Siddhivinayak temple has gone the solar way and reduced PVC pipe. The wires of the motor has to be taken down their monthly electricity bill by 30 per cent. It has been saving `40,000 per month for the last four years. through the pipe and connected to a bulb or LED. A 20 kWh solar rooftop project, comprising 72 panels on top of the five-storey temple building is used to power lights Source: http://hubpages.com/education/How-to-Build-a-Wind-Turbine- and fans on every floor, reducing their for-Your-Science-Fai dependency on the grid.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 49 Web/Book Alert

www.terienvis.nic.in/ ENVIS Centre on Renewable Energy and Environment | http://www.terienvis.nic.in/ The renewable energy (RE), being clean energy source, is getting increasing importance in India at all levels. Detailed information is provided on the Centre for Renewable Energy and Environment. Details on renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, etc., are given. Information related to the technologies are also available. Users can find case studies, technology updates, and GIS maps, etc. Sector-wise statistics are also available. List of publications of the Centre is also provided on the website.

Smart Energy: From Fire Making Technologies for Biochemical to the Post-Carbon World Conversion of Biomass Jianping Liu, Shaoqiang Chen, and Tao Liu; Hongzhang Chen and Lan Wang; CRC Press, 280 pages Academic Press, 284 pages Smart Energy: From Fire Making Technologies for Biochemical to the Post-Carbon World Conversion of Biomass introduces takes the improvement and biomass biochemical conversion replacement of energy forms technology, including the pretreatment platform, enzyme as mainline. From a perspective platform, cell refining platform, of macro-history and inter- sugar platform, fermentation discipline, the stereoscopic platform, and post-treatment observation of energy, science platform. Readers will find a and technology, environment, systematic treatment, not only of and development course of the basics of biomass biochemical conversion and the human civilization is carried out, introduction of each strategy, but also of the current the objective laws of energy advances of research in this area. replacement and civilization evolution are revealed, the Researchers will find the key problems in each real predicament why we fall into and how we get out technology platform for biomass biochemical conversion identified and solutions offered. This valuable reference of is carefully investigated, and the brilliant perspective book features new scientific research and the related of future energy form and civilization pattern is given. industrial application of biomass biochemical conversion The book is suitable for the readers who are concerned technology as the main content, and then systematically about energy, environment, economy, and human introduces the basic principles and applications of survival and development. To buy online, visit biomass biochemical conversion technology. To buy . online, visit . Wind Energy for the Rest of Us: A Comprehensive Guide to Wind Power and How to Use it Paul Gipe; Chelsea Green Publishing Co, 704 pages Wind Energy for the Rest of Us straddles two or more worlds. The book is about the depth and breadth of wind energy, encompassing more than either type of wind turbine. It includes water-pumping windmills and sailing ships. This book tells the story of modern wind energy in all its complexity. The author explains why new wind turbines are part of a silent revolution that is changing the way we use wind energy. This revolution doesn’t garner headlines, but is making wind turbines more cost-effective in more places than ever before, lessening the need for new transmission lines, obviating the need for storage, and fuelling rapid growth. The author refutes many common myths surrounding wind energy and argues persuasively that wind turbines are productive, effective, and environmentally sound. The author argues that wind energy is too important to be left to electric utilities and their subsidiaries alone. To buy online, visit .

50 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 Web/Book Alert TERI RELEASES UPDATED EDITION OF TEDDY 2015/16 TERI released the latest edition of its annual publication on energy and environment—TERI Energy and Environment Data Directory and Yearbook 2015/16 Updated Edition (TEDDY) on December 21, 2016 at TERI, India Habitat Centre. On the occasion of the launch of book, Dr A K Tripathi, Advisor, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) said, "There is a need for a periodic initiative for all sectors on consolidation of data and policy developments on energy and environment which can be made available and available through documentation and digital means to policymakers and civil society leading to greater awareness." Underscoring the need for a periodic review that focuses on natural resources and energy, Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI, said, "TEDDY, with its reservoir of data, helps policymakers and researchers gauge the trends in the various sectors of energy and environment and develop policies on sound information that enable actions with an impact." The publication was launched by Dr A K Tripathi, Dr Ajay Mathur, Mr Prabir Sengupta, Dr Kirit Parikh, and Dr Suneel Pandey.

RE at a Glance (Source: TEDDY 2015/16) ƒƒ The Indian solar photovoltaic (SPV) market has witnessed significant growth since the launch of the National Solar Mission in 2010. The total installed capacity has risen from 40 MW in 2010 to 8,874.87 MW till November 30, 2016. ƒƒ A 50 MW solar thermal power plant has been set up at Nokh village in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan and it has started commercial operations. ƒƒ Net metering notifications have been released in 33 states/union territories. ƒƒ Both solar thermal power and can have a significant proportion of components manufactured in India, except solar grade mirrors. This suits very well with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India, and indigenous manufacturing of all major components can be promoted through the ‘Make in India’ campaign.

