Hi friends,

As Chennai and in general, Tamil Nadu is poised to become the green energy hub of India, I thought we can have a separate thread for it. You can post solar/wind/etc. related projects here.

Further down this page, wlbkng has a list of companies doing business in Chennai/TN.

Thanks.

http://www.windpowermonthly.com/news/1056917/Vestas-opens-R-D-test-centre-India/

Vestas has opened a research and development test centre for wind turbine components in Chennai, India.

The centre will be adjacent to Vestas’ existing R&D office that opened in 2008 and which is also being expanded.

Vestas technology and R&D vice president of test, verification and quality Servet Sert said the centre would be involved in the verification of components.

In October, Vestas became the first overseas wind manufacturer to open an R&D facility in China.

It continues Vestas’ development in India, one of the world’s fastest growing wind turbines markets, and a key wind power market for Vestas.

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Vestas has expanded its Technology R&D capabilities in India with the opening of a state-of-the-art test centre for wind turbines components in Chennai to further ensure the reliability of Vestas products.

The test centre is located at Rajiv Gandhi Salai, adjacent to the existing Technology R&D office that opened in 2008. It continues Vestas’ development in India, one of the world’s fastest growing wind energy markets, and a key wind power market for Vestas.

“The new Test Center will play an important role for Vestas. This new facility adds to our global testing and verification of wind turbine components to further improve their reliability and performance,” says Servet Sert, Vice President of Test, Verification and Quality for Vestas Technology R&D.

Commenting on the Vestas Technology R&D operations in India, Michael Høgedal, Managing Director, Vestas Technology R&D Chennai, says: “Vestas Technology R&D is continuing to invest in the huge pool of engineering talent available in Chennai. Together with our technology centre, this test centre forms a crucial part in ensuring Vestas continuing its role as a world-class supplier of wind energy solutions.”

The test centre will generate more “green jobs” locally in Chennai, where employees research on competitive answers to combat CO2 emissions and rapidly growing huge energy needs of India. In addition to the opening of the test centre, Vestas Technology R&D is also expanding its existing office space at Chennai by an additional 35,000 square feet.

A pioneer of 30 years in wind energy, with the world's largest R&D centre, real-time monitoring of thousands of turbines and over 20,000 people worldwide focusing solely on wind, Vestas strives to bring wind on par with oil and gas. Vestas is the leading producer of high technological wind power solutions and has installed over 43,000 wind turbines in 66 countries on 6 continents. Vestas' core business comprises the development, manufacture, sale and maintenance of wind technology that uses the energy of the wind to generate electricity. The company has a talent pool of more than 20,000 people worldwide which works towards one pure goal: generating the greatest and most sustainable return on wind for its customers.

Vestas Wind Technology India Private Limited is a 100% subsidiary of Vestas Wind Systems A/S Denmark, the global leader in wind energy. In India, Vestas has been present for over a decade and has an installed capacity of over 2400 MW. Vestas competencies cover the entire value chain from site studies to construction and commissioning, developing the infrastructure (road, power evacuation, substations, etc.), liaisoning with government agencies and turbine monitoring with Lifetime comprehensive Operation and Maintenance Services. Vestas has installed turbines in wind rich states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala and Rajasthan. Vestas has world class manufacturing facilities in Chennai and Puducherry.

Established in August 2007, Vestas Technology R&D in Chennai is the largest Technology R&D centre for wind energy in India and it employs over 300 specialists in Chennai who carry out cutting edge R&D into all aspects of wind turbine engineering and design.

Hi all, here is a list of renewable energy related companies associated with Chennai.

Wind Based
1. RRB Energy - Corporate Office (KK Nagar), Blade and Controller Mfg Unit(Poonamalle)
2. Vestas India - Manufacturing(Vestas Nacelles, Sholinganallur), Sales& Corporate Office (Sholinganallur), R&D Centre (TECCI Park, Sholinganallur),
3. Indowind energy limited - Corporate office (Nungambakkam)
4. NEPC India Ltd - Corporate office (Wallajah Road)
5. Auro Mira Energy Company pvt ltd(Biomass, small hydel and wind) - Thousand lights
6. Suzlon Energy - Branch office (Anna salai)
7. Pioneer Wincon Private Limited (PWPL) - Corporate Office
8. Regen Powertech Pvt Ltd - Corporate office (Greams Road)
9. Winwind Power Energy Private Limited - Administration & Sales (Anna Salai), Manufacturing
10. Romax Wind Energy Technology - Wind Business Centre (T.Nagar)
11. Leitner Shriram Manufacturing Ltd - Manufacturing & HQ (Gummidipoondi)
12. Gamesa - Manufacturing, R&D (Red Hills)
13. TTG Industries (Collaboration with Husumer Schiffswerft) - Main office & Manufacturing (Vanagaram)
14. Enercon India - Marketing Office (Greams Road)
15. Das Lagerway Wind Turbines Ltd - Teynampet
16. Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers' Association - Registered office (Santhome High Road)
17. Vaigunth Ener Tek (P) Ltd - Registered Office (Pallikaranai)
18. GE Wind Energy - Wind Turbine assembly
19. Centre for Wind Energy Technology - Velachery
20. Southern Wind Farms Ltd - Manufacturing (Ashok Nagar)
21. Aban Energies Ltd - HQ (Egmore)
22. Winergy Drive Systems Ltd. - Turbine Gear assembly (Sriperumbadur)
23. Vayu Energy Pvt Ltd - Chennai
24. Avanti Wind Systems - Manufacturing


Solar Based
1. Moser Baer - Solar Photovoltaic cells plant - Chennai
2. The Switch - Main office
3. Poseidon Solar - Recycling unit (Gummidipoondi)
4. SunEdison - Office
5. Numeric Power systems - Solar division
6. Signet Solar - Manufacturing (Sriperumbadur)
7. Solkar Solar Industry Ltd - Corporate office (Nungambakkam) & Manufacturing (Ambattur)


If you are aware of more companies, let me know through a msg in my profile, i'll add it..

