What is this track about?
The government hopes that by 2020 renewable energy sources would account for 20% of energy, and announced plans to ensure that by 2030, every fourth kilo-watt hour would be generated by either solar, hydro, wind or biofuel plants. In order to sustain high GDP growth rates between 7 % and 8%, India must generate almost 500 MW of power weekly over the next 25 years. Researchers have determined that this goal cannot be attained through the conventional sources of coal and natural gas plants. Significantly, 56% of Indian households are not connected to the state grid and therefore do not have electricity. These households continue to use diesel generators and traditional kerosene lamps. This energy shortfall, up to 13.5%, reduces productivity and impedes the development of industry. Along with this acutely felt need for access to power doubled with rising global impetus for clean energy, India’s policy has been aggressive since the hallmark electricity bill in 2003 which called for Independent Power Producers (IPP) to set up renewable power plants for captive use, third party sale, power trading and distribution. 40% of total energy requirement especially in the rural household sector, is met by non-commercial energy sources, which include fuel wood, crop residue, and animal waste, including human and draught animal power. However, other forms of commercial energy of a much higher quality and efficiency are steadily replacing the traditional energy resources being consumed in the rural sector.
Clean tech group also reports that investment in clean tech firms in the country has increased by 58% in 2007, bringing the total to Rs 1,050 crores, compared to Rs 665 crores in 2006. The first 3 quarters of 2008 saw 15 deals amounting to over INR 1500 crores. Globally, India ranks 5th, in terms of exploitable hydro-potential and 4th in wind power generation. India's power sector offers enormous potential for investments with requirements of over Rs 10,00,000 cores in new investments over the next ten years.
Sankalp Awards for Environment & Clean Energy
Enterprises that are meeting inter alia the following needs and issues in this sector are invited to
submit nominations for the
Sankalp Award:
- Market linkages, pricing & distribution for alternate fuels and technologies
- Innovative energy generation and Alternative energy sources
- Efficient energy usage and conservation approaches
- Carbon markets and micro carbon trading
- Infrastructure (efficiency and recycling)
- Recycling: material, water, waste
- Clean and energy efficient manufacturing