TERI Energy & Environment Data Diary and Yearbook (TEDDY) is an annual publication brought out by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) since 1986. It is the only comprehensive energy and environment yearbook in India which provides updated information on the energy supply sectors (coal and lignite, petroleum and natural gas, power, and renewable energy sources), energy demand sectors (agriculture, industry, transport, residential, and commercial sectors), and environment (local and global). The publication also provides a review of the government policies that have implications for these sectors of the Indian economy. Each edition of TEDDY contains India's commercial energy balances for the last four years that provide comprehensive information on energy flows within different sectors of the economy and how they have been changing over time. These energy balances and conversion factors are a valuable ready reckoner for researchers, scholars, and organizations working on energy sector. After the introductory chapters, for the ease of readers, TEDDY has been divided into sections on energy supply, energy demand, and local and global environment. Interactive graphs, figures, maps, and tables have been used throughout the chapters to explain facts, which make the book an interesting read. In addition, detailed tables at the end of each chapter represent statistical data on each of the above-mentioned sectors. The publication is accompanied by a complimentary CD containing full text. The publication has more than 15,000 readers across the globe and is often cited in international peer reviewed journals and policy documents.

December 2016 | Akshay Urja | 51 Forthcoming Events

January 12–13, 2017 | Mumbai, India International Conference and Exhibition on Energy Storage and Microgrids in India Website: http://www.esiexpo.in

January 17–18, 2017 | New Delhi, India India Rooftop Solar Congress Website: http://www.solarquarter.com/indiarooftopsolarcongress

January 23–24, 2017 | Hyderabad, India Exhibition and Conference for the Solar Energy & LED Industry Website: http://www.eai.in

January 23–24, 2017 | Hyderabad, India

National Pro SOLAR Conference 2016 Website: http://www.eai.in

February 2–3, 2017 | New Delhi, India RE Assets India Website: http://firstviewgroup.com/reassetsindia/

February 17–19, 2017 | Lucknow, India North India Solar Summit 2017 Website: http://www.niss.org.in/

January 25–27, 2017 | San Diego, USA AEE Solar Dealer Conference Website: http://10times.com/aee-solar-dealer-conference

February 8–10, 2017 | San Diego, USA Energy, Utility & Environment Conference Website: http://www.euec.com/

March 6–7, 2017 | Singapore 6th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Sciences (SEES 2017) Website: http://www.env-energy.org/ International March 29–31, 2017 | Beijing, China CEEC Clean Energy Expo Website: http://www.tradefairdates.com/CEEC-Clean-Energy-Expo-China-M675/Beijing.html

52 | Akshay Urja | December 2016 RENEWABLE ENERGY AT A GLANCE: INDIA

Source: MNRE GENERATE YOUR

COST ENVIRONMENT ATTRACTIVE OWN EFFECTIVE FRIENDLY INCENTIVES OP. OFT Install Grid Connected Rooftop RO Solar Systems on your roof in residential, POWER UR commercial, industrial and institutional buildings YO and make your roof your own power house. Meet your ON electricity requirement and the excess electricity can be NTS fed to the local grid. INS PLA TALL OWER 40,000 MW GRID CONNECTED SOLAR SOLAR P ROOFTOP SYSTEMS TARGETED BY 2022 HOW TO INSTALL SOLAR ROOFTOP SYSTEMS? Visit MNRE website www.mnre.gov.in, calculate your requirement at "Solar Rooftop Calculator" and ll-up "Installation Interest Form" or scan QR code on your mobile to reach the link at Solar Rooftop Calculator:

INCENTIVES • Upto 30% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for residential, institutional, and social sector buildings which is upto 70% in North-Eastern States, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarakhand, and Islands • Avail bank loan at the interest rate of housing loan • Avail loans under Priority Sector Lending upto `10 lakh for individuals BENEFITS • Reduced electricity bill • Payback period: 5-6 years • 1.0 kWp system requires 10 sq.m area and saves `700-1,000 per month • Produce environment-friendly power on your roof

CONTACT • Solar Energy Corporation of India (website www.seci.gov.in, Phone Number: 011-71989200, Email: [email protected]) • Empaneled Channel Partners/New Entrepreneurs (list available at MNRE website www.mnre.gov.in ) • State Nodal Agencies for respective States (http://www.mnre.gov.in/related-links/ ) • Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (www.ireda.gov.in, Phone Number: 011-26717428 , Email: [email protected] )

MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY Government of India | website : www.mnre.gov.in | Solar Energy Helpline No. 1800 233 4477 Visit us at: solarrooftop.gov.in