Will TN become a green energy hub of India like California of US? Lets hope the govt thinks with a vision for future.

Gamesa has wind turbine unit in chennai it is a spanish company.

Will TN become a green energy hub of India like California of US? Lets hope the govt thinks with a vision for future.
Yes, right now TN and GJ are leading green energy generators in the country. :cheers:

for wind energy, tamil nadu is the only major market. thats why almost everyone is present here.

I reckon that offshore wind energy is another area where a lot of potential is there for generating electricity. Is there any offshore wind farms in TN or even in India?

TVH launches Green Building Conclave. His holiness Sadguru Jaggi vasudev presided over the function at Park Sheraton. It is to be noted Project Green hands has planted 25 Million trees so far and has acheived 80% progress in maintaining them. Plan to acheive 33% green cover in Tamilnadu in another 5 years time.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/366/25022011532.jpg (http://img694.imageshack.us/i/25022011532.jpg/)

^^ I think that post is a bit irrelevant. Do not confuse Green energy with green cover! This is mainly to deal with Wind/Solar/Biomass and allied 'energy producing' projects only!!

Ennaku ellamae Pachaiya than theriuthu. Oru aarva Kollaru. ( I thought green conclave is also a related subjet) Excuse me.

Great going TN :banana2: More n more industries , RnD centres and Power project is all we need now ...
Now that we are in a good position in Green energy sector .. and we are still growing strongly ... I wonder why dont TN

govt. setup a Solar Thermal Power plant in the state .. It will be a nice way of welcoming more investments and also

help us in start depending on more renewable energy resources for our needs .. win-win solution :)

like this ...

http://fexgc.com/images/brightsource-solar-mojave2.jpg

Though Solar film technology is good , they shouldn't ignore Solar thermal energy production as they are much more efficient than PV cells in capturing the energy ...

^^The difference between TN and most other states is that in TN, its cheaper/almost equal to produce electricity through green energy than the normal way; also because of many windy areas and solar density in the state that facilitate it. So that is why its natural that green energy is being promoted.

TNEB will soon introduce net metering which will enable residents generate electricity with roof top solar units. The power can be used for the household, otherwise it will be fed into the grid. Residents will be charged only for the consumed power.

Already a thread exists for Renewable Energy in TN forum !!! Why another one for Chennai? Oversight???

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1289721

hmm...only green energy projects specific to chennai are posted here, like r and d centre, equipment production plants etc. TN thread is for solar/wind power plants and its implementation, etc.

The difference between TN and most other states is that in TN, its cheaper/almost equal to produce electricity through green energy than the normal way; also because of many windy areas and solar density in the state that facilitate it. So that is why its natural that green energy is being promoted.

^^Thats not true. TN does not have any special advantages when it comes to natural endowment. Sure it has a few passes where the wind is "funneled" but those kind of areas are present in other states too. As far as solar resource is concerned, Gujarat and Rajasthan are far more endowed than TN. Check out the solar insolation map from wikipedia. It is safe to say we are one of the better performing state rather than saying we are better endowed.

erm...what i meant was that tn gets good amount of solar/wind exposure, not the highest. A state that has highest solar density doesn't mean its cheaper to produce solar energy there (in relative terms), In TN its cheap.

In simple words, TN is a veeeeery veeeery power deficient state, that is why green energy is cheaper than buying power.

state that has highest solar density doesn't mean its cheaper to produce solar energy there (in relative terms).

Why do you say so? AFAIK, Solar insolation and no of hours of clear sun are the most important factors for determining cost of electricity (assuming solar cell efficiency and cost of production are same). In that aspects no way TN can compete on cost basis with the vast deserts of Rj and Rann of Kutch. Those are a order of magnitude better than TN. Infact TN is comparable to MH. Just wait and see in 3 -5 years. Gj and Rj will be racing ahead in the solar capacity.

In simple words, TN is a veeeeery veeeery power deficient state, that is why green energy is cheaper than buying power.

Again wrong :) Merchant power costs between 3 to 6 rupees whereas solar power costs 15 to 18 rupees. But sooner or later, it will cross over.

true, prices have not yet reached that level....that is why tn government is pushing up demand, so it will be cheap in future.

Rajasthan needs kutti energy, Gujarat needs energy and TN vary vary much needs energy.

As for wind energy, its already cheaper for industrial units.

How to calculate solar power costs?

How to calculate solar power costs?

Total cost over the product life cycle/no.of units produced.

I reckon that offshore wind energy is another area where a lot of potential is there for generating electricity. Is there any offshore wind farms in TN or even in India?

This is incredible information on the alternate source of energy. I am amazed with the kind of information you guyz have collected. Offshore windmills is in nascent stage. This has been tried in the Scandinavian countries, I have seen during my visits. It is an expensive proposition I believe. I have on business visits to Madras met some of the companies. they are doing a great work.

Everyone would remember SUZLON, at least they claim to be world leaders this was marketed very well and they were visible. Unfortunately Like Madras city which is not marketed well, many business concepts that were conceptualized in TN have never been hyped or marketed well. Viz Spencers Plaza, Saravanas (one opp to Panagal Park) Kishore Biyani seems to have picked this idea of large format stores from Saravanas and dared to dream big and made it happen. Andwhereas Saravanas or other big chains never ventured out of TN. Alternate energy is the future and like how Karnataka promoted Bangalore as Silicon Valley (inspite of the pathetic infrastructure) TN government should leave aside the politics and promote the CITY as a world class one - in the making. Mayor should be vested with powers and a Bloomberg of NY city should evolve in Madras city.

Anyways great going, good luck

You can look into TN renewable energy thread too. That has a lot of info

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1289721

Total cost over the product life cycle/no.of units produced.

thanks!

