Akshay Urja Full

www.mnre.gov.
in
In this Issue
OCTOBER 2014
Volume 8
Issue 2
10
Solar street lighting system in Himachal Pradesh
A bi-monthly newsletter of the Ministry of New and

Renewable Energy, Government of India
(Published in English and Hindi)
CHIEF PATRON
Shri Piyush Goyal
Minister of State (Independent Charge)
for Power, Coal, and New and Renewable Energy
PATRON
Shri Upendra Tripathy
Secretary, MNRE, New Delhi
EDITOR
Dr Arun K Tripathi
MNRE, New Delhi
RE NEWS
4
8
Technology Solution to Combat

Extreme Winters in Ladakh Region
National
International
CASE STUDY
32
COVER STORY
10
Renewable Energy for Rural Areas
STATE: MAHARASHTRA
RE FEATURE
14
18
26
28
38
Improved Biomass Cookstove: A

Solution to Old Problem of Indoor Air
Pollution from Biomass Kitchen Fuel
Biogas Production Mechanism
Electrification through Two-stage
Biomass Gasifier: Opening Livelihood
Opportunities for Rural Communities
in India
Cost-effective Models of Solar Dryers:
A Hygienic Technology Option for
Dry Fish Processing
Micro Inverters: A Game Changer in
Solar Electronics
34
Renewable Energy Development

in Maharashtra
RE TECH UPDATE
42
Renewable Energy Technology

Applications for Rural Livelihoods:
An Emerging Technological Option
46 RE EVENTS
48 RE PRODUCT
Solar Air Heating in Ladakh: An

Economical, Reliable, Easy-to-Maintain
14
49 CHILDRENS CORNER
50 WEB/BOOK ALERT
In a study on biomass cookstove,

G L Meena and Richa of MNRE
discuss its international application,
energy utilization, and possible
solutions. In addition, they talk
about the Unnat Chullah Abhiyan
Programme, NBMMP of the MNRE,
and achievements of Indias NPIC
and NBIC.
52 RE STATISTICS
28
R Joshua, Dr V Vasu, and

Dr P Vincent, explain the
utility of solar dryers of various
typessuch as flat surface, box
type, vertical modelas an
alternate and suitable technology
for processing
of dry fish.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Anupama Jauhry, Sangeeta Paul,
Sudhakar Sundaray, Pawan Garg,
Santosh K Singh, Shilpa Mohan,
R K Joshi, Aman Sachdeva,
TERI, New Delhi;
N Ghatak, MNRE, New Delhi
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Dr Arun K Tripathi
Editor, Akshay Urja
MNRE, Block No. 14, CGO Complex,
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Tel. +91 11 2436 3035, 2436 0707
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51 FORTHCOMING EVENTS
RE SUCCESS STORIES
22
Utility of Solar Pumps for Salt Farmers:

A Case Study from Gujarat
EDITORIAL BOARD
Praveen Saxena, Chairman
D K Khare
P Dhamija
M R Nouni
B S Negi
R K Vimal
PUBLISHER AND PRINTER

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
42
Sonal Kumar, Sameer Maithel,

and S N Srinivas explain how
renewable energy technology can
be applied to enhance the living
standards of the poor people
living in rural areas of the country
as they find the latest solar-powered
equipment extremely useful.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by authors

including those of the editor in this newsletter are
not necessarily the views of the MNRE.
Published, printed, and edited for and
on behalf of the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy, Government of India,
from B-14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi, by Dr Arun Kumar Tripathi.
Printed at Aravali Printers & Publishers
(P) Ltd. W-30, Okhla Industrial Area,
Phase II, New Delhi - 110 020, India.
October 2014 | Akshay Urja |
Cover Photo Credit: MNRE, TERI (LaBL)
www.mnre.gov.in
Mailbox
www.mnre.gov.in
From the Editors Desk
Dear Readers,
According to 2011 census, about 44 per cent of rural households in India do not
have access to electricity till date. Even those households which have access to
electricity suffer from its poor quality and interrupted supply. For cooking energy,
only 13 per cent rural households use clean LPG while about 74 per cent still use
firewood and chips as a source of fuel. For lighting, 44.4 per cent rural households
still use kerosene as a source of fuel. All this results in pollution, unhealthy condition,
and ultimately health related problems.
With the advancement of lifestyle even in rural areas and advent of modern
gadgets, i.e., television, mobile phones, computers, etc., the aspirations of rural
people and energy demand have increased manifolds. The rural industry also
needs energy for optimum production. Generally, the energy usage also indicates
the financial condition and thus, the scarcity of energy is becoming the cause of
resentment, poor economic condition, and ultimately the migration of the rural
people towards cities. Thus, there is utmost need to address the rural energy issue
in a focused manner.
The Government has been toiling to provide the sufficient electricity, cooking gas,
and oil to meet the growing demands of rural areas; however, due to limited resources,
difficult geographic conditions, and remoteness of villages, their reach is limited. In
such a condition, Renewable Energy (RE) can be a ray of hope for solving the energy
problems in rural areas. For over the last three decades, various renewable energy
based systems have been developed and deployed in the country. Simultaneously,
solar cookers, biogas plants, and improved cookstoves are being used for cooking
purpose in addition to solar photovoltaic systems, which are being used for lighting,
water pumping, and electricity generation. These RE sources are becoming an
everyday necessity in rural areas. These are affordable and use natural energy
resources, but are heavily dependent on the Government subsidies for over the last
three decades. Let us make it more of the peoples movement, and corporate houses
and industry should use their Corporate Social Responsibility funds for solving the
energy problems by providing RE systems and devices to the rural folks.
An attempt has been made to draw the attention of the policy makers and the
users towards the greater use of renewable energy in the present issue of Akshay Urja.
I hope that the information about biogas, improved cookstoves, solar air heating, solar
dryers, milk chillers, etc., will be interesting and useful to our readers. I need your more
active and critical reactions, and of course, the publication material to make it a more
meaningful and useful magazine.
With best wishes,
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
| Akshay Urja | October 2014
ARUN K TRIPATHI
aktripathi@nic.in
lwjt ,d :i vusd
National
RE News
Renewable Energy News

Signing of MoU between IREDA and JICA
Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency
(IREDA) has signed an
agreement with Japan
International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) for availing
the Line of Credit (LoC) of
30 billion from JICA. The
agreement was signed by
Mr K S Popli, Chairman and
Managing Director, IREDA
and Mr Shinya Ejima, Chief
Representative from JICA, in
New Delhi on September 1,
2014 in the presence of
senior officials of JICA,
MNRE, and IREDA. Under
the agreement, IREDA
shall utilize the funds for
financing renewable energy
based power projects in
India. The total loan period

is 30 years including the
grace period of 10 years.
This LoC is secured by a
sovereign guarantee from
the Government of India.
The LoC from JICA
shall enable IREDA to
provide funding to a large
number of renewable
energy projects across the

country at competitive
terms including the longer
tenure of loan, which shall
also support the overall
endeavour towards a low
carbon economy.
IREDA has cumulatively
disbursed an amount of
N 14,319.76 crores up till
March 2014. It has been

raising resources from
various bilateral/multilateral
agencies in addition to
raising resources from
domestic sources by way
of taxable and tax-free
bonds to augment its
resource base.
Source: http://www.ireda.gov.in
Madhya Pradesh to get worlds largest solar power project

The worlds largest and
the countrys first ultramega solar power project
of 700 MW, worth nearly
N 4,000 crore, will be set
up in the Rewa district of
Madhya Pradesh. The plant
is likely to start generating
power by the end of 2016.
The Union Government
has given its in-principle
acceptance to the project,
which will be funded by
The World Bank.
The power produced
from the plant is likely to
be the cheapest yet in the
country, at N 5.40 per unit.
We hope to get all
necessary clearances for
the project in the next
couple of months, MP
New and Renewable Energy
Department, Additional
Chief Secretary,
S R Mohanty said.
The project will be
tender-based and power
generation is likely to begin
in about two-and-a-halfyears, he added.
The MP state government
has reserved nearly
1,300 hectares of land
spread over four villages

in the Rewa district. The
villages include Ramnagar,
BaowQar, Latar, and Barseta
in the districts Gurh tehsil.
The MP Urja Vikas
Nigam (MPUVN), Union
Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy, Power
Grid Corporation of India
Solar plants of 715 kW total capacity being installed in Delhi

The solar photovoltaic plant
at ISBT, Kashmere Gate of
130 kW peak capacity is
already generating power
for the city, even though
it is still in trial stage. This
is one of the several solar
projects that the lieutenant
governor reviewed, which
will add to Delhi's solar
energy output by the end
of this year.
New projects with a
total generation capacity
of 715 kWp are in various
stages of installation.
According to renewable
energy experts, the projects
together can meet the
electricity demand of close
to 100 households. They
said Delhi should have
more projects to increase
generation capacity.
Four SPV plants of 10 kWp

each have been installed
and commissioned at
government schoolsJose
Martin School, Sector-12,
R K Puram; Janki Devi
Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya,
Mayur Vihar; Sarvodaya
Kanya Vidyalaya, Mangolpuri,
and Sarvodaya Kanya
Vidyalaya, Jwalapuri.
Installation of four 25 kWp
SPV plants at government

hospitals is in progress and
is likely to be commissioned
by September-end. Chacha
Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya
in Geeta Colony, Raja
Harishchandra Hospital
in Narela, Jag Parvesh
Chandra Hospital in Shastri
Park, and Deen Dayal
Upadhyay Hospital in Hari
Nagar are the places where
these projects will start.

Delhi already has a 1 MWp
solar project installed
at Thyagaraj Stadium
spread over a rooftop
area of 10,500 Sq. m Another
100 kWp solar project at
Vikas Bhawan II covering
a roof area of 600 Sq. m is
meeting the power demand
of the building.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Solar power plant set up at Dwarka Metro station
Limited, and the

National Thermal Power
Corporation are likely to be
the collaborating agencies
for the project, Mr Mohanty
said, adding, The MPUVN
will be the land-holding
partner in the project.
Source: http://www.thestatesman.net
India's first-ever solar

power plant at a Metro
station was inaugurated
at Dwarka Sector 21 station.
Inaugurated by the Union
Minister of Urban
Development, M Venkaiah
Naidu, the plant is the
largest rooftop plant in
the entire DelhiNCR
region under the
Renewable Energy Service
(RESCO) model.
"As per this model, the
developer invests, owns,
and operates the plant
and the Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation (DMRC)
purchases electricity
through a power purchase
agreement (PPA)," said a
DMRC spokesperson.
The DMRC will be
installing five more such
solar power generating

rooftop plants soon at
Yamuna Bank, Yamuna
Bank Depot, Anand Vihar,
Pragati Maidan, and Metro's
residential complex at
Pushp Vihar.
"The DMRC will continue
to explore the possibility
of installing more such
plants at its stations,
depots, parking lots as well

as residential complexes.
Efforts are also being made
to integrate such solar
plants with the station
structures of Phase III," the
official said.
"This solar plant is the
result of the cooperation
between the DMRC
and German enterprise,
GIZ through the project

ComSolar which supports
commercialization of solar
energy in India. For the
Phase-III, DMRC is also in
the process of designing
its roof structures so that
mounting arrangements for
solar modules are available
from the beginning", he said.
Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
National
RE News
Rajasthan gets $150 million ADB aid for renewable energy development
Asian Development Bank
(ADB) will provide loans
amounting $150 million to
help create infrastructure
for renewable energy
development in Rajasthan.
"ADB and the government
on September 12, 2014
signed two loans amounting
$150 million to help build
transmission lines that will
support renewable energy
development in Rajasthan,"
said ADB.
The $150 million loans
are the first tranche of the
$500 million Rajasthan
Renewable Energy
Transmission Investment
Programme approved by
ADB in 2013. Rajasthan
Rajya Vidyut Prasaran
Nigam Limited (RRVPNL)
will use loan to commission
high-voltage transmission
lines and substations. "The

transmission investment
programme will spur the
development of renewable
energy in the resource-rich
areas of Western Rajasthan
and help to deliver more
environment-friendly
energy to the state and
national grids," said
M Teresa Kho, Country
Director of ADB's India
Resident Mission.
Of the loan approved,
ADB's Clean Technology
Fund (CTF) and Ordinary
Capital Resources (OCR)
have committed $88 and
$62 millions, respectively.
The CTF component is
highly concessional
having a 40-year term and
grace period of 10 years at
an annual interest of
0.25 per cent.
The OCR component has a

25-year term with a grace
period of five years and annual
interest in accordance
with ADB's LIBOR-based
lending facility. Rajasthan
Government will provide
about $127 million in first
tranche of the projects,
which are expected to
be completed by
December 2016.
Additionally, CTF will also
provide $2 million grant to
finance technical studies
and capacity building for
RRVPNL and the Rajasthan
Renewable Energy
Corporation.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com
Indian coal producer to invest $82 million in solar, wind energy projects
Indian public sector
companies are adhering
to the governments call
to boost investment in
renewable energy
(RE) projects.
In this regard, Neyveli
Lignite Corporation (NLC)
plans to invest N 500 crore
($82 million) to set up
25 MW SPV and 55 MW
wind power capacity.
NLC has engaged Bharat
Heavy Electricals Ltd
(BHEL) to install a 10 MW
SPV project. Lately, Indian
companies have started
making investments in RE
projects as the government
made mandatory for them
to invest a part of their
profits to fulfil corporate
social responsibility.
Investing in RE projects also
brings in substantial tax

benefits and thus boosts
profitability. Big public
sector companies like
NHPC, BHEL, Hindustan
Salts, and NTPC have
all announced plans to
invest millions of dollars
in large-scale RE projects,
which include ultra-mega
solar power projects with
capacities up to 4,000 MW.
Another major advantage
of NLC installing RE projects
is the ease in sale of power.
NLC is also setting up large
coal-based power plants.
Thus, it can easily bundle
the power from solar and
wind energy projects with
that produced from its coal
power plants.
Instead of importing,
public sector companies
indent to buy solar panels

and other equipment
from Indian companies.
Promotion of domestic
solar power equipment is
another major target of the
Indian Government. With
several incentives on offer,

and an implicit government
directive, the Indian public
sector companies are
looking to aggressively
invest in RE infrastructure.
Source: http://cleantechnica.com
NTPC, Andhra Pradesh sign pact for developing 1,000 MW solar power projects
State-owned NTPC has
signed an initial agreement
with the Andhra Pradesh
Government for developing
1,000 MW solar power
projects in Andhra Pradesh.
"As per the Memorandum
of Understanding, NTPC
shall develop 1,000 MW
solar power projects at
sites identified by the
state government on
Build-Own-Operate basis,
in a phased manner," NTPC
said in a statement.
However, the company
did not elaborate the
financial details of
the project. On an average,
N 7 crore per MW is incurred
in setting up a solar
power plant.
The documents for
transfer of land for 4,000
MW Pudipadaka thermal
power project were also
handed over to NTPC.
NTPC operates 2,000
MW Simhadri thermal
power station in the state.
Present installed capacity
of NTPC is 43,128 MW
(including 5,974 MW
through joint ventures)
comprising 38 NTPC
stations (17 coal-based
and seven gas-based
stations), seven joint venture
stations (six coal-based and
one gas-based), and
seven renewable energy

projects. Meanwhile,
the Andhra Pradesh
Government has lined up
three major projects to
produce 2,500 MW of
solar power in the

Rayalaseema region of
the state and NTPC's
1,000 MW capacity is a
part of that plan.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com
Indian solar industry overcomes anti-dumping case, refocuses on growth

In its quarterly release,
Mercom Capital Group,
a global clean energy
communications and
consulting firm, has revised
its Indian solar installation
forecast for 2014 to
approximately 900 MW.
In last three months, the
Indian solar market has
been affected by general
elections, the anti-dumping
case and the recent release
of draft guidelines for
Phase II, Batch 2 of the
Jawaharlal Nehru National
Solar Mission. In 2014,
approximately 500 MW of
solar have been installed
so far. Thus, Mercom has
revised its 2014 forecast
slightly, up to approximately
900 MW.
The Indian Government
let the deadline lapse on
the proposed imposition
of anti-dumping duties
on cells and modules
manufactured in China,
Taiwan, Malaysia, and the

Unites States, indicating
that there will be no antidumping tariffs placed on
components imported from
these nations.
With this, Indias solar
industry is collectively
breathing a sigh of relief that
a potential disaster has been
averted and projects that
were stalled can now restart.
Before this, the optics
were less than idealthe
Trade and Commerce
Ministry, lobbied by
manufacturers, pushed for
duties while the Renewable
Energy Ministry opposed
them, giving the perception
that the government and
solar industry are out
of touch with the daily
suffering of the citizens and
businesses dealing with
regular power shortages.
Although the antidumping case affected
short-term outlook on
installation growth, the end

result was good and the
new NDA administration
was able to take decisive
action, making a pragmatic,
big picture decision that
will remove uncertainty
and help put the solar
industry back on track for

sustainable, long-term
growth, commented Raj
Prabhu, CEO and CoFounder of Mercom Capital
Group.
Source: http://mercomcapital.com
International
RE News
Tidal power plant will generate renewable energy for 175,000 homes
To produce enough
electricity to power
175,000 homes, the Energy
Technologies Institute of
the United Kingdom has
awarded a 7.5 million
contract to a private firm to
create a renewable energy
multi-turbine foundation
structure in a tidal stream
in northern Scotland.
Known as MeyGen, the
project will be built by
Atlantis Resources Limited
and will be the worlds
largest tidal stream energy
project.
The first renewable
energy to be generated
from the 398 MW facility
is planned for 2016. Sixtyone water turbines will
initially provide Scotland
with enough power for

42,000 families. When
built out, the project could
eventually see as many as
269 installed tidal turbines.
The amount raised for the
first phase of development
and construction is
50.5 million.
Funds for MeyGen started
with an ante of 10.3 million
from the UKs Department
of Energy and Climate
Change. Other public
funding was committed
by Scottish Enterprise,
Highlands and Islands
Enterprise as well as The
Crown Estate, one of UKs
largest property owners.
Currently, the largest
tidal energy project is
a 254-MW facility in
South Korea, which was

switched on in 2011. UK
Energy Secretary, Ed Davey
foresees the possibility of
wave and tidal technologies
Nazarbayev university develops powerful batteries for renewable energy
providing more than

20 per cent of that nations
total electricity desires.
Source: http://guardianlv.com
Dr Zhumabay Bakenov of
the School of Engineering
at Nazarbayev University
declared that a dedicated
team at the university
has been developing
powerful batteries for
renewable energy.
He said that they were
working on batteries for
different uses, such as for
accumulator vehicle and
electric appliances.
However, their main
focus was on batteries for
renewable energy that
required a system for storage
of solar and wind energy.
While addressing the
journalists at the sidelines
of the 2nd International
Scientific Research Seminar,
Dr Bakenov said, "There are
lithium-sulphur batteries and

lithium ion batteries. The first
type of batteries has high
energy density, meaning it
works for a very long time.
Theoretically speaking, it
could work 10 times longer
than any available batteries.
Lithium ion batteries are safe
and environment-friendly.
Those batteries do not
contain heavy metals and
aggressive solvents and will
not combust.
He added, The lithiumsulphur batteries are
being developed for the
use in electric appliances,
electric transportation, and
renewable energy, while
the lithium ion batteries
development is focused
specifically on renewable
energy for large

storage systems.
The lithium-ion battery
is a rechargeable battery in
which lithium ions move
from the negative electrode
to the positive electrode
during discharge and back
International energy agencys global renewable energy forecast for 2020
Geothermal power approaches 12,000 MW worldwide
In 2013, global renewable

electricity generation
rose by an estimated 240
terawatt hours (TWh) to
reach nearly 5,070 TWh
and accounted for almost
22 per cent of total power
generation. The expansion
was somewhat slower
than that predicted in the
Medium-Term Renewable
Energy Market Report 2013
(MTRMR 2013), largely due
to lower-than-expected
annual hydropower
availability and slowerthan-expected growth in
bioenergy generation.
Overall, global renewable
electricity generation is
expected to reach 7,310 TWh
in 2020, representing an
annual growth rate of more
than 5.4 per cent. When
compared to the MTRMR
2013 estimates, the IEA
In 2013, world geothermal

electricity-generating
capacity grew 3 per cent to
top 11,700 MW across 24
countries, the Earth Policy
Institute says in an analysis.
Although some other
renewable energy
technologies are seeing
much faster growthwind
power has expanded 21
per cent per year since
2008, for example, while
solar power has grown
at a blistering 53 per cent
annual ratethis was
geothermal powers best
year since the 200708
financial crisis.
Geothermal powers
relatively slower growth
is not due to a paucity of
energy to tap. In contrast,
the upper six miles of
the earths crust hold
50,000 times the energy
notes that the outlook

for bioenergy and several
other technologies is less
optimistic. For that reason,
the renewable generation
forecast for 2018 is 180
TWh lower than in last
years outlook.
Global bioenergy
capacity is expected to
increase from 88 GW in
2013 to 133 GW in 2020.
By 2020, the report predicts
there will be 2,555 GW of
renewable energy capacity
globally. In addition to
the 88 GW of bioenergy
capacity, this includes
1,360 GW of hydropower
capacity, 630 GW of wind
capacity, 403 GW of solar
PV, 11 GW of solar thermal,
16 GW of geothermal, and
1 GW of ocean.
The new 2018 estimation
for global renewable energy
is 5,505 TWh, compared to

last years estimate of 6,850
TWh. Growth forecasts
were lowered for all
renewables, except
solar PV. In transport,
the IEA notes that global

biofuels output must triple
and advanced biofuels need
to increase 22-fold to meet
climate goals by 2025.
Source: http://nextbigfuture.com
embodied in the worlds

oil and gas reserves. But
unlike the relative ease
of measuring wind speed
and solar radiation, testdrilling to assess deep heat
resources prior to building a
geothermal power plant
is uncertain and costly.
The developer may spend
15 per cent of the project's
capital cost during testdrilling, with no guarantee
of finding a viable site.
Once built, however, a
geothermal power plant
can generate electricity
24 hours a day with low
operation and maintenance
costs, since there is zero
fuel cost. Over the life of
the generator, geothermal
plants are often costcompetitive with all other
power sources, including
fossil fuel and nuclear
plants. This is true even

without considering
the many indirect costs
of fossil- and nucleargenerated electricity
that are not reflected in
customers monthly bills.
when charging.
The electrolyte, which
allows for ionic movement,
and the two electrodes are
the consistent components
of a lithium-ion cell.
Source: http://en.tengrinews.kz
The top three countries

in installed geothermal
power capacitythe United
States, the Philippines, and
Indonesiaaccount for
more than half the world total.
Source: http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com
Cover Story
Renewable Energy
for Rural Areas
Looking at the growing demand of energy vis--vis
the limited supply of conventional energy
resources such as oil, coal, gas,
Arun K Tripathi, Director,
Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy,
New Delhi, thinks that
renewable energy can
help us bridge the gap
between the demand
and supply of energy.
rowing demand for energy

has necessitated the need
for finding alternative
means for meeting the
demand in urban and rural areas
as well. With the change in rural
scenario, agricultural practices,
advent of gadgets, i.e., television,
mobile phones, computers, etc., the
demand of energy has also increased
manifolds. Today people living in
rural areas also have a right to get
electricity round the clock, have LPG
for clean cooking, enjoy television,
films, and other entertainment events,
study at late hours in night, carryout
work in night, etc. The rural industry
also needs energy for optimum
production. But it is not happening
in reality and as a result, we are
witnessing a large migration of people
from village to cities. If we can provide
10
the adequate energy/electricity to our

rural areas, it can check migration and
thus can help to reduce the increasing
load in cities.
Although, the Government is toiling
to provide the sufficient electricity,
cooking gas, petroleum oil to
meet the growing demand of rural
areas but due to limited resources,
difficult geographic conditions and
remoteness of villages, their reach is
limited. In such condition, Renewable
Energy (RE) has proved to be a ray
of hope for resolving the energy
problem in rural areas. Over the last
three decades RE is being promoted
in India, and today about 32,000 MW
renewable power stands installed
with a share of about 13 per cent of
the total installed capacity in India.
Besides, a variety of RE systems and
devices have been developed and
Dish solar cooker

Beneficiary using biogas lamp for
illumination of house
Table: Energy requirements in rural areas and the applicable renewable

energy systems
S. No.
Energy Requirement
in Rural Areas
Renewable Energy Systems
Cooking
Lighting
Irrigation
Solar water pumps

Biomass gasifier-based water pumping
Biogas based-water pumping
Water Heating
Solar water heating systems

Biogas combustion-based water heating
Biomass gasifier-based water heating
Drying
Solar dryers
Solar air heating system
Refrigerators
at Primary
Health Centres
Solar refrigerators
Electricity Generation
Solar street
lighting system
in Himachal
Pradesh
deployed all over the country, which

help in meeting the growing energy
requirement of domestic, agricultural,
commercial, and industrial sectors in
rural and urban areas. The Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
is promoting the RE applications in
the rural areas through various fiscal
and financial incentives including
concessional interest-based loans.
Energy requirements
and renewable energy
applications in rural areas
Energy is mainly required for cooking,
heating, lighting, motive power,
irrigation, small cottage industry,
agricultural operations, draying, etc.,
in rural areas. Renewable energy
can play a vital role in meeting the
energy demands for these end
Solar cookers (Box and Dish type)

Solar cooking systems for community applications
Biogas-based cooking
Biomass gasifier-based cooking for community
applications
Improved cook stoves
Solar home lighting systems
Solar street lighting systems
Solar lanterns
Solar table lamps
Solar wall hanging lamps
Biomass gasifier-based lighting
Biogas-based lighting
Solar photovoltaic power plants

Biomass gasifier-based electricity generating system
Biogas based-electricity generating system
Small hydro power plants
Small aero generator and solar hybrid system
use applications. A list of energy

requirements vis-a-vis applicable
renewable energy systems is given
in Table.
Over the last three decades
many renewable energy systems
and devices such as biogas plants,
photovoltaic systems, biomass
gasifiers, and solar cookers besides,
other solar thermal systems have
been developed and are very useful
in rural areas of the country. Lets have
a look at some of the major systems
and devices.
Biogas and manure for villages

Biogas is produced from organic
wastes. Calorific value of biogas is
about 5000 kcal per m3.
Biogas is used mainly for smoke
free clean cooking, heating, and
lighting, in dual-fuel or 100 per cent
gas engines for motive power and
electricity generation. These plants
also provide high quality organic
manure for sustaining soil-fertility,
besides, providing social benefits to
RENEWABLE ENERGY
(RE) HAS PROVED TO BE A RAY
OF HOPE FOR RESOLVING
THE ENERGY PROBLEM IN
RURAL AREAS. OVER THE LAST
THREE DECADES RE IS BEING
PROMOTED IN INDIA, AND
TODAY ABOUT 32,000 MW
RENEWABLE POWER STANDS
INSTALLED WITH A SHARE OF
ABOUT 13 PER CENT OF THE
TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY
IN INDIA
11
Cover Story
alone power plants, etc., have been

developed and are increasingly being
used to meet the electricity needs
with reliable and uninterrupted power
supply especially in far flung villages of
rural areas, hilly areas, forest regions,
deserts, islands, etc.
Solar lanterns
SPV water pumping system installed

at Pilibhit, U P
rural families in terms of reducing

drudgery of women involved in
collecting fuel wood from long
distances and minimizing health
hazards during cooking in smoky
kitchens. Each biogas plant can result
in the estimated saving of about
1.20 tonnes of fuel wood equivalent
and production of 12 tonnes of
organic manure, besides, generating
about 30 person-days of employment
for skilled and unskilled workers per
year in rural areas.
Solar photovoltaic devices

for villages
Sunlight is directly converted into
electricity through Solar Photovoltaic
(SPV) technology. Many SPV systems/
devices, such as solar lanterns, solar
home lighting, solar street lighting,
solar water pumping, solar stand-
EACH BIOGAS PLANT

CAN RESULT IN THE ESTIMATED
SAVING OF ABOUT 1.20 TONNES
OF FUEL WOOD EQUIVALENT
AND PRODUCTION OF 12
TONNES OF ORGANIC MANURE,
BESIDES, GENERATING
ABOUT 30 PERSON-DAYS OF
EMPLOYMENT FOR SKILLED AND
UNSKILLED WORKERS PER YEAR
IN RURAL AREAS
12
Solar lantern is a portable lighting

system. It is easy to carry around and
therefore ideal for both indoor and
outdoor usage. A typical solar lantern
consists of a PV module of about 10 Wp
capacity, a sealed maintenance-free
battery of 12 V, 7 AH (ampere hours)
capacity, and a compact fluorescent
lamp (CFL) of 7 W renting.
Solar home lighting systems

A solar home lighting system (SHS)
provides a comfortable level of
illumination in one or more rooms
of a house. There are several SHS
modules featuring one, two, or four
CFLs. It is also possible to run a small
DC fan or a 12-V DC television with
the system. The SHS consists of a PV
module of 18, 37, or 74 Wp capacity a
sealed maintenance-free or flooded
lead-acid battery of 12 V and 20, 40,
or 75 AH capacity; and CFLs of 9 W
or 11 W rating. The system is designed
to work for three to four hours daily,
with autonomy of three days, that
is, the system can function for three
cloudy days.
2 m3 biogas plant
installed in house at
Jagatpura village,
Sikar district, Rajasthan
Solar street lighting system

A solar street lighting system (SLS)
is an outdoor lighting unit used to
illuminate a street or an open area
usually in villages. SLS, with LED and
CFL luminaire, is mounted on a pole.
The PV module is placed at the top
of the pole at an angle to maximize
incident solar radiation, and a battery
is placed in a box at the base of
the pole. The module is mounted
facing south, so that is receives solar
radiation throughout the day, without
any shadow falling on it. A typical
street-lighting system consists of a
PV module of 74/75 Wp capacity, a
flooded lead-acid battery of 12 V,
75/80 AH capacity, and a CFL/LED of
11 W rating. This system is designed
to operate from dusk to dawn. The
CFL automatically lights up when
the surroundings become dark and
switches off around sunrise time.
Solar water pumping system

Solar water pumps are used to draw
water for irrigation as well as for
drinking using SPV technology. The
normal pumping heads are in the
rage of 715 m for irrigation, and
1050 m for drinking water supply. It
is possible to use pumps with even
greater head, especially for drinking
water supply. Water pumping is one
of the important applications of
PV technology. A typical SPV water
pumping system comprises a DC or
AC, surface mounted or submersible
A TYPICAL STREET-LIGHTING SYSTEM CONSISTS OF A PV

MODULE OF 74/75 WP CAPACITY, A FLOODED LEAD-ACID BATTERY
OF 12 V, 75/80 AH CAPACITY, AND A CFL/LED OF 11 W RATING
or floating pump that runs on power
from an SPV array. The array is
mounted on a suitable structure and
place in a shadow free open space
with its module facing south and
inclined at local latitude.
An SPV pump based on a onehorsepower motor can irrigate about
11 .5 Ha of land under a variety of
crops except paddy and sugarcane.
MNRE plans to promote one lakh
solar pumps per year for irrigation and
drinking water in the counter for the
next five year.
Electrification of
remote villages
SPV home lighting systems are
proving to be the most reliable option
in very small and very remote villages.
A majority of covered villages have
used these systems while the small
hydro and biomass gasifier options
have been used for electrification of
some remote villages in the states
of, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Manipur Meghalaya, Orissa,
Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
Under a new concept to meet
complete energy needs of the village,
Village Energy Security Test
Projects were also set up in the
remote villages. A total of 45 such
projects have been commissioned

so far in the country.
Solar thermal devices for

rural areas
Box type solar cooker
A box type solar cooker cooks food
with the help of solar energy, and
helps save conventional fuel. Solar
cooker is a supplement for cooking it
is not a replacement of conventional
fuel. It is an ideal device for domestic
cooking during most of the year
expect on cloudy days. It is simple to
use and durable. There is no fear off
scorching the food.
Dish type solar cooker