Initial setup cost will be higher for solar systems , Just for an example a 6ft by 3 ft solar thermal collector (Flat type ) which will produce a temperature increase of around 100 degree Celsius would cost 10,000 R.s ... This will be sufficient just to heat water to around 90 degree celcius(Considering all losses) ..

Give me sometime i will bring up a small calculation for specific amount of power production ... Also the solar heat incidence depends on various factors like
*time of the year
* Position of the sun
*distance from equator
etc.,

Also the solar heat incidence depends on various factors like
*time of the year
* Position of the sun
*distance from equator
etc.,

Yes and No. Correct me if I am wrong. I think that the technology in that area advanced enough nowadays to overcome those limitations (like employing solar tracker to track the sun, using effective reflector solutions to reflect the light back etc.,)

Kishore Biyani seems to have picked this idea of large format stores from Saravanas and dared to dream big and made it happen.
Anyways great going, good luck

Kishore-ndravaru Biriyani kudukkarara? Engappa? address sollunga :)

Kishore-ndravaru Biriyani kudukkarara? Engappa? address sollunga :)

Its Biyani, not Biriyani(neengalum quarter & kozhi biriyani case ah :lol:). Biyani owns the Future group(which has brands including Pantaloons)..

neengalum quarter & kozhi biriyani case ah :lol:.

Nothing in the world motivates people like free-biriyani, free-lunch or free-pizza. Wanna bet? :)

We have been trying for a large solar panel park in TN for the last 2 years but the land cost is very high compared to other states.

The Govt is considering this as a real estate project.

The initial establishment cost is also very high and both Central & state Govts should implement some new TAX SOPs.

Moser Baer & Signet Solar projects are also not progressing much due to the lethargy.

Now it is up to the next Govt in TN.

^^
Recently, a 1 MW Solar park was synchronised with grid at Sivagangai. Our member Blackpearl has been saying that land cost around Ottapidaram,Ettyapuram,Thapathi etc is quite low and density of population is low. Being a dry area, you may have a great chance to set up a park.

Fix up and get started...

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-28/india-budget-disappoints-renewable-energy-sector-gamesa-says.html

Ramesh Kymal, chairman of the Indian unit of Gamesa Corp Tecnologica SA, Spain’s largest wind-turbine maker, said India’s proposed budget for the fiscal year starting April 1 is a disappointment to the renewable energy industry.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the budget today, which will be put to vote in parliament. Kymal, chairman of Gamesa Wind Turbines (India), said in Chennai:

I am “disappointed with the lack of aggression and support for the renewable energy sector. India pays a huge fuel subsidy. We are doing nothing for renewable energy sector and continue to subsidize oil and coal, which is not good in the long term.

‘‘Ultimately, it will impact the Indian economy. India cannot achieve 9 percent gross domestic product growth unless we address the energy problems of the country.’’

^^
Recently, a 1 MW Solar park was synchronised with grid at Sivagangai. Our member Blackpearl has been saying that land cost around Ottapidaram,Ettyapuram,Thapathi etc is quite low and density of population is low. Being a dry area, you may have a great chance to set up a park.

Fix up and get started...

That is 5 MW power plant not 1 MW.. http://www.moserbaerprojects.com/solarpower-projects.asp?links=sp4#b2

We have been trying for a large solar panel park in TN for the last 2 years but the land cost is very high compared to other states.

The Govt is considering this as a real estate project.

The initial establishment cost is also very high and both Central & state Govts should implement some new TAX SOPs.

Moser Baer & Signet Solar projects are also not progressing much due to the lethargy.

Now it is up to the next Govt in TN.

Like Leo said, Sivaganga district and other semi arid regions located on the wayward area of western ghats (the settings of a typical Bharathiraja film) will be your best bet. How much area will be required for setting up a solar plant?

Yes and No. Correct me if I am wrong. I think that the technology in that area advanced enough nowadays to overcome those limitations (like employing solar tracker to track the sun, using effective reflector solutions to reflect the light back etc.,)




you got me wrong ... :) I was referring the factors which affect the average solar incidence on a particular region or city ..
See the solar radiation on earth day per day is 1386 W/sq.m which will not be same at all places

* The solar energy at dawn and dusk per sq.m will be less and during midday will be high...
*Similarly 1386 is the average value , Chennai will have its own energy incidence value and Delhi will have its own value .Which u have to determine using those factors
*And the solar tracker which u mentioned is for effectively capturing whatever is available till the sun disappears , it cannot provide or boost more than what u get there..(Am considering one collector here)
*This calculated energy incidence in that region will give you a fair idea (without other energy losses) how much solar power u can siphon out from that region...
* In fact the most effective parabolic or dish solar heat collectors even now are having So much of conduction energy loses

Snippets :

The test centre will generate more “green jobs” locally in Chennai, where employees research on competitive answers to combat CO2 emissions and rapidly growing huge energy needs of India. In addition to the opening of the test centre, Vestas Technology R&D is also expanding its existing office space at Chennai by an additional 35,000 square feet.



Established in August 2007, Vestas Technology R&D in Chennai is the largest Technology R&D centre for wind energy in India and it employs over 300 specialists in Chennai who carry out cutting edge R&D into all aspects of wind turbine engineering and design.


http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=10462

*And the solar tracker which u mentioned is for effectively capturing whatever is available till the sun disappears , it cannot provide or boost more than what u get there..(Am considering one collector here)

Hmm!! What about CPV? (Concentrated Photovoltaic Trackers). I was under the impression that it could even capture the diffused light from sun. When we are talking about capturing diffused light, intensity of light radiation doesn't really matter OR does it? Don't know. (Especially when used / combined with reflectors). Got to read a bit more. Just thinking out loud :)

Googled a bit and found this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_path) in Wiki. I guess that whatever darkprinz said are important and ideal for economical reasons, but still technologically feasible with far-from-ideal conditions.