Dish solar cooker is a concentration
type parabolic dish cooker with
aperture diameter of 1.4 m and focal
length 0.28 m. The reflecting material
used for fabrication of this cooker is
anodized aluminium sheet which has
a reflectivity of over 75 per cent. The
tracking of the cooker is manual and
thus has to be adjusted in 15 to 20
minutes during cooking time. It has
a delivering power of about 0.6 kW
which can boil 2 to 3 L of water in
half an hour.
Dish solar cooker
Box solar cooker
Biomass gasifier-based
decentralized/distributed
power for rural areas
For those villages which have surplus
biomass wastes, biomass gasifierbased power plants using locally
available biomass resources for
distributed/stand-alone applications
are an economically viable option.
Such systems ranging from kW to MW
scale and 100 per cent producer gas
engines have been developed and
well tested by the Ministry over the
last many years and are commercially
available in the country.
Conclusion
With the growing energy demand
in rural areas, RE has proved to be
a feasible solution. It is modular in
nature and has low gestation period
for installation and commissioning.
Moreover, it utilizes the naturally/
locally available raw material
for energy production. With the
continuous efforts of the MNRE
over the last three decades, today
RE systems/devices are helping to
resolve the energy crisis in rural areas.
The MNRE is implementing various
schemes with the involvement of State
Nodal Agencies, industry, developers,
promoters, Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency, and other
financial institutions for promoting
the renewable energy generation in
rural areas.
Dr Arun K Tripathi, Director, MNRE.
Email: aktripathi@nic.in
13
Improved Biomass Cookstove: A Solution to Old Problem of Indoor Air Pollution from Biomass Kitchen Fuel
RE Feature
Improved Biomass
Cookstove
A Solution to Old
Problem of Indoor
Air Pollution from
Biomass Kitchen Fuel
It is recognized that exposure to air pollutants found in an indoor environment plays

a significant role on human health. Biomass fuel emissions constitute a health hazard
with effects that vary in type and severity depending upon the locality, probably the
type of fuel used, and the population at risk (WHO 1984). Indoor smoke from solid
fuels is the tenth leading cause of avoidable deaths worldwide. It is the second-most
important environmental cause of disease after contaminated waterborne diseases
(WHO 2012).
A 2012 WHO study found that every year 4.3 million people die prematurely from
illness attributable to the household air pollution (see Tables 14) caused by the
inefficient use of solid fuels.
Among these deaths:
Twelve per cent is die to pneumonia,
Thirty four per cent die from stroke,
Almost 26 per cent die from ischaemic heart disease,
Around 22 per cent is from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and
Six per cent is from lung cancer.
It is also estimated by WHO that three to four lakh people die of indoor air pollution in
India every year. This is a major public health issue (WHO 2009).
Table 1: Health effects of pollutants produced by incomplete combustion of solid
fuels (Perez-Padilla, 2010).
In a study on biomass cookstove, G L Meena and Richa of MNRE

discuss its international application, energy utilization, and possible
solutions. In addition, they talk about the Unnat Chullah Abhiyan
Programme, NBMMP of the MNRE, and the achievements of
Indias NPIC and NBIC .
IN 2009, UN
WOMEN WATCH
FOUND THAT
WOMEN AND GIRLS
ON AN AVERAGE
SPEND 20 OR MORE
HOURS PER WEEK
TRUDGING THROUGH
DANGEROUS AND
ISOLATED AREAS IN
ORDER TO COLLECT
FUEL FOR THEIR

COOKING NEED
14
Background
n the rural areas of developing countries and many deprived urban areas, biomass
fuelwood, crop residues (stalks and husks), and animal dungis the principal
source of energy. Fuels, which must be purchased, such as kerosene and oil,
electricity, and gas, are often beyond the financial means of most members of
rural and low-income urban communities even if these are available. Thus, biomass
will continue to be used for a significant period to come (WHO 1992). According to the
International Energy Agency in 2012, globally, around 2.6 billion people40 per cent
of the worlds populationstill rely on traditional biomass (wood, crop residues, dung,
etc.) to meet household cooking requirements. Also, nearly 1.3 billion people remain
without access to electricity and 2.6 billion still do not have access to clean cooking
account for two-thirds of those without electricity and just three countriesIndia,
China, and Bangladeshwhich account for more than half of those without clean
cooking facilities (WEO 2012).
Health impacts
In 2009, UN Women Watch found that women and girls on an average spend 20
or more hours per week trudging through dangerous and isolated areas in order to
collect fuel for their cooking needs.
Pollutants
Associated health effects
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Particulate matter
Causes irritation and oxidative stress producing lung and airway

inflammation, hyper-responsiveness, and in the long run,
exposures to airway remodelling and emphysema.
Causes reduced mucociliary clearance and macrophage
response
Is carcinogenic
Nitrogen oxide (NO2)
Causes irritation, affecting the mucosa of eyes, nose, throat, and

respiratory tract
Increases susceptibility to infections because of increased
bronchial reactivity, longer-term exposure
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Causes irritation, affecting the mucosa of eyes, nose, throat, and

respiratory tract
Lower molecular weight

PAHs (1,3 butadiene,
benzene, styrene, and
formaldehyde)
Is carcinogenic
Binds to hemoglobin thereby interfering with transportation of oxygen

Causes headache
Causes nausea
Causes dizziness
Leads to low weight at birth
Results in increase in perinatal deaths
A woman using traditional chulha
THERE ARE
MANY COOK-STOVE
PROGRAMMES, WHICH
WERE CONDUCTED
ALL OVER THE WORLD
BY GOVERNMENTS
AND NGOS IN VARIOUS
COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA,
INDIA, AFGHANISTAN,
MEXICO, BANGLADESH,
GUATEMALA, MONGOLIA,
NEPAL, HAITI, AND
UGANDA. THE MAIN
OBJECTIVES OF THESE
PROGRAMMES ARE
TO REDUCE FUEL
CONSUMPTION FOR
COOKING AND IMPROVE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
WHO guidelines for indoor air quality (WHO 2010)

Table 2: For Benzene and Trichloroethylene
Concentration (g/m)
Benzene
Excess lifetime risk

Trichloroethylene
17
230
1/10,000
1.7
23
1/100,000
0.17
2.3
1/100,00,00
Biomass cookstove
15
Improved Biomass Cookstove: A Solution to Old Problem of Indoor Air Pollution from Biomass Kitchen Fuel
RE Feature
Energy outlook and

possible solutions
Table 3: For CO
Pollutant
Average time
Concentration
CO
15 min
100 mg/m3
A number of potential solutions
to the fuel crisis exit, varying
1 hr
35 mg/m3
according to region and climate.
8 hr
10 mg/m3
Among these solutions are
24 hr
7 mg/m3
improved biomass cook-stoves,
which use biomass fuel in a
Table 4: For Naphthalene, Nitrogen Dioxide and
more cost-effective and healthTetrechloroethylene
effective way; biogas plants on
Pollutants
Annual average
an individual or village scale;
concentration
A woman using biogas cookstove improved ventilation in housing
Naphthalene
0.01 mg/m3
units; and improved kitchen design
0.04 mg/m3
(WHO 1992). Over the past decade, Nitrogen Dioxide
clean cookstoves and fuel sector
Tetrachloroethylene
0.25 mg/m3
have evolved dramatically and are
now poised to offer significant life-saving and life-changing benefits to the poor on a
global scale.
Reliable and affordable access to energy is a critical input required to fuel
development. The world over, this realization is gaining momentum as demonstrated
by various global initiatives. Energy, poverty, and affordability have been assessed
THE NBCI WAS
and made part of the critical agenda for Asia and Africa by the World Energy Council.
LAUNCHED BY MNRE
The United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative works towards the goal of
achieving sustainable energy for all by the year 2030.
ON DECEMBER 2, 2009
WITH THE PRIMARY

AIM TO ENHANCE
THE AVAILABILITY OF
CLEAN AND EFFICIENT
ENERGY FOR THE
ENERGY DEFICIENT
AND POORER
SECTIONS OF THE
COUNTRY. THE NEW
INITIATIVE EMPHASIZES
IMPROVING THE
TECHNICAL CAPACITY
IN THE COUNTRY BY
SETTING UP STATEOF-THE-ART TESTING,
CERTIFICATION,
AND MONITORING
FACILITIES AND
STRENGTHENING
R&D PROGRAMMES
IN KEY TECHNICAL
INSTITUTIONS
16
Improved biomass cook stoves

The recent spate of improved stove programmes focusing on energy efficiency
began in the 1970s after the large rise in oil prices. Before the oil shocks, households
in many countries were able to shift up the energy ladder, to modern fuels, when
biomass fuels became more expensive and difficult to obtain. For example, this
transformation happened in South Korea in the 1960s. But because of the increased
prices and supply uncertainties of fossil fuels following the oil shocks, households in
developing countries were unable to make the shift; some had to fall back on biomass
fuels. Thus, it seems that people may have to rely on biomass fuels longer than was
typical in the past.
After more than 25 years of effort, largely by governments and NGOs, less than a
third of the total biomass-using populationan estimated 166 million households
encompassing about 828 million peoplehas adopted an improved stove (UNDP/
WHO 2009). There are many cook-stove programmes, which were conducted all
over the world by governments and NGOs in various countries like China, India,
Afghanistan, Mexico, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Mongolia, Nepal, Haiti, and Uganda.
The main objectives of these programmes are to reduce fuel consumption for cooking
and improve indoor air quality.
Programmes in India on improved biomass cook stoves

Earlier Programme: National Programme on
Improved Chulhas (NPIC)
Considering that an improved chulha (stove) is the best, cheapest, and the most
immediate means of mitigating the health hazard, drudgery, and loss of forest cover
caused by burning wood for cooking, the Government of India launched a programme
on the demonstration of improved chulhas in December 1983. In view of the
overwhelming response from the beneficiaries, the programme was converted into
a national programme, w.e.f. April 1, 1985. During the demonstration period (i.e.,
from December 1983 to March 1985), 8.12 lakh chulhas were installed against a
target of five lakh chulhas.
Improved chulhas have a high thermal efficiency in the range of 2035 per cent
as compared to 812 per cent of traditional chulhas. Improved chulhas consume
lesser fuel and emit less smoke, apart from reducing the drudgery of women and
save cooking time. Keeping this in mind, "The National Programme on Improved
Chulhas (NPIC)" was started in 198687 and continued till 200102, covering
all states and union territories of the country. Over 30 models having thermal
efficiency of more than 20 per cent were developed and tested to suit varying
biofuel materials. Besides, portable metallic cook stoves with thermal efficiency
of 3035 per cent were also developed. High-altitude multi-purpose chulhas
which could be simultaneously used for cooking, water and space heating in hilly
areas were promoted. From 1986 to 2002, over 35 million improved chulhas were
promoted, thereby covering nearly 30 per cent of the estimated potential of 120
million households.
New Programme: National Biomass Cookstove

Initiative (NBCI) and Quality Aspects
In view of the developments in the recent years in climate change impact and
energy security concerns, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
under a special project on cookstove (SPC) in 200910, initiated the process of
consultations to ascertain the status of technology and identified ways and means
for the expansion and deployment of improved biomass cook stoves in the country
considering its numerous benefits, including helping in combating climate change.
The NBCI was launched by MNRE on December 2, 2009 with the primary aim
to enhance the availability of clean and efficient energy for the energy deficient
and poorer sections of the country. The new initiative emphasizes improving
the technical capacity in the country by setting up state-of-the-art testing,
certification, and monitoring facilities and strengthening R&D programmes in
key technical institutions. In keeping with commitments of the NBCI, the Ministry
during the year 201213 took up a pilot-scale project for demonstration of
120,000 numbers of improved biomass cook stoves for domestic and large-sized
community cooking in mid-day meal schemes in government schools, tribal
hostels, etc. (MNRE Annual Report 201314). A proposed target of 27.50 lakh
(2.75 million) improved biomass cook stoves/chulhas of family type and community
size, including earthen cook stoves, will be disseminated/installed in the remaining
period of the 12th Five-Year Plan period.
Portable metallic cookstove
ACCORDING TO
THE 2011 INDIA CENSUS,
62.5 PER CENT OF
RURAL HOUSEHOLDS
USE FIREWOOD AS THE
PRIMARY FUEL FOR
COOKING, 12.3 PER CENT
USE CROP RESIDUE AS
THE PRIMARY COOKING
FUEL, AND 10.9 PER CENT
USE CATTLE DUNG. ON
THE WHOLE, ABOUT 66
PER CENT OF INDIAS
TOTAL POPULATION USED
TRADITIONAL BIOMASS
FOR COOKING PURPOSES
IN 2011 (IEA)
Conclusion
According to the 2011 India Census, 62.5 per cent of rural households use firewood
as the primary fuel for cooking, 12.3 per cent use crop residue as the primary
cooking fuel, and 10.9 per cent use cattle dung. On the whole, about
66 per cent of Indias total population used traditional biomass for cooking
purposes in 2011 (IEA). The Unnat Chullah Abhiyan Programme and NBMMP of the
MNRE will contribute in providing enormous benefits in tackling the problems of
indoor air pollution. Both the programmes may be evaluated at the end of the 12th
Five-Year Plan period separately on these important outcome parameters as far as
the indoor air pollution and addressing the associated problems are concerned
Reduction in biomass fuel consumption, reduction in emissions of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases, mitigation in terms of health hazards,
socio-economic developments, and livelihood concerns.
Mr G L Meena, Director, MNRE. Email: gl.meena@nic.in
Woman cooking midday

meal on traditional chulla
17
RE Feature
Biogas
Production
Mechanism
In a study on biogas plant, M L Bamboriya, MNRE, analyses

the efficient biogas production mechanism and highlights
various factors that influence anaerobic digestion and
methane production.
Introduction
B
IN BIOGAS
PLANT, THE WHOLE
SYSTEM IS BASED
ON CONTINUOUS
OPERATION, I.E.,
THE MATTER TO BE
FERMENTED IS FED
IN SEMI-FLUID FORM
AT ONE END AND
THE FERMENTED SPENT
SLURRY IS EXTRACTED
FROM THE OTHER
END PERIODICALLY
WITHOUT DISTURBING
THE WHOLE SYSTEM
18
iogas plant is a plant in which organic matters are converted into combustible
gas and fully matured organic manure through anaerobic fermentation. In
biogas plant, the whole system is based on continuous operation, i.e., the
matter to be fermented is fed in semi-fluid form at one end and the fermented
spent slurry is extracted from the other end periodically without disturbing the whole
system. Now the fermentation, if it is to proceed in the best possible manner, has to
be arranged under certain specific conditions. Before all these factors are described, it
would be better first to see what happens during fermentation.
Microbiology and biochemistry

Cattle dung, night soil, poultry or piggery dropping, and such other fermentable
organic materials when confined in a place, out of contact with oxygen, give rise to
a large number of bacteria. Bacteria are microscopic living creatures which

cannot be seen through naked eyes. They can be classified into beneficial
bacteria and harmful bacteria. Compost making, and biogas and vinegar
producing bacteria are an example of beneficial bacteria. Bacteria causing
cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, etc., are examples of harmful bacteria.
The bacteria can be divided into three broad categories. The first comprises
hydrolytic bacteria, commonly referred to as acetogens as they hydrolyze the
substrate into short chain organic acids and other small molecules. The second
group is the hetero-acetogens, which produce acetic acid and hydrogen,
and the third are methane producing methanogens. This group may be
further subdivided into hydrogen utilizers (lithotrophs) and acetic acid users
(acetotrophs).
Factors influencing anaerobic digestion and

methane production
Temperature
On the basis of temperature, bacteria can be classified into three categories,
viz., Cryophilic (cold loving), Thermophilic (heat loving), and Mesophilic
(normal conditions). The mesophilic group of organisms thrives between 20
C and 42 C. The thermophilic groups thrive between 42 C and 55 C. As the
temperature raises, the gas output increases. Below 20 C, the gas production
decreases very steeply. Generally, it is easier to maintain the temperature of
the digester at the mesophilic range rather than at the thermophilic range. The
optimum temperature is 35 C.
pH
The gas formation is optimum from the range seven to eight. When excessive
loading is done, acid forming bacteria become more active and result in
lowering of pH. If the pH drops appreciably below this, the gas production may
get stopped completely. It is observed that methane producing bacteria multiply
slowly as compared to the acid forming bacteria.
C/N ratio
Floating gas holder type biogas plant
Fixed dome type biogas plant
All feed materials, such as cattle dung, human waste, kitchen waste, etc.,
contain carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. It is found that biogas production varies
WHEN EXCESSIVE
LOADING IS DONE, ACID
FORMING BACTERIA
BECOME MORE
ACTIVE AND RESULT IN
LOWERING OF PH. IF THE
PH DROPS APPRECIABLY
BELOW THIS, THE GAS
PRODUCTION MAY GET
STOPPED COMPLETELY.
IT IS OBSERVED THAT
METHANE PRODUCING
BACTERIA MULTIPLY
SLOWLY AS COMPARED
TO THE ACID FORMING
BACTERIA
Biogas plant
ALL FEED MATERIALS

CONSIST OF SOLID
MATTER AND WATER. THE
SOLIDS IN TURN CONSIST
OF VOLATILES (ORGANIC
MATTER) AND NONVOLATILES (ASH). THE
NON-VOLATILES, ALSO
CALLED, FIXED SOLIDS
(FS), ARE NOT AFFECTED
DURING THE DIGESTION
PROCESS AND COME
OUT OF THE DIGESTER
UNCHANGED. IT IS THE
VOLATILE SOLIDS (VS)
THAT ARE BASICALLY
DIGESTED
19
RE Feature
BIOGAS
PRODUCTION IS A
CLEAN LOW CARBON
TECHNOLOGY
FOR EFFICIENT
MANAGEMENT AND
CONVERSION OF
ORGANIC WASTES INTO
CLEAN RENEWABLE
BIOGAS ENERGY
AND ORGANIC/
BIO-FERTILIZERS. IT
HAS THE POTENTIAL
OF LEVERAGING
SUSTAINABLE
LIVELIHOOD
DEVELOPMENT AS
WELL AS TACKLING
LOCAL AND GLOBAL
LAND, AIR, AND WATER
POLLUTION
according to the carbon to nitrogen ratio in the feed material. The C/N ratio of 20:30 is
considered favourable for bacterial growth. The C/N ratio of cattle dung, horse dung,
water hyacinth, etc., is about 25, for poultry manure, night soil, etc., it is about 58,
and for straw, rice husk, etc., is about 70. Thus, it can be seen that use of cattle dung
possess no problems as far as C/N ratio is concerned. However, if other materials are
fed, proper care should be taken to adjust their proportions so that the feed mixture
has a C/N ratio of about 25. For example, a proper mixture of poultry manure and
straw can be a good feed material for biogas generation. Besides carbon, the quantity
of nitrogen present in the wastes is a crucial factor in the production of biogas. All
living organisms require nitrogen to form their cell proteins. Carbon and nitrogen
should be present in a proper proportion. When nitrogen content is very less, the
bacteria fail to use all the carbon present and there is inefficient breaking down of the
organic matter. On the other hand, if the nitrogen content is large, the carbon gets
used up first and the left nitrogen combines with hydrogen to form ammonia. This can
kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, especially the methane producers.
Total solids concentration
Purified biogas used midday

meal scheme
Purified biogas used in

manufacturing of plastic tanks
Loading rate
Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT)

The HRT is defined as the average time spent by the input slurry inside the digester
before it comes out. Depending on the climatic conditions, the country can be divided
into five climatic zones based on the mean atmospheric temperature during winter
months (see the Table given below).
Table: Country-wise climatic zones
Biogas production is a clean low carbon technology for efficient management and
conversion of organic wastes into clean renewable biogas energy and organic/biofertilizers. It has the potential of leveraging sustainable livelihood development as well
as tackling local and global land, air, and water pollution. Purified biogas containing
more than 90 per cent methane is compressed to 150 bar pressure for filling in
cylinders. The purified biogas is similar to CNG.
The purified biogas is filled in CNG cylinders and supplied to mid-day meal scheme,
mess, hotels, industries, etc., for various purposes, such as cooking and heating.
Calorific value of purified biogas is equivalent to CNG. The purified biogas can be
bottled in CNG cylinders and wherever CNG is currently used, biogas bottling can be
used as an alternative.
The slurry which comes out of the biogas plant is directly, or after drying, used as
bio/organic manure for improving soil-fertility, thereby reducing the use of chemical
fertilizers. It is also non-pollutant because it is free from weed-seeds, foul smell, and
pathogens. The slurry is rich in nutrients, such as, Nitrogen, Potassium, and Sodium
(NPK), along with micronutrients, such as, iron, zinc, etc.
All feed materials consist of solid matter and water. The solids in turn consist of
volatiles (organic matter) and non-volatiles (ash). The non-volatiles, also called, Fixed
Solids (FS), are not affected during the digestion process and come out of the digester
unchanged. It is the Volatile Solids (VS) that are basically digested. For example, fresh
cattle dung consists of about 80 per cent water and 20 per cent Total Solid (TS).
The TS in turn consists of 70 per cent VS and 30 per cent FS, approximately. The
concentration of TS is important for easy mixing and handling. Normally, about 810
per cent TS in the feed is recommended. Hence, it is necessary to dilute fresh cattle
dung in the approximate ratio of 1:1 to bring the TS concentration to 810 per cent.
In the biogas plant, the loading rate is roughly 10 kg/m3 of the digester capacity. If this
loading rate is changed, there is possibility that the balance should be kept constant.
If the loading rate is increased then the period of detention is correspondingly
decreased. If higher loading rate is continued for a longer time, undigested slurry may
start coming out after some time. If the loading rate is reduced, the slurry may be overdigested in the digester. Both the situations adversely affect gas production.
20
Biogas application
Zone
Mean temperature
during winter (C)
Retention
period
States
Zone I
>25
30 days
Zone II
2025
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra

Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,
Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu
Zone III
1520
40 days
Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir,

Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan,
Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal
Zone IV
1015
55 days
Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Kashmir, and other

hilly areas
Zone V
<10
Not suitable for setting up biogas plants
Dry slurry used in agricultural field
Liquid slurry used in agricultural field
Purified biogas used as

vehicular fuel
Present scenario of biogas utilization

India is the second largest country in the world for the implementation of biogas
programme. Under this programme, about 4.75 million family type biogas plants
have been installed against the potential of 12 million biogas plants in the country
for cooking, lighting, and pumping application. It is of 39 per cent of the potential
estimated for the installation of biogas plants in the country. Biogas projects for
power generation, especially in the small capacity range from 3 kW to 250 kW,
based on wastes from animal, agriculture, kitchen, etc., under the programme
of Biogas Power (offgrid), have been installed around 216 plants of about 3.78 MW
in the country.
Mr M L Bamboriya, Director, MNRE. Email: mlbamboriya@nic.in
INDIA IS THE
SECOND LARGEST
COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF BIOGAS PROGRAMME.
UNDER THIS PROGRAMME,
ABOUT 4.75 MILLION
FAMILY TYPE BIOGAS
PLANTS HAVE BEEN
INSTALLED AGAINST THE
POTENTIAL OF 12 MILLION
BIOGAS PLANTS IN THE
COUNTRY FOR COOKING,
LIGHTING, AND PUMPING
APPLICATION
21
Solar Air Heating in Ladakh
RE Success Stories

An Economical, Reliable, Easy-to-Maintain Technology
Solution to Combat Extreme Winters in Ladakh Region
Anant Shukla
Ladakhs energy situation

The demand for electricity in Leh,
Ladakh, is growing at a rate of
250
200
De
ce
mb
er
er
mb
r
be
to
No
ve
Se
Oc
be
r
em
pt
Au
gu
st
Ju
ly
Figure 2: Average global solar radiation in Ladakh
0
-10
Meteonorm
1995#
1996#
1997##
-20
De
ce
mb
er
er
mb
ve
be
No
r
be
to
Oc
t
em
us
pt
Se
Au
g
Ju
ly
ne
Ju
Ma
y
ril
Ap
rch
Ma
ry
ua
br
Fe
ar
-30
Figure 1: Average minimum temperature in Ladakh
seven per cent annually. Power is

generated mostly through a diesel
generator (65 per cent) or a hydro
or renewable energy source. In
the winter, when the region faces
sub-zero temperatures (Figure 1) ,
traditional and conventional indoor
heating methods are adopted.
Government buildings that consist
of mainly offices and hospitals
are the buildings which mostly
require heating. The residents use

crude heating devices such as
bukharis (wood-burning stove),
kerosene/wood stoves,
and sometimes LPG to keep their

homes warm during the harsh
winter, when temperatures drop to
as low as 28 C. The demand and
consumption of energy for heating
in buildings is rising significantly
every year with new construction
sites and the growing hotel industry.
The demand rises because of the
increasing number of tourists, who
are the main source of income for the
locals.
Solar thermal systems offer
a high saving potential of fossil
fuels, which has been hardly used so
far in this region for indoor heating.
Solar radiation in Ladakh is among the
highest in the country. Average daily
global solar radiation in Ladakh
(Figure 2) is as high as 2022 kWh/
m2/annum (ITW weather report).
The availability of a simple, efficient,
and cheap solar thermal system
manufactured with locally available
materials is not just a competitive
advantage, but it will also reduce
dependency on conventional fuels
for heating. The reliability of the solar
air-heating system is further increased
by a thermal energy storage and
insulation of the houses.
The main purpose of the project is

to adapt and disseminate the solar-
Ju
ne
Ma
y
r il
Ap
Ma
rch
ua
ry
br
10
Fe
Ja
nu
ar
50
Objectives
22
Est. By*
1997 **
Average
100
Temperature [C]
20
nu
round 270,000 residents

from the arid regions of
Ladakh live in extremely
tough weather condtions.
Winter remains for over seven months
and there is very low precipitation.
The region receives scant rainfall
and therefore, availability of biomass
is limited. Dried cow dung and
sporadically available shrubs are
the only energy sources in the area.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum
products, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG) are very expensive in this region
due to the high cost of transportation
from low-lying areas to the hills. Also,
there are only two approach roads to
the Ladakh region and it is accessible
for only six months in a year.
Ladakh is 3,000 m above the sea
level. There is extremely low oxygen
content in the atmosphere (NIC Leh
n.d.); at this altitude, so the energy
efficiency of combustion is low.
Therefore, a lot of fuel needs to be
consumed to meet the demand.
Meteonorm
1996 **
1998**
150
Ja
The challenge
Radiation [kWh/m2] (month)

300
heating concepts for buildings with

thermal energy storage technology
for the high-altitude region of
Ladakh through pilot projects. This
will help in offering sustainable
solutions for energy demand in
Ladakh and regions with cold climate.
Institutional arrangement
Since there is limited know-how
and experience in Ladakh on solar
air heating with thermal storage, a
project is being implemented jointly
by the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE) and Deutsche

Gesellschaft fr Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project
is being implemented with active
cooperation from state nodal
agencies, viz., Ladakh Renewable
Energy Development Agency
(LREDA) and Kargil Renewable Energy
Development Agency (KREDA).
International and national experts
are engaged for specific tasks, in
addition to developing working
arrangements with local NGOs,
particularly the Ladakh Ecological
Development Group (LEDeG), which
has had significant local experience
in implementing solar projects in the
past. The project is funded by the
German Ministry of Environment,
Nature Conservation, Building, and
Nuclear Safety (BMUB).
Solar air-heating system:

Demonstration project
in Ladakh
The demonstration project in Ladakh
is the first lighthouse project of its
kind in Asia. Based on technologies
for solar heating of buildings
(Figure 3), a system was developed by
the Solar Institute Jlich (SIJ), Juelich
(Germany) for the Altiplano mountain
region in Argentina. The knowledge
PV-module
Solar air heater
Valve
air-waterheat exchanger
ventilator
Heating
Pebble bed
Figure 3: A concept view of the typical solar air-heating system with storage
23
RE Success Stories
24
Picture 1: A solar air-heating system installed on the roof of a house in Leh
Picture 3: Solar air-heating system on a rooftop in Ladakh
Picture 2: The pebble bed thermal energy storage at Kurja guest house in Leh
Average daily heat demand and solar gain [kWh/d]

40
Heat gain Altiplano system
Heat demand Kurja insulated 18C
Heat demand Kurja insulated 15C
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
ce
m
be
er
De
mb
r
be
No
ve
to
Oc
em
be
st
pt
Se
Au
gu
Ju
ly
Ju
ne
Ma
y
ril
Ap
ch
Ma
r
ua
ry
Fe
br
ar
y
Ja
nu
gained during the last 15 years solar

space heating as contribution to a
solar supplied village on the Altiplano/
ArgentinaC Mller, K Schwarzer,
ICSC-Congress 2001, is being utilized
for developing reliable, economical,
and locally manufactured solar
air-heating systems in Ladakh.
Two houses were identified for the
first phase of the project. One of the
houses was a guest house called Kurja
guest house. The collector system was
designed to meet the total heating
demand during the whole year. In the
system installed, the heat needed to
warm up the buildings is collected by
a Solar air heater (or solar air collector,
see Picture 1) on the roof of guest house.
The system heats up air during
sunshine hours; the heated air is
circulated inside the building through
highly efficient fans powered by
solar photovoltaic panels of 60 W
each. The hot air circulated is used
to heat up the pebble bed thermal
energy storage (Picture 2) under
the floor of the building. This serves
not only as a heat storage system,
but also as an underfloor heating
system and heats the room directly.
Once the thermal storage is heated
up, the heat is transferred indoors
throughout the day. In extreme cold
weather, the heated air can directly
be circulated through the indoor and
gives a warm effect instantaneously.
To save the energy generated from
the Sun, the house is insulated for
protection against external weather.
Due to insulation, the heat demand
of the house, previously without heat
protection, has reduced by half.
Depending on the degree of further
insulation up to 80100 per cent of
the total heat demand in the guest
house can be met with the help of
these solar collectors. The system
can meet up to 97 per cent of the
average yearly heating demand at a
room temperature of 15 C. When the
indoor temperature is maintained at
18 C, the system can meet up to
92 per cent off the demand (Figure 4).
The total heat demand of Kurja guest
Figure 4: Daily heat demand and solar gain during the year gain of a 45 C inclination,
south orientated 18.3 m2va solar air heater and heating demand of the Kurja guest house
house is 5,296 kWh per annum at a

room temperature of 18 C and 4,150
kWh per annum at 15 C, 22 per cent
less than at when maintained at 18 C.
The solar air-heating system in
Ladakh (see Picture 3) has several
advantages over a liquid-based
system, especially in extreme winters.
As air is used as the heat transfer
medium, the low thermal capacity
of the air enables the system to
have low response time so that
the heating device is ready for use
immediately after sunrise. A small air/
water heat exchanger can also be
easily integrated to prepare hot water
for sanitary use. The flexibility of the
design allows adaptation to nearly all
existing houses. For that purpose an
air/water heat exchanger is placed in
the chimney, where the heated water
flows to a storage tank driven by
natural convection. As the complete
water based system is integrated in
the house, problems known from
conventional hot water systems as
freezing and malfunction due to
frozen pipes are avoided.
The system can not only be used
during winters for heating purposes,
but can also be used during summer
for drying purposes. The system

is affordable and a simple thermal
energy storage (pebble bed) is
included in the solar heating system
to keep the room heated for twentyfour hours a day on cloudy days.
Compared to the water-based system,
the solar one has no freezing issues
as air is used as the medium for
transferring heat, is durable because
wear and tear through air is very
limited, and requires low maintenance
during the whole year (technically
very simple system, no complex
mechanical parts, no fluids used, no
heat exchangers, sensors, differential
thermostats, etc.).
Demonstration to the local people
on the manufacturing, operation,
and maintenance of such systems
during the projects tenure will
help build local manufacturing and
generate employment. Adoption of
the technology will increase value
creation in local people through the
setting up of manufacturing units,
collector assembly, installation,
building insulation, and civil works.
This will further reduce the money
outflow from the region and having
to pay for expensive fuel, will help
generate local income for planners,