Sun path refers to the apparent significant seasonal-and-hourly positional changes of the sun (and length of daylight) as the Earth rotates, and orbits around the sun. The relative position of the sun is a major factor in the heat gain of buildings and in the performance of solar energy systems[1]. Accurate location-specific knowledge of sun path and climatic conditions is essential for economic decisions about solar collector area, orientation, landscaping, summer shading, and the cost-effective use of solar trackers.

Hmm!! What about CPV? (Concentrated Photo voltaic Trackers). I was under the impression that it could even capture the diffused light from sun. When we are talking about capturing diffused intensity of light radiation doesn't really matter really OR does it? Don't know. Got to read a bit more. Just thinking out loud :)



Yes you are right that PV cell has the ability to WORK under diffused light conditions unlike Solar Heat cells , but it is less efficient compared to the former ..I repeat it can work on both direct and diffuse light radiation but it cannot capture energy as efficiently as Heat collectors or heat cells ...

Thats because for heat cells both light and heat energy of sun rays are contributors which is not the case in PV cells ... In fact PV cell's performance reduces as the Temperature of the collector surface increases ..In future we have to combine and form a new technology where the efficient energy capturing of Heat cells (i.e all bands of spectrum) and also property of working in diffused lighting conditions as in PV cells are present :)

But as you say no one is expert here ... But renewable energy is one hell of an interesting topic to read and discuss ... :) all my college projects were based on renewable energy only :)

I am “disappointed with the lack of aggression and support for the renewable energy sector. India pays a huge fuel subsidy. We are doing nothing for renewable energy sector and continue to subsidize oil and coal, which is not good in the long term.


Oil lobbyists @ work :)

We have been trying for a large solar panel park in TN for the last 2 years but the land cost is very high compared to other states.

The Govt is considering this as a real estate project.

The initial establishment cost is also very high and both Central & state Govts should implement some new TAX SOPs.

Moser Baer & Signet Solar projects are also not progressing much due to the lethargy.

Now it is up to the next Govt in TN.

common kannan, land cost is a fraction of total solar park. even with lower efficient (& lower cost) thin films, you shouldn't need any more than 20 acres/mw. mw costs about 20 crores. that translates into 1 crore/acre. land at even 10 lacs/acre would only be a marginal cost and such land is available at many places with good grid connectivity.

ping me if you still require land. we can help you with large tracts of lands near kayattar: i think it is a class 2a wind site with sub-station nearby where you should be able to additionally put up solar park as well. these are all dry areas, so i would think solar insolation levels should also be very good.

Thanks Guys for the encouragement.

We are struck with Economic viability issues. Passion is one but economics is different.

There are also many issues with TNEB for wheeling the power produced by Solar / wind etc.

Spanish wind turbine manufacturer Gamesa is expanding its presence in India by putting up three more facilities that will make various parts for the wind turbines. It has an assembly plant at Red Hills, a northern suburb of Chennai.

The company will invest about Rs 500 crore in units that will make blades, towers and nacelles (the cone like structure on the top that covers all the critical parts of the wind turbine).

The units to make blades and towers will come up near Vadodara in Gujarat, and the one that will make nacelles near Chennai. Apart from the investment in these plants, Gamesa will also invest in building a land bank for wind energy projects. The blade factory and the unit that will fabricate the towers, which will be through a joint venture, will be ready by September and the nacelle unit by the first quarter of 2012.

Opens R&D centre

Gamesa India, which has invested about Rs 300 crore on its Red Hills plant, has opened a research and development centre on Chennai's IT corridor. It hopes to employ about 100 engineers by the year-end. “It will be integrated with what we are doing worldwide. A lot of work being done in Spain will be passed on to the R&D centre here,” says Mr Kymal.


http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article1520383.ece

Gamesa India, which has invested about Rs 300 crore on its Red Hills plant, has opened a research and development centre on Chennai's IT corridor. It hopes to employ about 100 engineers by the year-end. “It will be integrated with what we are doing worldwide. A lot of work being done in Spain will be passed on to the R&D centre here,” says Mr Kymal.

Thats awesome. Headstart in R&D in the technology of tomorrow. Gamesa being the world's largest windmill developer, this is definitely a feather in the cap.

I know Vestas has manufacturing here, any idea whether they have R&D centre in Chennai?

^^

Wind power major, Vestas, has opened a state-of-the-art test centre for wind turbine components in Chennai. Vestas Technology R&D is also expanding its existing office space at Chennai by an additional 35,000 square feet.

"The new Test Center will play an important role for Vestas. This new facility adds to our global testing and verification of wind turbine components to further improve their reliability and performance," said Servet Sert, Vice President of Test, Verification and Quality for Vestas Technology R&D.

http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3121&Itemid=2

Cool :) That is 2 of the top 2. Only GE and Siemens are missing. Hope they come soon too.

Great information... We have to move now towards Green Energy. All the Developments should relate to Green Energy....keep going (Go Green)


greenmeetingguide.com

Cool :) That is 2 of the top 2. Only GE and Siemens are missing. Hope they come soon too.

They will always prefer a specific city which I dont want to say.:lol:

They will always prefer a specific city which I dont want to say.:lol:

it starts with b and ends with e oh wait u..
haha

^^ Did u mean Belgrade or Baotou? :lol:

^^ Did u mean Belgrade or Baotou? :lol:

kusumbu

^^ Did u mean Belgrade or Baotou? :lol:
Are these in India? :lol:

it starts with b and ends with e oh wait u..
haha
I know! it is Bodi nayakanur:lol:

Are these in India? :lol:

He did not mention abt country anyway :lol:

http://www.sify.com/news/finnish-energy-major-moventas-to-set-up-base-in-india-news-national-ld0mkfbfjfb.html

Finnish company Moventas, one of the largest manufacturers of wind turbine gears in the world, plans to harness India's economic potential by setting up a base in Chennai.

'India is an important market for us; therefore we have decided to improve our customer relations in the country. We have started the registration process to have our own Moventas entity in India,' Olli Valimaki, senior vice president of Moventas, told a visiting IANS correspondent.