engineers, workshops, masons, and
material vendors. Also, the impact on
health due to smoke from bukharis
can be avoided completely.
Conclusion
The installation of solar air-heating
systems with thermal energy storage
will reduce the consumption of costly
fuel and combustion of traditional
fuels in the region. Almost 80 per cent
of the fuel savings are estimated from
such a system in the Ladakh region.
According to an estimate, savings of
more than N 20,000 per household
per year is expected and this will allow
sustainable investments.
The fact that the same system can
be used in summer for drying will
further result in increased productivity,
revenue generation, and maximum
utilization of energy from the sun.
The GHG savings are estimated to be
around two tonnes of CO2 reduction
per annum per house due to reduced
use of firewood and other fuels
for heating.
Mr Anant Shukla, Project Manager (SolLad), GIZ.
Email: anant.shukla@giz.de
25
Electrification through Two-stage Biomass Gasifier: Opening Livelihood Opportunities for Rural Communities in India
RE Feature
Electrification
through Two-stage
Biomass Gasifier
Opening Livelihood Opportunities

for Rural Communities in India
According to
Sunil Dhingra,
Paltu Acharjee,
and Barkha
Tanvir biomass
energy
contributes to
14 per cent of
the worlds
energy and
almost 40 per
cent of Indias
primary energy
requirement,
which can be
fulfilled through
the two-stage
biomass gasifiers
for rural areas
in the country.
26
n India, as per 2011 census, nearly 44 per cent of rural households do not have
access to electricity, and those who have the access, suffer from unreliable
electricity supply. In 2005, the Government of India initiated a large national rural
electrification programme to provide electricity to all village and households,
using option of centralized grid extension and promotion of decentralized distributed
generation based on renewable energy technologies such as biomass gasifiers.
Biomass energy contributes to 14 per cent of the worlds energy and almost 40 per
cent of Indias primary energy requirement. Gasification can convert woody biomass
and agricultural residue to electrical and thermal energy. Thus, developing two-stage
biomass gasifier for Indian conditions in rural areas could help us bridge the gap.
In order to overcome the difficulties faced in implementation, operation, and
maintenance of traditional biomass gasification technology in the rural India such
as high amount of tar formation and water wastage, TERI in collaboration with
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), started exploring system
improvement and modification in gasifier system design and identified two-stage
biomass gasifier as a potential technology solution..
The challenge was to adapt the technology which was suitable for European
condition and context by modification and system reengineering to reduce cost and
make it applicable to Indian context. Under TERI-SDC Biomass Partnership (TSBP),
TERI, in collaboration with Denmark Technical University (DTU) and Effin Art, a Swiss
consultant, has developed the two-stage biomass gasifier system based on DTU and
TERI technology, which emits clean gas, thus minimizing the need for maintenance
and other day-to-day operational problems.
Two-stage
Biomass
Gasifier
UTILIZING THE ENERGY FROM THE GASIFIER FOR ONLY

RURAL HOUSEHOLD ELECTRIFICATION LED TO NON-PAYMENT
TOWARDS THE FUNCTIONING OF THE GASIFIER DUE TO LACK
OF INCENTIVE
The two-staged process is characterized by having pyrolysis and gasification in
separate reactors with an intermediate high-temperature tar-cracking zone. This
allows for a very fine control of the process temperatures, resulting in extremely low
tar concentrations in the producer gas. As part of the project, a system of 20 kWe
capacity with simple cleaning and cooling system, has been developed, tested, and
localized according to Indian condition.
This technology of biomass gasification has demonstrated advantages over the
tradition gasification system including higher energy efficiency, which is over 22 per
cent against the fixed bed gasifier technology which had approximately 15 per cent
efficiency and 30 per cent reduction in specific fuel consumption. The gas is of a much
higher quality with less than 25 mg/Nm3 of tar as compared to 500600 mg/Nm3 of
tar in the producer gas generated from fixed bed gasifier. The gas cooling and cleaning
system does not require water scrubbing and thus there is zero waste water generation
compared to wastage of 350 L of water every 50 hours of operation.
Women at the sattu making unit
Challenges for biomass gasifiers in rural India

Lessons learnt from past experiences show the need for a robust business model
to support the finances of the running of the gasifier with minimal maintenance
and suitability for field implementation. Due to low income and high electricity
subsidy in rural areas through conventional grid system, it is becoming challenging
to support renewable energy-based electrification projects, particularly based on
biomass resource on account of high fuel and labour costs. Utilizing the energy from
the gasifier for only rural household electrification led to non-payment towards the
functioning of the gasifier due to lack of incentive.
The key barriers in promoting this technology for rural India include low income
level in rural areas, high electricity subsidy through conventional grid system, and the
lack of established sustainable biomass supply.
THE PRODUCER
GAS IS OF A MUCH
HIGHER QUALITY WITH
LESS THAN 25 mg/Nm3
OF TAR AS COMPARED
TO 500600 mg/Nm3 OF
TAR IN THE PRODUCER
Our approach for economic viability
GAS GENERATED FROM
In order to sustain decentralized distributed generation, our approach was to focus
FIXED BED GASIFIER.
on developing business models by combining energy-driven economic activities and
THE GAS COOLING AND
meeting household energy requirements in villages in regions of India, where there
are sustainable biomass supply-chains are available and high level of electricity access CLEANING SYSTEM DOES
deficits continue to hamper social and economic growth. With the community-based
NOT REQUIRE WATER
activity getting regular electricity to run successfully, the operation cost of the gasifier
towards fuel and operator salary is met and hence can also electrify the villages around it. SCRUBBING AND THUS
Learning from past experiences, we have developed an approach which is
THERE IS ZERO WASTE
economically more viable for sustained operation of the biomass gasifier and supports
WATER GENERATION
livelihood generation activities employing women and benefitting all villagers along
COMPARED TO WASTAGE
with household electrification in rural areas.
This approach will be implemented in two clusters in Odisha which are run by
OF 350 L OF WATER
women through SHGs; one sattu (nutrition mix) making cluster in Rayagada district,
EVERY 50 HOURS OF
which provides to Anganwadi centres and one in Koraput district which will process

OPERATION
cashew, dal and turmeric as income generating activities.
Mr Sunil Dhingra, Senior Fellow, TERI. Email: dhingras@teri.res.in
Mr Paltu Acharjee, Fellow, TERI. Email: paltu.acharjee@teri.res.in
Ms Barkha Tanvir, Research Associate, TERI. Email: barkha.tanvir@teri.res.in
27
Cost effective Models of Solar Dryers: A Hygienic Technology Option for Dry Fish Processing
RE Feature
Picture 1 (a): Dry fish processing

using open-sun method
Picture 1 (b): Dry fish processing

using traditional technology
Cost-effective Models of
Solar Dryers
A Hygienic Technology Option for Dry Fish Processing
Mr R Joshua,
Dr V Vasu, and
Dr P Vincent,
explain the
utility of solar
dryers of
various types
such as flat
surface, box
type, vertical
modelas
an alternate
and suitable
technology
for processing
of dry fish.
28
uccessful drying depends on the amount of heat supplied to draw out the
moisture, the amount of dry air present in the dryer to absorb the moisture
content, and the adequate air circulation to carry out the moisture
present in the sample. The drying of the product can simply be done by
circulating the relatively dry air around it [see Picture 1(a) & (b)]. The heat required to
vapourize the moisture is supplied by the air to the material, thereby reducing the
air temperature while increasing its relative humidity. Hence, the drying process
involves both heat and mass transfer operations.
Components of solar dryers

The main components of solar dryers are dryer box, perforated trays, solar
absorbing glass cover, and air ventilation.
Dryer box
The dryer box contains wooden legs, externally covered by a Galvanized Iron (GI)
sheet painted black for the surface area that needs to be covered. The sides of the
drier are insulated. There is a special arrangement at the bottom for transferring
the hot air to a solar drier from the surrounding atmosphere and there is a small
opening at the top of the drier to let the air out.
Perforated trays
Depending on the size of the drying chamber, a number of trays to carry the drying
product are placed on it. A weld mesh with a maximum thickness of 3 mm is used for
the fabrication of trays for easy operation. Generally, one or two handles are provided
on the six-tray box.
Vertical model
Designed with four trays in the drying chamber with a capacity of 1015 kg
per tray and a total quantity of 50 kg of wet fish, this model is designed for
domestic use.
The vertical model has been fabricated with the aid of wooden frames, wooden
legs, G I sheets, glass govers, weld mesh, and nails, etc., for the cost of N 20,000.
Picture 2 shows this model.
After making certain modifications on this basic model, a community model
has been developed for common usage. It is known as flat surface model. For
entrepreneurs, a movable model called the box-type model has been developed
with a low budget and simple technology. Its drying performance has been analysed
scientifically and it has been found to be much suitable for safe dry fish processing to
minimize degradation of the coastal environment.
Picture 2: Vertical model solar dryer
Glass cover
It receives solar radiation directly from the sun. Plain glass surface to a required
area is attached on the top of the dryer box at an angle of inclination of 20o to 30o.
The convective cones should also, minimized by the glass arrangement on top of
the dryer.
Air ventilation
To transfer the surrounding air into the drying chambers, there is an air ventilation
slot on top of the dryer. The slot depends on the dimensions of the dryer box.
Picture 3 (a): Overview of a flat surface model
Picture 3 (b): Trays in a flat surface model
29
Cost Effective Models of Solar Dryers: A Hygienic Technology Option for Dry Fish Processing
RE Feature
Final
Moisture
in %
Loss of
Moisture
in %
Drying
Time in
Dryer (hrs)
Drying Time
in Open sun
(hrs)
Drying
Efficiency
(In %)
% of Saving
in Drying
Time
2.100
47.50
90.47
47.50
42.97
1.904
13
48.50
53.84
Banna
Vertical
Model
2.070
48.3
93.23
48.25
44.98
1.932
49.70
22.22
Sudai
Vertical
Model
2.190
45.5
82.64
45.25
37.39
1.82
10
47.01
20
Kumla
Vertical
Model
2.750
46.25
45.45
31.25
14.20
1.854
14
47.55
42.85
Vudagam
Flat
Surface
10
6.26
37.4
59.74
37.4
22.34
1.59
20
62.20
60
Thondan
Flat
Surface
10
6.600
34.0
51.51
34
17.51
1.51
22
58.46
63.63
Karal
Flat
Surface
10
6.380
36.0
56.73
36.2
20.53
1.56
71.12
14.2
Keeli
Flat
Surface
10
6.700
33.0
47.05
32
15.05
1.47
18
58.46
55.55
Nethili
Box Type 5
3.430
31.0
45.77
31.4
14.37
1.45
16
51.06
50
Vowal
Box Type 5
3.550
36.0
40.84
30
10.84
1.40
18
45.45
55.5
Picture 4 (a): Elevation of box-type solar dryer
AFTER
MAKING CERTAIN
MODIFICATIONS ON
THIS BASIC MODEL,
A COMMUNITY
MODEL HAS BEEN
DEVELOPED FOR
COMMON USAGE.
IT IS KNOWN AS
FLAT SURFACE
MODEL. FOR
ENTREPRENEURS, A
MOVABLE MODEL
CALLED THE BOXTYPE MODEL HAS
BEEN DEVELOPED
WITH A LOW
BUDGET AND SIMPLE
TECHNOLOGY
Picture 4 (b): Trays in a box-type model
Flat surface model

Pictures 3(a) and 3(b) show the flat surface model with four arrays of trays. The drying
chamber is fabricated by metal frames with the help of a simple welding technique.
By modifying the dimensions, it is possible to increase the load according to our need
and demand.
Box-type model
This type of model has been designed for small entrepreneurs. The number of boxes
can be integrated according to our demand. Moreover, it is possible to locate it in the
desired spot. Wooden frames which are sized on a wooden base and covered by a GI
sheet form the drying chamber. Ordinary glass is used to receive solar radiation. This
design of a box-type model is shown in Pictures 4(a) and 4(b).
Results of experimental study

Selected samples have been tested in the different dryers in different locations.
30
Drying
Ratio
Initial
Moisture
in %
Loss of
Weight in %
Vertical
Model
Final
Weight
Nature of
Dryer
Nagarai
Initial
Weight (Kg)
Name of
the Sample
Table: Performance analysis of drying parameters for different samples
THE VERTICAL
MODEL HAS BEEN
FABRICATED WITH
THE AID OF WOODEN
FRAMES, WOODEN
LEGS, G I SHEETS,
GLASS GOVERS, WELD
MESH AND NAILS, ETC.,
FOR COST OF
N20,000
Picture 4 (c): Performance analysis on box-type solar dryer
The performance of the dryers [see Picture 4(c)] by calculating the drying parameters
have been reported in the Table given below.
The following Table shows that the drying time for the selected samples was less
than that in traditional technology on the open ground. The product from the dryers
were found to be of good quality and best in hygienic condition.
THE NUMBER
OF BOXES CAN
BE INTEGRATED
ACCORDING TO OUR
DEMAND. MOREOVER,
IT IS POSSIBLE TO
LOCATE IT IN THE
DESIRED SPOT.
WOODEN FRAMES
WHICH ARE SIZED
ON A WOODEN BASE
AND COVERED BY A
GI SHEET FORM THE
DRYING CHAMBER
Mr R Joshua, Research Scholar (Part Time), Selection Grade Lecturer, Mohamed Sathak Polytechnic College, Kilakarai. Email: cp_mspc@yahoo.com
Dr V Vasu, Professor, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai. Email: v.vasu@gmail.com
Dr P Vincent, Professor and Head (Rtd.), Arulanandhar College, Karumathur. Email: dr_p_vincent@gmail.com
31
Utility of Solar Pumps for Salt Farmers: A Case study from Gujarat
Case Study
Utility of Solar Pumps

for Salt Farmers
Benefits to the Agariyas
A Case Study from Gujarat

Salt farmer carrying salt
fortune on diesel. The diesel required

per engine per day is 810 litres.
The better way
Siddha Mahajan and Karan Dangayach, discuss how Solar

pumps are better than diesel pumps and prove to be a boon for
the salt farmers of Gujarat.
Background
alt has been one of the most

basic needs and hence, a
prime commodity for any
human civilization since the
beginning. The Little Rann of Kutch
(LRK) in Gujarat contributes a huge
proportion of Gujarats share of salt
production to the Indian salt industry.
At present, about 43,000 Salt
Farmers or Agariyas, as they are
called, mostly belonging to Nomadic
and De-notified Tribes, live in more
than 108 villages on the periphery of
LRKa 5,183 sq. km land mass having
dual characteristics of saline desert
and wetland. Each Agariya of LRK
produces approximately 2,000 tonnes
of salt per year, resulting in close to
60 per cent of the total production of
Gujarat. This is close to 73 per cent
(about 14 million metric tonnes) of
total salt consumed in India, out of
32
which the edible salt requirement of

India is six million tonnes. The yearly
cycle of the salt farmers is tainted
with high indebtedness, near to nil
savings, harsh living conditions,
minimal education opportunities,
worse health-care and sanitation
options, high child and infant
mortality rates, low life expectancies,
and multi-level exploitation to top
it all. Unlike many other farming/
production processes, salt farming in
LRK hasnt seen much mechanization
since early days. The only sub-process
mechanized until now is the pumping
out of the sub-soil brine, which is at
present done using diesel pumps.
involving building of embankments,

preparing the salt pans, "sowing"
the salt seeds, daily plowing of the
pans, and the final harvestingall
done by the Agariyas themselves. The
pumping of brine has to be carried
out continuously during the farming
season, for which Agariyas spend a
The process of
salt production
The salt farming process has not seen
much of technological advances.
It is primarily a manual process
Solar pump installed in Dhrangadhra,

Gujarat
When analysed closely, the numbers

clearly suggest that one of the main
reasons of the impoverishment of
the Agariyas is the high amounts
spent on procuring of diesel and
maintenance of these diesel pumps.
But there is an alternate source of
energy available in the LRK for
free, all the while, during their
entire seven months stay there, i.e.,
the solar energy.
The Table alongside gives a broad
picture of cost comparison of a
commonly used 3 hp pump against
the regular diesel-based pump, both
in LRK. A quick comparison between
costs involved in running a brine
pump on solar energy vis--vis diesel
gives us a clear indication of how
adoption of this technology will be
more cost-effective in the long run,
as against the conventional dieselbased pumps. As the figures suggest,
this replacement helps them save
above 50 per cent of the earnings
with regards to the production
happening through the one replaced
pump. For better perspective, we
can easily estimate their daily savings
increasing from N 200 to N 350. It is
seen that a typical 1hp pump would
cost about N 1 lakh and a 3hp would
cost about N 2.7 lakh.
There have been pilots which have

shown positive results and based on
which the Agariyas, with the help of
few NGOs and technology providers,
have come forward to adopt this
system by taking loan from local rural
and cooperative banks. These people
have been content with the fact that
once the loan is repayed (which is
usually done in 34 years), they could
easily own the system without any
huge expenditure that they have been
incurring through diesel purchase
and maintenance of the system.
Additionally, the cost incurred on
travelling to town for procuring
diesel gives them relief and more
time to work. Other than the technoeconomic benefits, the Agariyas have
been happy about the noise and
pollution-free salt generation.
The fact that solar pump has
found its innovative application side
in supporting salt pan workers has
brought smiles and happiness in their
lives. There is still huge untapped
market of 4,000 salt pan workers,
which could benefit in long-term
from the system.
Shashwat Cleantech Pvt. Ltd

(formerly known as Shashwat Green
Fuels & Technolgies (I) Pvt. Ltd) has
developed the Infinity Solar Pumps
for salt farmers. Shashwats efforts
have been carried out over a period of
20 months, which have included site
visits, discussions with salt farmers,
more than 20 demonstrations, and
many successful customers.
REEEP is an international nonprofit organization, established in
2002 formed out of public-private
partnership that advances markets for
clean energy in developing countries.
There, we build scale by connecting
funding to projects, practice to
knowledge, and knowledge to policy.
REEEP uses donor funding to support
a portfolio of high potential ventures
that create energy access and combat
climate change, often attracting
Table: Annual cost comparison

between a diesel pump and a 3 hp
solar powered pump commonly used
in the Kutch region
Costs involved
Diesel
Pumping
(N )
Solar PV
Pumping
(3hp) (N )
Labour costs
(pan making
and salt
collection)
31,000
31,000
Operating
costs (including
incremental
expenses for
staying in
Rann)
98,000
3,500
Maintenance
costs (annual
maintenance
as well as
average annual
replacement
costs)
13,000
10,500
Total costs
142,000
45,000
Salt farmer
private finance. REEEP monitors

and evaluates projects within their
policy, financial, and commercial
environments to gain insight into
opportunities and barriers. REEEP
feeds this knowledge back into
the project, the portfolio and the
policy framework to continuously
advance markets for clean energy.
REEEP South Asia wing based in New
Delhi and managed by Asian Energy
Institute (C/O TERI).
Ms Siddha Mahajan, Associate Fellow, TERI
and Regional Programme Manager, REEEP.
Email: siddha.mahajan@teri.res.in
Mr Karan Dangayach, Head of Business
Development, Shashwat Technologies,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
33
Renewable Energy Development in Maharashtra
State: Maharashtra
I
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
Development in
Maharashtra
n India, all state governments are

undertaking various measures
to establish a balance between
scarce energy resources and fulfil
the growing demands. In this regard,
the Government of Maharashtra
(GoM) established Maharashtra
Energy Development Agency (MEDA)
in July 1986 with an objective to
undertake development of Renewable
Energy (RE) and facilitate energy
conservation in Maharashtra. It is also
working as the State Nodal Agency
in renewable energy sector. It is the
State Designated Agency in energy
conservation sector.
Two noticeable initiatives for
promoting renewable energy in
the state are:
Some Municipal Corporations &
Councils have made solar water
heating system mandatory for
new buildings and provided
510 per cent rebate in
property tax.
Maharashtra Energy
Development Agency
(MEDA) has initiated,
implemented, and
achieved targets set for
the optimum utilization
of the renewable
energy, in the state of
Maharashtra.
34
Major highlights,
achievements, and awards
Wind energy in Maharashtra
The Co-Operation Department

of the state government has
issued a circular, viz., "Granting
permission to install solar energy
installations at common terraces
of co-operative housing societies
without charging any fees from the
society members".
MEDA is registered as a society under
Societies Registration Act, 1860 (in
1985) and Bombay Public Trusts Act,
1950 (in 1987). It provides assistance
to the state and central governments
to promote and develop new and
renewable sources of energy and
technologies; and promote and
implement energy conservation.
Maharashtra has installed capacity

of 6,248.42 MW of grid-connected
renewable energy projects (as on
March 31, 2014). The state has the
largest wind resource monitoring
programme in the country (399 sites).
It is the first state in the country to
initiate solar resource assessment
through state budget. It has the
largest installation of Solar Water
Heating SystemsAchievement of
10.24 lakh sq. m. collector area (640
lakh LPD systems) contributing to
640 MW Peak Load Shaving. It has
the largest solar cooking system in
the country (17,000 Meals) at Shirdi. It
has the largest number of wind solar
hybrid systems (1,948 kWp). It is the
first state in the country to initiate
action on geothermal power projects
on commercial basis. All these
achievements are courtesy of MEDA.
The following add a couple of more
feathers to its cap:
It earned an award for the highest

capacity installation of wind solar
hybrid systems.
It did a record installation of
1,074 MW of wind power projects
during 201314, a feat par
excellence in recent years.
It did a record work of installation
of Wind Solar Hybrid Systems
of 736 kW capacity achieved in
201112.
The State Nodal Agency bagged
an award at national level for Best
State Performance in installation
of Wind Solar Hybrid System.
Wind Solar Hybrid Systems of
the capacity of 1,948 kW have
been installed at 264 locations
in Maharashtra (as on March
2014). Work is in progress for 186
kW capacity Wind Solar Hybrid
Systems at 13 locations.
The State Nodal Agency earned

National Award for the best
performance in the installation of
solar water heating systems, for
the years 201112 and 201213.
It earned National Award for the
Best State Designated Agency for
energy conservation activities for
the years 201112 and 201213.
Hydel Project in Radhanagri, Maharashtra
Table on the next page shows the

progress of renewable energy in the
state of Maharashtra.
35
State: Maharashtra
Table: Renewable energy at a glance in Maharashtra

Renewable Energy Sector
Estimated
Potential
Cumulative
Achievements
Achievements during 201415
(as on 31.03.14) (as on 30.06.14)
I. Grid-Interactive Power (Capacities in MW)

Wind Power
5,439.00 (50m
hub height)
5,961.00 (80m
hub height)
4,080.15
12.80
Small Hydro Power
794.33 (274 nos)
271.00
0.00
Biomass Power & Gasification
781.00
190.00
0.00
Bagasse Cogeneration
2,200.00
1,354.75
0.00
Waste-to-Power:
MSW and Liquid Waste
Industrial Waste
287.00
350.00
3.00
8.72
0.00
0.00
Solar Power
230.25
45.00
Grid-connected Solar Rooftops
5.00
0.00
Total
10,373.33
6,142.87
65.20
II. Off-grid Captive Power (capacities in MWEQ)

Waste-to-Energy
7.4953 MWeq
(90,136 m3/day)
0.8415 MWeq
(10,098 m3/day)
Waste-to-Power
12.548 MW
1.063 MW
Biomass (non-bagasse)
Cogeneration
9400 kWp
Biomass GasifiersRural
Nil
Nil
Industrial
9,750 kW
Nil
Aero-Generators/Hybrid
Systems
1,948 kW
46.50 kW
26 nos
162,000 nos
44,857 nos
116,097 nos
239 nos
2182 kWp
4,466 nos
248 nos
80 kW
Water Pumping Wind Mills
SPV Systems:
Solar Lanterns
Solar Home Lights
Street Lights
Solar Pumps
Solar Power Packs/Plants
Water Mills/Micro Hydel
Biogas-based System
489.5 kW
Total
III. Other Renewable Energy Systems
Family Biogas Plants (numbers )
897,000
856,436
Solar Water HeatingCollector

Area (million m2)
649,160.78
(million m2
collector area)
119,723 nos
15,000 m2
Remote Village Electrification
362 (as per REC)
353 (sanctioned)
340 (completed)
IV. Other Programmes

Battery-operated Vehicles
(Two Wheelers)
779 nos
Solar Cities
6 nos
Solar Radiation Resource

Assessment Stations (SRRA)
6 nos MNRE2
4 nos MEDA
Wind Monitoring Stations
399 nos.
36
TERI PRESS
TERI, Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex
Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003
Tel: +91 11 2468 2100, 4150 4900
Nagpur, Thane, Kalyan-Dombiwali, Aurangabad, Nanded, and Shirdi.

2
Bhandara, Jalgaon, Shahada, Nashik, Osmanabad, and Wardha.
1
The need to have a sustainable

energy supply necessitates
the exploration of available
energy sources, and among
these, renewable resources
are at the forefront. It is now
an established fact that RE
(renewable energy) can be an
integral part of sustainable
development because of
its inexhaustible nature and
environment-friendly features.
RE can play an important role
in resolving the energy crisis in
urban areas to a great extent.
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 provided in high resolution
files on a CD or through
email. Akshay Urja will pay an
honorarium of N 2,500 to the
authors for each published
article of 1,500 words and
above. The publication
material in two copies, along
with a soft copy on CD/DVD/
email may be sent to:
presents
Theme
Renewable
Energy in
India
Entry is free
Each participant can send maximum 5 photographs
All entries should be original work of the participant
Each photograph should include a caption
ue of Akshay
featured in the forthcoming iss
00!
The best selected entries will be
a chance to win a prize of Rs. 20
Urja. The best entries will hold
Deadline: October 30, 2014
Fax: +91 11 2468 2144, 2468 2145

Email: teripress@teri.res.in
Web: www.teriin.org
Please send in your entries to akshayurja@nic.in and sangeeta.paul@teri.res.in
37
Micro Inverters: A Game Changer in Solar Electronics
RE Feature
MICRO
INVERTERS
A Game Changer in
Solar Electronics
With the traditional inverters, a PV system
is not suitable as a plug and play device
for domestic applications. Micro inverter
which is an electronic unit devised to
handle the output of a single panel and
operated at lower power point is an
upcoming area of research in the field
of PV. Er Kapil K Sharma, Dr Surendra
Kothari, and Er Prashant Kapurkar
discuss in details of the micro inverter.
String inverter
38
Micro inverter
Introduction
nergyan ability of a
body to do workplays a
very significant role in our
daily activities. Energy is
majorly consumed in the form of
electricity for lighting, cooling,
heating, etc. Our activities depend
so much on energy availability that
it constitutes an integral part of
our life and an indispensable tool
for the development and growth
of the country. Energy supply from
renewable sources is an essential
component of every nations strategy,
especially when there is responsibility
towards the environment and
sustainability. Solar photovoltaicbased systems are one of the most
widely-used renewable energy. PV
technology is gaining significant
levels and will be around in future to
contribute a big share of generated
electricity. Solar PV systems are based
on semiconductor wafers, which
produce electricity when exposed
to sunlight. Thus, the electricity
produced can either be stored in the
batteries or sold to the electric grid.
Besides these solar panels, balance of
system components are also required
which includes inverters, wiring,
breakers, racking, and switches, which
can account for up to half of a
systems cost.
According to this application, the PV

systems can be segregated into four
categories, namely Direct Coupled
PV Systems, Stand-alone PV Systems,
Grid-connected PV Systems, and
Hybrid-connected Systems. In direct
coupled PV systems, the PV array
is directly connected to the load.
Therefore, the load can operate only
when the sunshine is available.
Stand-alone PV systems are used in
area that are not easily accessible or
have no access to an electric grid.
Stand-alone system is the one which
is not connected to power grid and
the energy produced by these systems
are being stored in the batteries.
In the grid-connected PV systems,
electricity produced from panels are
either used immediately or directly fed
into the grid which is considered to

be an infinite source or sink of power.
A hybrid PV system is essentially a
system that employs at least one
more source, other than the PV, to
meet the electrical power demand
of the loads.
Residential grid-tied solar power
systems, i.e., Net Metering, will gain
more popularity in the near future.
Net metering provides a variety
of benefits to both utilities and
consumers. It can potentially reduce
the utilitys peak load demand. A
study has systematically described the
current issues with solar PV power
generation systems and suggested
about the micro solar photovoltaic
rooftop systems with an example of
3 kW system. It was suggested that
an improvement is required on the
solar electronics front so that the
maximum utilization of solar energy
can be done by PV system.
Solar systems are found less
efficient. The output of solar system
majorly depends on shading of
the module. Partial shading of PV
modules will result in dramatic output
reduction because the modules
are connected in series. A group
of authors has defined the level
of shading and studied the power
output from a panel under different
combination of shade patterns
like 4, 8, 12, and 16 cells. It was
resulted that energy yield of a partly
shaded photovoltaic system is much
lower than we could assume from
the mean solar irradiance.
Multi-string inverter
Under these conditions, the wiring

configuration of the module becomes
critical to the maximum power output.
The Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) featured grid-tied inverters can
only track peak power of a single I-V
curve. Therefore a constant attention
is required towards the solar power
electronics so that the efficient energy
can be harvested. It is important to
explore the performance and size
issues for inverters in the application
on the timely basis. This paper starts
with the brief introduction to different
types of inverter available for grid-tied
solar system which is followed by the
micro inverters for the residential gridtied PV systems.
Inverters
A solar PV module produces DC
power which can be converted into
AC power using an inverter and
converted to 50 Hz. Apart from this
central task, most PV inverters that are
specially designed for grid-connected
systems also support a solar MPP
tracker. The key requirements for
grid-connected inverters are:
AC power source whose frequency
is determined by the grid.
Fully synchronous operation
with the grid system.
Automatic start-up and
synchronization in the presence of
sufficient insolation (for e.g., in the
morning) and automatic shutdown
in the absence of sufficient
insolation (for e.g., at night).
Start-up and operation enabled
only if the grid is operational and
immediate shutdown in the case
of a power failure, so as to avoid
stand-alone operation.
Low open-circuit loss and
low minimum start-up and
shutdown power.
For PV inverters used in residential
buildings, the device should
not interfere with neighbouring
electronic appliances such as
radios, i.e., low generation of
high-frequency interference
voltages on the DC and AC sides.
39
Micro Inverters: A Game Changer in Solar Electronics
RE Feature
Types of inverters
There are various types of inverters,
which are as follows:
Modulation (PWM) converter to

reduce implementation area (Fig.2).
PV
PV
Central inverter
Initially, the interface between
photovoltaic power supply and the
grid relied on the centralized inverter
technology. Inverters are connected
in series, called strings, generating
a sufficient high voltage to avoid
amplification (Figure 1). All strings
are then connected in parallel to
support high power to output. Only
one inverter is utilized to interface
with the grid. This technology suffers
from many disadvantageous issues,
which includes, high voltage DC cable
from a large number of strings to the
inverter and losses in string diodes.
This structure is also limited in MPPT
and controlling mismatch between
strings, hence individual PVs resulting
in low efficiency and unreliability. Also,
the non-flexible design makes it less
appealing in mass production. With
all these issues, this technology is not
used in new solar system installations.
PV
PV
DC
AC
PV
PV
grid
Figure 1: Block diagram of central