Moventas is enthused with India's speedy recovery from the economic crisis and considers it a better market than Europe and America.

'India recovered much faster from the global meltdown than Western countries. They are having difficult times in the installation of wind energy projects,' said Valimaki.

'In the West, finances in the wind energy market are by public institutions. However, since (the economic) crisis they have become extremely careful and want to invest only in foolproof projects. They do not want to take any risk and that is why western countries are lagging behind. But India has already recovered and this market is speeding up,' he said.

'The location of our company will be at Chennai because most of the windmill customers are based in southern India. Now we are into the process of selecting an Indian as head of sales and customer services. We are expecting that our base will be set up by May or June or before the middle of this year.'

Valimaki said the name of the Indian entity will be Moventas India Private Limited. 'We are expecting a business of three million euros volume in a year from there,' he said.

A Moventas delegation is also coming to India to take part in 'Wind Power India- 2011' exhibition and seminar at Chennai during April 7-9.

'So far we have been serving our Indian clients from Finland and they have been requesting us to come to India. Moreover, this is the only way to relate to local people. The Indian market is growing very fast. The overall world market of wind power energy is expected to grow by 680 percent between the period of 2008 to 2018,' said Valimaki.

However, Valimaki refused to divulge the name of the Indian company with which Moventas is planning to tie up to start its local operations.

'Our negotiations are going on and they are almost at the final stage. Right now I cannot disclose the name. We would start with only sales, services and technical support from India office. So far no decision has been taken regarding local manufacturing,' stated Valimaki.

'Right now it would be only for local operations, at least for the first two-three years,' he said.

According to Moventas officials, around 200,000 windmills are currently operating globally. Around 15 top utility companies represent half of the base of the wind energy market and all of them are in Moventas' portfolio. The remaining half is represented by small businesses, family enterprises and farmers.

Moventas services include concept designing, engineering, testing, production, maintenance and modernisation of existing units.

The company had a revenue of 237 million euros in 2009.

Is there any company which has setup its R&D in solar energy

don't think so.

There are several misconceptions about "green" energy which keep getting passed on and ending up in popular conversation. Several of these have been expressed here - I would like to address them and I am happy to discuss these with interested members. I do work in this field and am working on a 6 MW Solar PV project which would use a new material - Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenium which is currently being evaluated for approval by IREDA.

1. Cost: While it is tempting to compare the relatively high price of solar or wind powered generators to those based on steam or oil based generators, this is not an accurate comparison for several reasons. For one, neither windmills nor Solar Photovoltaic generators need to draw water from water sources like the sea or fresh water for cooling. It might be tempting to consider the water as existing free of cost, but, in a time of water shortage, this publicly owned water which belongs to every citizen of India is being wasted in the case of public projects and given away free of cost in the case of private power producers who draw it. Secondly, there is the cost of fuel that is almost never taken into consideration when equipment costs are taken into consideration. if you have a coal fired powerplant (of which there are dozens in TN) you need to import coal to run the plant. There have to be dedicated berths at the various ports to unload the coal, there is the cost of transporting the coal from the country in which it is mined to the nearest port and from there to the powerplant in question. All of this adds to the costs which are not taken when just equipment costs are taken up - the wind and the sun are always going to be free. No one will pay for them.

Therefore, there is a concept called Energy Payback Time. This is the time that it takes any generating equipment to totally pay back its entire cost of manufacture, installation and running by way of the cost of the electricity that it generates. Older generation Amorphous Silicon based Solar Photovoltaic powerplants have a longer Energy Payback Time of 5 to 6 years without any equipment subsidies / incentives. The newer materials and combined PV and thermal water heaters (a technology being used in Israel) can cut the energy payback time to as little as 24 months. Land costs can be significantly reduced by placing solar PV panels on top of roofs - there are several new malls, software development centers etc and also government buildings which would be ideal places for installing these panels. No one goes to the roof of a mall and does any work there as you can guess. Multistorey apartment buildings are different, so I shall leave them out. However, bus terminii, railway stations etc could all be places for installing these panels. The White House is putting panels up in Washington DC - TN which is bathed with sunshine for more than 300 days a year (along with several other Indian states as has been rightly pointed out) can do better.

Please think about this - in 24 months, you have not only completely paid for the equipment, you will continue to gain electricity from it for the life of the equipment which is usually 15 years or longer. And, no water will be used, no fuel will need to be bought and paid increasingly higher prices for etc.

2. There are indirect benefits which are difficult to quantify. If you take a survey of people who live near any Thermal Powerplant, you will invariably find that many suffer from respiratory problems due to pollution. Often, heavy metal contamination also enters into the soil and damages it for agriculture. This does not happen with either wind or solar power. You can set a wind turbine right in the middle of a field and farm all around it. Health problems reduce the lifespan of people who may be able to do productive work for a longer time. Health problems also increase the cost of spending on medical treatments for asthma, TB etc for example. All of this is money that will not need to be spent if clean energy is focused upon.

3. There is a problem with green energy - the time of the day when it is available is fixed, for example. Secondly, for this particular reason, it cannot be relied upon to provide baseload power ie a minimum amount of power to keep consumers supplied with electricity. Anyone who lives in Chennai knows that the sea breeze sets in in the afternoon and that the early part of the day is usually listless. Similarly, there is no sunlight at night though there are stronger winds at the time. This can, however, be dealt with by using smart grid technology where the grid switches from one source of power to the other. A minimum amount of power will still need to be supplied through Thermal Powerplants or Nuclear Powerplants, though, in order to avoid disruptions. Smart grids are run by advanced software - again, ass a world leader in producing software for different applications, there is no reason why Indian engineers should not wholeheartedly take this challenge up. To be noted - this will also mean sales to other countries and that means money coming in from overseas instead of money going out of the country to be spent on foreign fuels

4. Finally, it has been noted that wherever there is a move towards the use of green energy, new people have to be trained and employed. You need engineers and technicians to install and run the equipment and to maintain it afterwards, you need accounting and audit professionals to handle the paperwork etc which is very different from that for a conventional fossil fuel powerplant and more. I do not think that any country in the world can afford to scoff at more jobs - India included

Hopefully, by the end of this year, when the powerplant that I am working on starts generating power, it will be one feather in Chennai's cap. C-I-G-S plants currently exist in less than 10 countries around the world. The company buying the plant from my suppliers plans to install one in every state capital in India within the next 3 years and they plan to permit demonstrations of the first plant to technical people as well as companies that might be interested in the technology. This forum should hear about it in the media towards the last quarter of the year. if there is no post by that time, I shall be sure to post in much more detail about it.

Best wishes, everyone!

Good to have someone from renewable energy industry in the forum. There is a thread in TN forum too. You can access it at http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1289721

I have given a lot of info in the first three posts. Please review it. I have a few doubts and would be happy if you can clear it.

1. There was a news a few months back that TN is coming up with incentives for rooftop PV units. The news can be viewed here: http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/15/stories/2011011563781200.htm. Is it implemented? How do common man access subsidy if given? Will TNEB pay if a house or commercial unit feeds excess power into the grid? If yes what is the rate/KWh?

2. IS BIPV technology mature enough to be exploited commercially? Especially in India?

3. How much will it cost to install an 1KW rooftop unit? How much space will it need? What is the efficiency of current thin film technology PV units?

4. I know the technology is evolving but do you see the efficiency of solar units increasing dramatically in the next few years? That too thin film has only around 10% efficiency. Will it reach anywhere near crystalline silicon levels?

Mr T Shyam,

Thank you for your reply and for your very good posts on the TN thread. As I said in my posts, in addition to Amorphous Silicon, we now have Copper-Indium-Selenium and Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenium PV panels though the latter are not yet approved in India by the Ministry for Non Conventional Energy from what I understand. As I do not live in India and I have not been in the country for some time, my information comes from my interactions with the company that is buying the units from my company. To answer your questions:

1. I do not know about the TN subsidy but IREDA offers subsidies for solar PVs for home use subject to a certain number of units per year and businesses are allowed depreciation of 80% in one year of operation through IREDA. These are among the best subsidies in the world. Some states offer their own subsidies but I am not aware of what they are - I shall ask my clients and post back when I have the relevant information

2. Integration of photovoltaics into a building is NOT necessary. In the USA, there are many companies which will lease you their solar panels for your use if you want to reduce your grid consumption. There are also companies which will pay you rent for your rooftop and place panels there and feed it into the mains for sale to the electric utilities. When you integrate photovoltaics into a building you are stuck at the level of efficiency of the particular panels used unless a major modification is made to remove them and replace them with more efficient ones, especially at a time when efficiency levels are being enhanced progressively through R&D.

As you point out in your post on the other thread, thin film solar PVs have reached an efficiency of around 10%. C-I-S PVs work at around 12% and C-I-G-S PVs have managed efficiencies as high as 16% in the laboratory. An Israeli company has integrated solar PVs and solar water heaters to hit overall efficiencies as high as 25% in industrial installations.

3. I would not advise a small unit at all. For individual homes, it is better to use solar water heating. The costs simply do not work out for small PV installations and it is my personal opinion that the companies trying to sell small PV units will lose money in the long term as the costs are certainly not going to benefit any clients. However if you have colonies or even larger apartment buildings, then the costing works out quite well. The 24 months energy payback times that I talked about are based on my company's 2, 6 and 10 MW powerplants. We designed these systems to fit over golf courses which closed down during the housing crisis in the USA and Europe and our current 10 MW powerplants fit over a 40 acre area. The 2 and 6 MW powerplants are proportionately smaller.

We do have what is called net zero energy housing where homes generate all of the electricity that they require, but the concept is currently very expensive and I am not sure that it can be offered in India except possibly for some very high end homes. However, in commercial buildings, there is a lot more that can be done with solar powered central airconditioning etc. Again, we can offer energy payback times of around 24 to 48 months with the systems currently available and this is minus any subsidy. My company hopes to bring these to India in the near future as well. It has not been easy though we have been talking to some software technology park promoters in Chennai and Bangalore with no success to show. You might think that companies would want to be able to use airconditioning for 300 days in a year without paying for it, but businesses have different ideas sometimes. :)

Thank you for your post and I hope that this has answered your queries. If there is any additional query that you or others have or if there is anything that I have left out, please let me know and I shall be happy to answer.

For those interested, the American Solar Energy Society has a magazine called Soalr Today which can be accessed free: http://www.ases.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=22 If you enjoy this field, you will find the projects that they feature every month as interesting as I find them. Hopefully, some of these may give positive ideas to entrepreneurs in India to do something in this field.

Best wishes!

One must see the areas in and around nagerkoil. I was proud of Tamilnadu when I saw what was happening. We have an over supply of wind and sun so why not take advantage of it.

^^The difference between TN and most other states is that in TN, its cheaper/almost equal to produce electricity through green energy than the normal way; also because of many windy areas and solar density in the state that facilitate it. So that is why its natural that green energy is being promoted.

TNEB will soon introduce net metering which will enable residents generate electricity with roof top solar units. The power can be used for the household, otherwise it will be fed into the grid. Residents will be charged only for the consumed power.

Thank you Mehulkamder. Looking forward to your continued contribution.

C-I-S and C-I-G-S also comes under thin film right? Where do you see the efficiency plateauing up? 30%? 40%? 50%?

It has not been easy though we have been talking to some software technology park promoters in Chennai and Bangalore with no success to show. You might think that companies would want to be able to use airconditioning for 300 days in a year without paying for it, but businesses have different ideas sometimes.