inverter-based PV system
Multi-string inverter
Multi-string inverter features the
optimal MPP tracking for a single
string of PVs. In this structure, DCDC
converter is implemented for each
string for MPP tracking and power
combination of different strings to a
DC bus. A big power stage works as
a grid-connected half bridge inverter
without transformer. The multi-string
inverter is useful when PV strings of
differently rated power and different
orientations are combined. The
DCDC part can be implemented
with high-frequency Pulse Width
40
PV
PV
DC
DC
DC
DC
DC
AC
grid
Ctrl unit
Figure 2: Block diagram of multi-string
String inverter
This technology illustrates efforts to
solve problems of the previous design.
It has a string of PV connected in
series with an inverter (Figure 3).
While still avoiding high voltage
amplification, this structure has
improved performance with no diode
loss in series, separate MPP tracking
for each string and lower cost with
mass productions. The inverter can
be implemented with high voltage
MOSFET/IGBT. It is possible to
have less PV in string with voltage
amplification by DCDC converter or
a line frequency transformer, which
increases total area. Although having
been introduced to the market for
about 10 years, this structure remains
a favourite choice in new installations.
However, in a common scenario of
partial shading, MPP tracking may still
not be sufficient to achieve a certain
efficiency requirement.
PV
PV
maximizing possible efficiency. As

it is modularized, the micro inverter
is good for mass production, which
potentially leads to low manufacturing
cost and low retail prices. This
technology is also very appropriate
for residential applications with low
power requirements and where
partial shading is a critical issue.
This type of inverter is also designed
with a plug and play feature so that
it can be installed without a deep
electrical knowledge. However, if
implemented by large number of
industries for industrial applications,
due to the distributed installation,
the maintenance requirements can
increase the cost and discourage
wide usage. Keeping inverter boxes
watertight and using components
that have large temperature ambient
are the two major concerns. It will be
necessary to develop a system that
can detect failure of any micro inverter
(Figure 4) and isolate it immediately. This
type of inverter has recently become
emerging product and promised a
remarkable market share in future.
PV
PV
grid
Figure 3: Block diagram of string
inverter- based PV system
Micro inverters
The micro inverter solution, also
called AC module, is the integration
of PV and inverter into one electrical
device. With only one PV to control,
there is no PV mismatch. MPP tracking
can be done at individual PV level,
Micro inverters increase reliability

of solar power system as the failure
of a single piece affects only that
solar panel and not the whole solar
array of solar panels as in the case of
traditional inverters.
Increased efficiency and

performance through MPPT
MPPT is a technology where variables,
such as solar irradiation, ambient
temperature, etc., are taken into
account to ensure that a system yields
maximum performance. A micro
inverter would perform MPPT on a
system consisting of just one inverter
and one solar panel. Micro inverterbased systems yield 525 per cent
increased power compared to systems
using central inverters.
Ease of installation
grid
Figure 4: Block diagram of micro

The traditional solar systems consisted

of only one inverter. Therefore,
in case of failure of inverter there
is no alternate of energy transfer.
For resolving this issue the idea of
string inverter was proposed and
implemented. Even with string
inverters, a PV system was not
suitable as a plug and play device for
domestic applications. Therefore, it
was considered desirable to design
systems that have inverters inside
the PV modules which ensure the
stable operation and MPPT for each
Reliability
Web-based monitoring on a panelby-panel basis is available for both the

users and the installers. Analysing this
information can be used to further
improve performance and ensures
timely maintenance and repairing.
DC
AC
PV
Advantages of micro inverters
Real time performance reports for

each panel and inverter
PV
Origin of idea behind

micro inverters
DC
AC
and every module. This type of

module, also known as AC module,
can be defined as a combination of
a single module and a single power
electronic inverter that converts light
into electrical alternating (AC) power
when it is connected in parallel to the
network. Primary functions of micro
inverters are to extract maximum
power from its companion solar panel
using advanced MPPT algorithms and
to convert the panel output voltage
to AC. This AC power is online and
can be either grid tied or directly
connected to load. The average life
of MI-based systems is about 25
years because of low rise of internal
temperature and elimination of bulky
electrolytic capacitors. Such systems
have a better physical and economical
scalability as compared to the string
inverters.
Central inverter
A study has provided the comparison

of output from micro and central
inverter in shaded condition of PV
cells. In this study, two strings of panel
were used in which one is connected
to central inverter and other string
is based on micro inverter. Shading
was introduced to both the array by
placing 12 wooden strip. It was
found that under shading condition
output from micro inverter was higher
than central inverter. Under without
shading condition, micro inverter
provides 20 per cent more output
than the central inverter.
Installing solar panels with micro

inverters is easier and faster and leads
to lower installation costs compared
to traditional inverters. Installers are
no longer limited by string design,
marginal designs, co-planarity, and
matched modules. Micro inverters
reduce wiring time, and remove the
need for DC switching points.
scalability. One can start with a

minimal set of solar modules and add
modules as needs and budgets grow
without requiring the replacement of
a large centralized inverter.
Cost-effective
Cost savings using micro inverters is
manifold. Micro inverters individually
are less expensive than a conventional
inverter. When a conventional inverter
fails, it is expensive to replace but in
the case of micro inverters, they are
far less likely to fail because of the
smaller amount of electricity they
must process when compared to a
conventional inverter.
Elimination of space and heat

problems of string inverters
String inverters occupy more space,
though not really big, and generate a
lot of heat which has to be cooled by
using fans.
Reputation in market
Micro inverters are being adopted
in greater numbers outside the
United States as new markets rush
to take advantage of the devices.
Indian scientists are designing and
integrating the micro inverter-based
systems in India. Photovoltaic micro
inverter shipments worldwide have
been set to increase to 2.1 GW in
2017, up from around 500 MW in
2013 by a rate of 306 per cent. A
number of new companies has
entered the market and released
their products, including the two
largest PV inverter manufacturers,
SMA and Power-One.
Conclusion
Longer life
Micro inverters usually come
with a warranty of 1025 years.
The mean life of micro inverters is
more than the life of the traditional
string inverters.
Flexibility
One of the major benefits of micro
inverters is their flexibility and
Solar systems have low efficiency

and are used in assistance with the
power electronics based system for
efficient energy harvesting. Micro
inverter technology is an upcoming
field and provides a good room
for research.
Er Kapil K Sharma, Dr Surendra Kothari, and Er
Prashant Kapurkar, Department of Renewable
Energy Engineering, Maharana Pratap University
of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
41
RE Tech Update
Renewable Energy Technology Applications for Rural Livelihoods: An Emerging Technological Option
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Technology
Applications for
Rural Livelihoods
An Emerging Technological Option
Sonal Kumar, Sameer Maithel, and S N Srinivas explain how

renewable energy technology can be applied to enhance the living
standards of the poor people living in rural areas of the country as
they find the latest solar powered equipment extremely useful.
Picture 1: Solar-assisted rapid milk chiller
(Photo credit: Promethean Spenta Technologies)
42
Picture 2: Solar panels for rapid milk chillers

round two-thirds of the Indian population lives

in rural areas and depends mainly upon
agriculture, milk production, poultry, fisheries,
forest-based livelihoods (leaf-plate making,
honey processing, bamboo products, etc.), and village
industries for their livelihoods. For many of the operations
involved in these livelihood activities, for example,
water-pumping for irrigation, post-harvest processing
operation of machines/equipment, etc., access to modern
energy can help in increasing incomes of millions of rural
poor households.
A majority of the Indian rural population has poor access
to clean and modern energy. Although 95 per cent villages
have been electrified, only around 55 per cent of the rural
households have access to electricity. The supply is limited,
erratic, unreliable, and is of poor quality. In the absence of
electricity, costly diesel fuel in diesel generator (DG) sets is
the option. Poor access to reliable and affordable energy
is negatively affecting productivity of these livelihood
activities and in turn, also the economic growth and social
development of the country.
India is endowed with abundant renewable energy
(RE) resources and decentralized RE-based solutions
have emerged as promising alternatives for providing
reliable and affordable energy in rural areas. There are
several examples where RE technology-based systems,
developed for specific applications, are performing
successfully and supporting the livelihoods. These include
solar photovoltaic (PV)-based water pumps, solar lighting
solutions, biomass gasifiers for both thermal as well as
Picture 3: Cold room of Promethean Spenta Technologies

electrical applications, improved community biomass cook

stoves, etc.
In addition to these proven RE technology applications
for rural livelihoods, there are several others which have
been developed and piloted recently and have potential
for large-scale replication. Some of these emerging
technological options are discussed in the following sections.
Solar-assisted rapid milk chiller

A large part of the milk production in the country is
through milk cooperatives. The cooperatives collect
milk from small milk producers. The milk is collected
twice daily (morning and evening) at milk collection
centres located in villages. The milk collected at the milk
collection centres is transported within a few hours (usually
35 hours) to a central milk chilling plant (see Picture 1 & 2).
The chilling plants usually operate on grid electricity with
diesel generators as back-up. In many places, a 20 kW DG
set acts as back-up. In places with poor electricity supply
situation, the diesel consumption for operating the chilling
plant adds to the milk chilling cost. Availability of RE-based
small milk chilling systems (up to 1,000 L/day) can be very
useful in extending the operations of the dairy cooperatives
to economically backward regions of the country.
Promethean Spenta Technologies has developed a
rapid milk chiller (see pictures 3 and 4) which operates
on thermal energy storage battery (a system to keep the
produce cool) which is charged through electric power.
The rapid milk chillers can cool 1,000 L of milk and can
Picture 4: Solar panels on the roof of Prometheans cold room

43
RE Tech Update
Picture 5: A cold room installed by Cold Chain Solutions near
Bhubaneshwar (Photo credit: Cold Chain Solutions)
store it for 12 days. One of the main advantages of

thermal battery concept is that it can be charged whenever
grid electricity is available or it can be charged by a solar
PV electric system during the day and then can be used
for milk chilling when required. As per the information
provided by the company, there are around 40 rapid milk
chillers installed in the areas of unreliable grid electricity
supply. A grid independent solar PV (4 kWp) powered milk
chiller has also been demonstrated and is operating for
past few months.
RE-based farm level small cold rooms

In India, the cold storage facilities are of large capacities,
used to store vegetables like potato and fruits. These are
generally located near bigger town or cities. In the absence
of cold storage facilities, the small farmers engaged in
growing vegetables mostly sell their produce in the nearby
market. In case of surplus production, the farmers are
forced to sell at substantially lower prices or sometime the
crop is wasted in the farms. A study conducted by Emerson
Climate Technologies in 2013 estimates that around
N 133 billion worth of fruits and vegetables is being wasted
in India per year due to inadequate cold storage and
refrigerated transport facilities.
Various organizations are working towards developing
farm level small cold storage facilities where farmers
can store surplus production for a short period of time
to reduce wastage and get a reasonable price for their
produce. This also helps the small and marginal farmers to
aggregate their produce and reduce the number of trips
to the market.
44
Renewable Energy Technology Applications for Rural Livelihoods: An Emerging Technological Option
Picture 6: Vegetables and flowers stored inside the cold room near
Bhubaneswar (Photo credit: Cold Chain Solutions)
Bayer Material Science and Cold Chain Solutions have

developed cold rooms of capacities up to 10 metric tonnes
(MT) (see pictures 5 and 6). These are based on vapour
compression refrigeration systems using electricity. Pilot
efforts are going on to power these cold rooms with solar
PV. The cold room developed by Promethean Spenta
Technologies operates on thermal energy storage battery
which is recharged through grid-solar PV hybrid system.
One such system (with cold room capacity of 4 MT and
solar PV modules of 2 kWp) is being tested near Pune.
The Energy and Resource Institute along with National
Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and Thermax Ltd has
developed a system of around 20 MT capacity, which uses
vapour absorption refrigeration technology and operates
on a solar-biomass hybrid system. The first system was
installed at NISE for testing and afterwards the technology
has been demonstrated in a village in Uttar Pradesh. The
refrigeration capacity of these cold rooms varied from
Picture 7: Aerator in the workshop of IIT Guwahati
(Photo credit: Department of Design, IIT Guwahati)
Picture 8: Aerator operating on diesel motor in Goalpara District of

Assam (Photo credit: Department of Design, IIT Guwahati)
two to five tonnes of refrigeration (TR) and these can

maintain the inside temperatures below 10 C.
Solar aerators for fish ponds

Aeration is a process of maintaining the amount of
dissolved oxygen (DO) in water bodies. Dissolved oxygen
level in the ponds is very critical for fish productivity and
a minimum DO level has to be maintained for the survival
of aquatic life. There are instances when the entire lot
of fish is found dead in the pond because of low DO
level. Aeration is often done either at the surface of pond
through paddle aerators or under-water through diffusers
In rural areas, the paddle aerators are more popular
because of simple design, low maintenance, and low cost.
Aeration is usually required for four to five hours daily and
mostly diesel motors are being used. IIT Guwahati has
developed an efficient paddle aerator which runs on a 1
hp motor. It is mounted on a small boat type structure that
Picture 10: Solar panels to power the charkha (Photo Source:
Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization)
Picture 9: Workers working on solar-operated charkha

(Photo credit: Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization)
floats on the pond surface while aerating. In collaboration

with a local NGO, the system has been demonstrated in the
Goalpara district of Assam and pilots efforts are going on to
run this aerator with solar PV power (see pictures 7 and 8).
Solar powered cloth and garment making

A large number of weavers and artisans are involved in
handspun and hand-woven cloth making and for this
purpose use of manual spinning wheel (charkha) and
handloom is a common practice (see Picture 9 and 10).
To reduce the physical labour and increase the earning
capacity by increasing the productivity, Mahatma Gandhi
Institute for Rural Industrialization has developed an entire
range of solar powered equipment (solar charkha, solar
loom, and solar sewing machine). The capacities of solar
PV modules for these equipment vary in the range of
60200 Wp. During last few years, these equipment have
been demonstrated in various clusters across the country
and the results have been encouraging.
The integration with RE is new in these livelihood
applications. Systematic efforts are required to
demonstrate and monitor the technical and economic
performance of these pilot systems so that these can be
converted into products ready for commercialization.
Innovative business models of financing and delivery
would also need to be developed to reach to potential
beneficiaries who belong to poor and marginalized
sections of the society.
Ms Sonal Kumar and Mr Sameer Maithel, Greentech Knowledge Solutions
Pvt. Ltd. Email: sonal@gkspl.in
Dr S N Srinivas, Programme Officer, UNDP. Email: sn.srinivas@undp.org
45
Events
RE Events
MNRE encourages states to promote

renewable energy projects
he Ministry of New and

Renewable Energy (MNRE)
organized a conference of
states principal secretaries,
secretaries, and the heads of the State
Nodal Agencies for renewable energy
on September 17, 2014 at SCOPE
complex, New Delhi, to establish
various renewable energy projects.
The conference was inaugurated by
Honourable Minister MNRE, Mr Piyush
Goyal. The minister encouraged all
state representatives to promote
the renewable energy in their
respective states. He announced the
establishment of an agency named
the Association of States Nodal
Agencies. The main objective of this
association would be to invite global

investors to invest in all states for
optimally using various renewable
energy resources. The minister said
the association will facilitate all states
to collectively organize, research,
learn, visit, and collaborate with one
another that in order to establish
various renewable energy projects.
Addressing the state
representatives, the minister
applauded the efforts made by Andhra
Pradesh in establishing solar parks.
He made special mention of the
rooftop solar panels as an area to
explore. He also talked about solar
pumps and public sector company
Power Grid's commitment towards
providing impeccable services in

power transportation. He also praised
the support provided by NTPC to
various states in managing renewable
energy. The minister stressed on
Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modis call
of "Zero Defect-Zero Effect" regarding
the usage of the renewable energy
resources, viz., all renewable energy
products should have zero defect and
zero impact/effect on environment
At the conference, discussions
were held regarding setting up of
solar parks in various locations in
several states. These were followed
by presentations on power system
operation, forecasting and scheduling
of renewable energy, national
renewable products marketing
policy, and marketing and media
strategy for mainstreaming improved
cook stoves. Besides, Sh Upendra
Tripathi, Secretary MNRE, discussed
the creation of a Renewable Energy
University by associating national
level institutions, i.e., NISE, SSSNRE,
and C-WET. He also announced the
"Global Investors Meet", to be held on
February 1517, 2015, and urged upon
the state representatives to mobilize
the investors for their states.
5th World Renewable Energy