Yeah I understand. Companies can be brutally adventurous or unreasonably conservative. I think it is more to do with the classical thinking of "oh! solar panels? It has significant upfront costs - not suitable for now!!" People tend to dismiss it without even looking deeper into it. I am sure if you demonstrate your proof of concept in one building, then that will be the foot in the door. Others will queue up if they come to know of the advantages.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/powergear-in-jvspanish-wind-tower-firm-/431562/

To set up facility near Chennai in partnership with Gestamp Wind Steel.

Powergear Ltd, a Bangalore-based electrical equipment manufacturer for energy sector, has entered into a joint venture with Spanish wind power firm Gestamp Wind Steel to manufacture wind towers near Chennai with an initial investment of Rs 150 crore.

The JV company would set up a 20-acre greenfield manufacturing facility at Sricity, a planned integrated business city 60 km away from Chennai.

The company expects to start commercial production by the last quarter of the current fiscal year. The 60:40 JV firm, Gestamp Powergear Windsteel Ltd, in which Gestamp holds a majority stake, is targeting around 400 towers in three years to clock in sales of around Rs 500 crore in first three years of operation.

“The plant will be fully operational by three years and we are expecting a sales of Rs 150 crore revenue in the first year of operation,” said X Durairaj, chairman, Powergear Ltd.

He said that the JV would manufacture 130 towers in the first year of operation, expand it to 250-260 towers in the second year and to around 350 to 400 towers by the third year.

Gestamp Wind Steel would provide technology apart from investment, while Powergear would put in its manufacturing capabilities to the operations of the JV, he added. It would supply towers of 1.6 MW, 2.5 MW and 3MW for its customers.

Javier Ignacio Imaz Rubalcaba, CEO, Gestamp Wind Steel, said the company was convinced about the market potential for wind energy in India and had been looking for right partner to start joint operations.

The annual wind power market in India is around 2200 MW at present, and is expected to grow to 5000 MW per annum by 2015, according to World Institute of Sustainable Energy. The cumulative installed capacity in the country is currently at 13 Giga Watts and is expected to reach 64 GW by 2020, according to reports.

Powergear Ltd is involved in the design, fabrication, and installation of electrical equipments catering to international and domestic customers. It has exports to over 21 countries including USA, Japan, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Abudabi, Oman, Malaysia, Italy, China and Sri Lanka.

Gestamp Wind Steel is a part of Gestamp Corporation, which is focused on steel, automotive components and renewable energy industries. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Gestamp Automotive India and solar business firm Gestamp Solar, are executing various projects in India at present.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/vestas-unveils-massive-7-megawatt-offshore-wind-turbine/#

Building and putting any sort of offshore wind turbine into place is a fairly impressive bit of engineering, but Denmark's Vestas is truly going the extra mile with its new V164-7.0 MW turbine. Not only does it promise to provide seven megawatts of power but, as you can see above, each of the blades is longer than nine double-decker buses, which gives the turbine itself a larger total diameter than the London Eye. Of course, the company also hopes that there will eventually be not just a few of these, but massive farms of the turbines at sea (the North Sea, specifically), although that won't exactly happen overnight -- Vestas only expects to have the first prototypes ready by the end of 2012, with full production expected to begin in the first quarter of 2015. Head on past the break for a video -- don't worry, nothing like this happens.

VESTAS HAS IT'S R & D CENTERS IN CHENNAI TOO - THEYARE EXPANDING.

http://news.radio-electronics.co/markets/new-india-specific-wind-turbine-unveiled-by-siemens/

CHENNAI: The energy infrastructure developing firm, Siemens has unveiled its new India-specific wind turbine 'SWT-2.3-113 (Direct Drive)' for the customers working in wind-based power generation sector of the country.

This new efficient and innovative wind turbine has been introduced by Siemens during the recently organised Wind Power India International Conference and Exhibition 2011 in the city of Chennai. Based on the direct drive technology of the company, this new wind turbine has been also provided with a large rotor, quantum blade and a net converter, to generate power even in the low and moderate wind areas of the country.

Siemens has developed and introduced this new wind turbine in order to enhance its presence in the wind based power generation market of India. The company is also planning to set up a new manufacturing unit in Vadodara city in the state of Gujarat. Siemens would likely to start the commercial production at this proposed factory by the year 2013.

http://www.dealcurry.com/20110420-IFC-Provides-16-Mn-Loan-To-Gamesa-Wind-Turbines.htm

IFC Provides $16 Mn Loan To Gamesa Wind Turbines

IFC has provided $16 Mn (Euro 11 Mn) loan to Gamesa Wind Turbines Pvt Ltd, to help build a wind-turbine assembly facility.

IFC's loan will support Gamesa's plans to scale up its assembly capacity in India over the next two years.

Gamesa Wind Turbine is a subsidiary of Spain-based Gamesa Tecnologica S.A. It designs, manufactures, and installs wind turbines, as well as manages operation and maintenance services. It also develops, constructs, and sells wind farms.

Gamesa launched its operations in India in 2010 by setting up a factory to manufacture turbine in Red Hills near Chennai.

It will manufacture 850 KW wind turbine suited for Indian conditions. The company plans to set up a 85 MW wind farm near Coimbatore.

So far, the company had set up two wind farms in Theni (85 MW) and Coimbatore (50 MW) in Tamil Nadu. The total investments in these two centres were about Rs.500 Cr.

Parent firm, Gamesa has 21,000 MW installed in 30 countries with production facilities in China, India, Europe, and US. It has a workforce of over 7,000 employees.

Denmark's NEF-MICON and Germany's Enercon GmBH are some of foreign wind turbine manufacturing companies having presence in India.

While Suzlon Energy, Shriram EPC Ltd and Elecon Engineering Company Ltd are some of the Indian firms engaged in manufacturing wind turbines.

General Atlantic Partners is also planning to invest Rs.150 Cr ($35 Mn) in Chennai-based ReGen Powertech Pvt Ltd, a wind turbine company for minority stake.