Technology Congress & Expo2014
Held on August 2123, 2014, at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi
he 5th World Renewable

Energy Technology Congress
& Expo-2014 served as an
excellent platform for the
global renewable energy industry.
Various industry issues, including
innovations, new technologies,
investment opportunities, and project
financing were discussed at the expo.
46
Mr Upendra Tripathy, Secretary,

Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy, Government of India,
delivered the inaugural address
and highlighted the importance of
promoting renewable energy and
green technology for its sustainability.
During the inaugural ceremony,
Energy and Environment Foundation
awarded the prestigious 'Energy

And Environment Foundation
Policy Innovation Award 2014 in
the renewable energy sector to
Shri Tarun Kapur, Joint Secretary,
MNRE, Government of India, and
also conferred the Energy And
Environment Foundation Global
Excellence Awards 2014 in the
renewable energy sector to

Mr Rajinder Kumar Kaura, CMD,
Bergen Group of Companies;
Mr Rahul Munjal, managing director,
Hero Future Energies Pvt. Ltd;
Mr Arun Kumar, Managing Director,
SunPower Solar India Pvt. Ltd;
Mr Mats Denninger, Swedish
Governments high representative for
International Environment Technology
Cooperation, Sweden; Dr Sunita
Narain, Director General, Centre for

Science and Environment; Mr Devansh
Jain, Managing Director, INOX Wind
Limited; and Professor T Harinarayana,
Director, Gujarat Energy Research &
Management Institute (GERMI).
The conference deliberated upon
various issues related to innovation in
renewable energy, renewable energy
by 2030, policy and regulatory issues
including Solar and Wind
roadmap, Financing RE Projects:

A Way Forward, Developing Solar
Industry: Key Challenges and Way
Forward, bioenergy-biomass-biofuel,
Wind: New Technology and Offshore
Wind Farming, waste-to-energy, smart
technologies and Energy Efficiency
and Conservation: Sustainable
Transportation, rural energy access.
Piyush Goyal urges 24 7 power for all,

emphasizes on mission-mode approach
r Piyush Goyal, Union

Minister of State (I/C)
for Power, Coal
and New and Renewable
Energy has urged all states and Union
Territories (UTs) to work together in
a time-bound manner to achieve
the goal of 24 7 power for all.
Inaugurating the Conference of
Ministers of Power and Mines of states
and UTs, Mr Goyal said that a Mission
Mode approach, in a fast-track
manner, was needed to be adopted
for solving problems in the energy
sector. He said that the conference
would pave the way for getting a
better understanding of the ground

realities and practical problems of
the states/UTs. The Minister also
assured that the Centre is committed
unequivocally to help resolves
these issues.
Pointing out that the working of
Ministries of Power, Coal and New
and Renewable Energy in an inclusive
fashion was going to be the game
changer in the energy sector,
Mr Goyal appealed to all States and
UTs to work as a team with the Centre
for focusing on the development
agenda of the nation. Expressing
condolence over the loss of lives in
J&K floods, the Minister suggested

that the states which had experienced
such a massive natural disaster in
recent times might send their experts
to J&K for immediate relief and
rehabilitation in consultation with
National Disaster Relief Force. The
one-day conference was attended
by Power and Mines ministers
from 29 states and five UTs. The
agenda of the meeting included 24
7 power for all, strengthening of
transmission network, development
of hydro power, coal related issues,
and promotion of renewable energy
sources.
47
RE Product
Children's Corner
Solar Powered
Water Pumps
Screening Ability and Efficacy of
Sun Screen Lotions
reliable system will power your water pump with a

cleaner and greener form of energy.
n off-grid solution has been developed by Ahuja

Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd (AES) for rural and
urban applications, where electricity is very
erratic and unpredictable. With this technology,
the farmers need not depend on grid electricity for their
agricultural requirements and 300 days of sunshine can
provide them safe and reliable access to water. Utilizing
solar energy to power water pumps will also largely reduce
carbon footprint.
The system can be manually switched over to electricity

board supply when solar power is not available, i.e., on a
total cloudy or rainy day.
It will ensure that power supply is uninterrupted and
solar energy is used to the maximum extent possible.
With inbuilt MPPT algorithm in L&Ts VFD, there is no
need to maintain any external MPPT harowQare along
with the drive.
Features
Power plant will generate electricity during sun hours,
i.e., 8 am to 5:30 pm, 10 am3 pm being the peak hours.
Advantages
Very economical solution for safe and reliable access to water
The existing surface pump or submersible pump

connected to the system will automatically get
powered. [Multiple water pumps can run using a single
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) of equivalent capacity.]
With about 300330 clear, sunny days in a year, a
Exposure of skin to rays from the

sun is unavoidable, but many people
purposely bathe their bodies in these
rays to achieve a perfect tan. In
India, people apply sun screen lotions
to prevent darkening and protecting
of skin from suns ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. While determining the
screening ability and effectiveness
of sun screen lotions, let's examine
the relationship between cost and
effectiveness of sun screening products.
Materials
Converts existing AC pumps into solar driven pump
Masking tape
Continuous power supply throughout the day time
Tap water
No maintenance as compared to diesel pump set
Marking pen
No recurring fuel cost as compared to diesel pumps
Four brands of sunblock

lotion with the
same SPF
Technical Specifications
Component
3 hp
5 hp
7.5 hp
10 hp
Solar Capacity DC
3 KW
5 KW
7.5 KW
10 KW
Area Required
~300 SFT
~500 SFT
~750 SFT
~1000 SFT
Solar Drive
L&T Solar AC
drive A1000
L&T Solar AC drive

A1000
L&T Solar AC
drive A1000
L&T Solar AC drive

A1000
Sunprint photographic
paper (Purchase this
paper at a nature
or toy store)
Clear plastic report folder
Procedure
with US
Akshay Urja (bilingual) is widely circulated

to all stakeholders of renewable energy.
We invite advertisements (in colour) from
interested organizations, manufacturers,
institutions, etc. The advertisement tariffs
are as follows:
Ad Position
Single Issue
Three Issues
Discount Offer
Six Issues
Discount Offer
Inside front cover (INR)
50,000
150,000
142,500
300,000
276,000
Inside back cover (INR)
50,000
150,000
142,500
300,000
276,000
Inside full page (INR)
40,000
120,000
114,000
240,000
220,800
Use masking tape to divide the

top sheet of the report folder into
four equal parts. Number each

of the four sections and assign a
number to each brand of lotion and
record it in a data table.
Use your fingers to coat each

section of the plastic with the
corresponding brand of lotion.
Wash your hands before applying
each brand and make sure you
apply equal thicknesses of lotion to
each section.
In a semi-darkened room,
remove a sheet of developing
paper from its protective container.
Close the container tightly to
protect the remaining sheets from
light exposure.
Raise the lotion-coated plastic
and place the sheet of developing
paper, glossy side up, inside the
folder. Close the folder and set it,
lotion side up, outside in the sun.
Best results occur at midday when
the suns rays are most direct.
After five minutes, return the folder
to the darkened room. Dunk the
photographic paper in the tub of
water. Leave it in there for one
minute to wash. Then take it out
and hang it up or lay it flat to dry.
Kerosene lamps
as lighting source
after dark lead to
black carbon emissions
and limited efficiency
while studying.
Observe the degree of colouration

on each section of the paper.
Result
The sunprint paper remains
unchanged under the strips of tape.
Under the lotions, the paper has
various degrees of darkness.
Why?
Sunprint photographic paper is coated
with a light-sensitive compound.
Exposure to light, like the sun,
chemically changes the compound
producing a dark color. The amount
of change depends on the amount
of light that falls on the paper. Thus,
the areas shielded from light by the
tape remain white. The degree of
darkness in the area shielded by the
lotions in this experiment indicates
the effectiveness of each lotion in
blocking out the suns rays. The water
removes the light-sensitive compound
on the paper; thus, the image on
the paper is fixed (made permanent)
so that light no longer turns it dark
and you have a permanent record of
your results.
Source: http://www.education.com
Solar lamps
transform
children's
education with
reliable and safe
lighting and also
extend their
reading time after
sunset.
Interested organizations may write to

TERI PRESS | TERI, Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex | Lodhi Road, New Delhi -110 003
Tel. +91 11 2468 2100, 4150 4900 | Fax: +91 11 2468 2144, 2468 2145 | Email: teripress@teri.res.in | Web: www.teriin.org
48
49
Web/Book Alert
Forthcoming Events
911 October, 2014 | Mumbai

IFAT India 2014
ENVIS website enhanced environmental information on RE and environment
Website: http://www.eai.in/360/events/pages/445
1820 November, 2014 | Mumbai

Intersolar India
National
The Environmental Information System (ENVIS) network (www.envis.nic.in) was established as a plan programme
under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India in December 1982.
At present, there are a total of 68 centres across India collecting and disseminating environmental information. TERI
has been hosting the ENVIS Centre on Renewable Energy and Environment since July 1984. The major objectives of
the Centre are collection and dissemination of information in order to support and promote research, development,
and innovation among researcher, policymakers, academicians, and other stakeholders. The present ENVIS website
(www.terienvis.nic.in) is rich in content and has been maintained and updated periodically. This popular website has
dedicated sections on different aspects on renewable energy and highlights renewable energy technologies, case
studies, statistics, recent news, regulations, and policies, and online databases. The TERI ENVIS Centre sensitizes the
user community by bringing out regular publication TIDEE (TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment) and
eNREE (Electronic Newsletter on Renewable Energy and Environment). The Centre has brought out issue specific
research publications on the subjects for wider dissemination.
Website: https://www.intersolar.in/en/intersolar-india.html
19 November, 2014 | New Delhi

Re-discovering the Nation's Energy Insdustry
Website: http://www.indiapower.org
45 December, 2014 |
New Delhi
2nd International Conference & Exhibition on Energy Storage &

Microgrids in India
Website: http://www.eai.in/360/events/pages/475
1618 December, 2014 |

Finance Policy for
Renewable Energy
and a Sustainable
Environment
Michael Curley
CRC Press (2014)
258 Pages
Nanofabrication and
its Application in
Renewable Energy
Gang Zhang, Navin Manjooran
RSC Publishing (2014)
225 pages
Ahmedabad
The 30th International PLEA 2014 Conference
Optimum Design of
Renewable Energy
Systems: Microgrid and
Nature Grid Methods
Website: http://www.plea2014.in
1315 October, 2014 |
Cerbobbio, Italy
International Conference and Exhibition: Hydro 2014
Shinya Obara
Kitami Institute of Technology (2014)
430 Pages
Website: http://www.hydropower-dams.com
1314 October, 2014 |
London, United Kingdom
Energy from Waste
50
Nanoscale
materials and
structures
have attracted
great
attention in
recent years
because of
their unique
physical and
chemical
properties
and potential use in energy
transport and conversion. This
book puts the subject into context
by first looking at current synthesis
methods for nanomaterials, from
the bottom-up and top-down
methods, followed by enhanced
energy conversion efficiency at
the nanoscale and then specific
applications, such as photovoltaic
cells and nanogenerators. This
authoritative and comprehensive
book will be of interest to both
the existing scientific community
and the new people who wish to
explore this field.
The
management
of global
warming is
a relevant
issue all over
the world
and involves
experts from
various fields
considering
various
methods to control earths
atmospheric temperature. While
microgrid technology is emerging
as the next generation energy
supply system, renewable energy
is often unstable and requires the
support of conventional energy
equipment.
Optimum Design of Renewable
Energy Systems: Microgrid and
Nature Grid Methods investigates
the development of highly
efficient energy storage equipment
and of operation optimization
technology of compound energy
systems.
Website: http://www.smi-online.co.uk/2014energy-waste13.asp
1922 October, 2014 |
Milwaukee, USA
ICRERA 2014
Website: http://www.icrera.org/
2324 October, 2014 |
International
Environmental
finance is
about creating
the greatest
environmental
benefit for the
large number
of people at
the lowest
possible cost.
This is the
first and the
most important principle listed
in Finance Policy for Renewable
Energy and a Sustainable
Environment. This book examines
the key financial principles
necessary to build strategies and
adopt policies to deal effectively
with environmental challenges.
The text encourages making
financial decisions based on
science and not politics, and
considers what it takes to design
and execute environmental
finance programmes in the most
cost-effective way possible.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Solar Indaba
Website: http://www.greenpowerconferences.com
2728 October, 2014 | London, United Kingdom

Wind Operator Congress, Europe
2729 October, 2014 | San Diego, United States of America

World Bio Markets, USA
Webiste: http://www.greenpowerconferences.com
1720 November, 2014 | San Jose, CA, United States of America

Renewable Energy from Waste (REW) Conference
Website: http://www.REWConference.com
1720 November, 2014 | Venice, Italy

Fifth International Symposium on Energy from Biomass and Waste
Website: http://www.venicesymposium.it
24 December, 2014 | Istanbul, Turkey

Geo Power Global Congress
911 December, 2014 | Orlando, FL, United States of America

Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America
Website: http://www.renewableenergyworld-events.com/index.html
51
RE Statistics
Renewable Energy at a Glance: Global Scenario
RE Electricity
Generation and
Demand Status
2013
Source:
IRENA database
100%
90%
80%
70%
Renewable as a
Share of Global
Capacity Additions
(200113)
58%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
Source:
IRENA database
42%
19%
0%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
104
Renewables (GW)
20
Non-renewables (GW) 84
Bioenergy
Wind
Geothermal
120
60%
100
50%
80
Share of renewables
in capacity additions
40%
60
30%
40
20%
20
10%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
134 150
22 34
111 116
153 134
36 41
116 93
180
47
133
200 174
56 67
145 107
185
85
100
252 234
94 115
138 118
233 207
116 120
117 87
Ocean
70%
0%
Share of Power Capacity Additions (%)
Renewables Power Capacity Additions (GW)
CSP
140
52
Solar PV
Renewables
10%
Total net capacity

added per year (GW)
Hyderopower
Non-renewables
(Coal, Gas, Nuclear, and Oil)
81%
Annual Renewables
Capacity Addition
by Technology
(200113)
Source:
IRENA database

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www.mnre.gov.

Solar street lighting system in Himachal Pradesh

A bi-monthly newsletter of the Ministry of New and

Technology Solution to Combat

Renewable Energy for Rural Areas

Improved Biomass Cookstove: A

Renewable Energy Development

Renewable Energy Technology

Solar Air Heating in Ladakh: An

In a study on biomass cookstove,

R Joshua, Dr V Vasu, and

Utility of Solar Pumps for Salt Farmers:

PUBLISHER AND PRINTER

Sonal Kumar, Sameer Maithel,

Disclaimer: The views expressed by authors

Cover Photo Credit: MNRE, TERI (LaBL)

From the Editors Desk

| Akshay Urja | October 2014

October 2014 | Akshay Urja |

Renewable Energy News

India. The total loan period

energy projects across the

March 2014. It has been

Madhya Pradesh to get worlds largest solar power project

| Akshay Urja | October 2014

spread over four villages

Solar plants of 715 kW total capacity being installed in Delhi

Four SPV plants of 10 kWp

SPV plants at government

these projects will start.

Solar power plant set up at Dwarka Metro station

Limited, and the

India's first-ever solar

solar power generating

depots, parking lots as well

GIZ through the project

October 2014 | Akshay Urja |

lines and substations. "The

The OCR component has a

| Akshay Urja | October 2014

brings in substantial tax

indent to buy solar panels

several incentives on offer,

seven renewable energy

solar power in the

Indian solar industry overcomes anti-dumping case, refocuses on growth

Taiwan, Malaysia, and the

installation growth, the end

industry back on track for

October 2014 | Akshay Urja |

with enough power for

South Korea, which was

Nazarbayev university develops powerful batteries for renewable energy

providing more than

lithium-sulphur batteries and

energy for large

International energy agencys global renewable energy forecast for 2020

Geothermal power approaches 12,000 MW worldwide

In 2013, global renewable

In 2013, world geothermal

| Akshay Urja | October 2014

notes that the outlook

is 5,505 TWh, compared to

the IEA notes that global