Recently, IFC planned to invest $15 Mn in Hyderabad-based Vivimed Labs Ltd, a manufacturer and exporter of specialty chemicals (for personal care and industrial segments) and pharmaceutical products, to support its expansion project.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), currently, the share of renewable based capacity is 10.9% (excluding large hydro) of the total installed capacity of 170 GW in the country, up from 2% at the start of the 10th Plan Period (2002-2007). This includes 13,065.78 MW of wind, 2,939 MW of small hydro power, 1,562 MW of (bagasse based) cogeneration, 997 MW of biomass, 73.46 MW of 'waste to power' and 17.80 MW of solar PV for grid connected renewables at the end of 2010.

http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3266&Itemid=2

Power conversion specialist - Converteam's converters manufacturing facility in Chennai is slated to open in the second quarter of this year. It will cater to the needs of the growing renewable energy market in India, both wind and solar.

"The opening of our converters manufacturing facility in Chennai will be a key driver for Converteam to serve the local wind and solar customers. This plant will complement our presence in India where we already have more than 500 engineers supporting Indian and global businesses," said Peter Oram, Business Director at Converteam.

The company has secured a contract from RK Wind to supply 230 full power wind turbine converters. The converters will be built and supplied from Converteam’s new manufacturing facility in Chennai. Converteam's Kidsgrove factory in the UK will supply the core technology components and power modules, in addition to the initial few converters.

"The Indian wind market is growing very fast, and is progressively moving to larger variable speed turbines where Converteam can really make the difference," said Peter Oram.

"We chose Converteam not only for their experience and proven technology in wind converters but also because of their ability to streamline our supply chain through local manufacturing and services," said Rajkumar Yadav, Chairman & Managing Director of RK Wind, part of the RS India Group. The Converters supplied by Converteam over a period of more than two years will be installed at RK Wind’s windfarms in Thirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) and Karad (Maharashtra).

Converteam has two main entities in India: Converteam India near Delhi and Converteam EDC near Chennai. The Engineering Development Centre (EDC) was created at the beginning of 2005 to provide global technical support to Converteam units located at Europe and North America, in automation, power systems, software, drafting and other support services. An International Purchasing Office (IPO) was opened in Chennai to take advantage of Leading Competitive Countries markets for the sourcing of strategic commodities.

In December 2010, Converteam was awarded a €6 million contract for major elements of electrical equipment and control systems for two geotechnical vessels under construction in India. The first vessel is due for delivery by Q2 2012 and the second vessel in Q4 2012. The award comes from Indian shipyard Tebma which is constructing the vessels on behalf of Fugro NV, the Netherlands.

The two 82.9m vessels will be constructed at Tebma's Malpe yard in south west India and will feature Converteam's diesel electric propulsion system together with their C-Series of control systems including a dual redundant dynamic position control system and a sophisticated vessel control and automation system.

In November 2010, Danieli & C SpA awarded Converteam a contract, worth in excess of €20m, for major electrical engineering products and services for a new steel plate mill in India..

The new Rourkela plate rolling facility, for Steel Authority of India (SAIL), situated in the state of Orissa in North East India, will have an initial yearly production capacity of 0.92 million tonnes of steel plate with a provision for future expansion to 1.674 million tonnes. The new Rourkela plant is expected to be fully operational in a little under three years.

Converteam India supports the engineering and commercial operations from its bases in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. The projects will also draw on Converteam’s resources in UK to deliver the engineering and manufacturing effort.

For fiscal year 2010, Converteam recorded an 85% growth in orders from its units in China, India and Brazil, capturing the accelerated expansion of these emerging economies.

In March 2011, Converteam has signed an agreement with GE pursuant to which the financial Converteam shareholders commit to sell their shares to GE. Converteam will remain an autonomous profit center and will be the center of excellence for Power Conversion within GE Energy.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=iR6Q0iAo6ZTA
Cattle graze near a windmill in Kammalapatti, India. Europe's wind-turbine makers are stepping up sales in India's clean-energy rust belt, anticipating a boom in one of the bigger "repowering" plays that Gamesa says may be worth £2.3 billion in sales. Photographer: Adeel Halim/Bloomberg

Four new windmills made by Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA whirl beside a banana grove in India’s southern village of Kammalapatti, driven by a breeze that’s too soft to spin a group of older turbines standing idle nearby.

The Spanish manufacturer replaced 10 older machines for the wind farm’s owner, gaining a toehold in a nation with about 4,600 wind turbines more than a decade old, many of them rusty or too small for today’s power market, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance analyst Shantanu Jaiswal in New Delhi.

Europe’s wind-turbine makers are stepping up sales in India’s clean-energy rust belt, anticipating a boom in one of the bigger “repowering” plays that Gamesa says may be worth £2.3 billion in sales. The challenge is in taking work from Suzlon Energy Ltd. (SUEL), the dominant local supplier, and in getting funds in a market still depressed by the financial crisis.

“Many good-quality wind sites are currently populated with relatively old and inefficient turbines,” said Amit Kansal, vice president of sales for the Indian unit of Denmark’s Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the world’s largest wind-turbine maker. “The opportunity for repowering is obvious.”

The 4,600 turbines have a capacity of 1.3 gigawatts, or about 9 percent of the installed base in India, which rocketed to become the fifth-biggest wind market by offering tax credits to operators regardless of productivity, Jaiswal said.

India’s Lure

“Some of them didn´t use turbines of the best quality,” Jaiswal said. India also has the smallest average turbine size of the world’s top 10 markets, according to Kenersys GmbH, a German manufacturer.

Gamesa’s estimate of a 168 billion-rupee (£2.3 billion) sales potential assumes 3,000 megawatts of installed capacity in need of replacement.

All three turbine makers have lost money for shareholders over the last 12 months and are looking for new markets. Suzlon has dropped about 21 percent in the period, Gamesa has lost 28 percent, and Vestas is down 47 percent.

India isn’t alone in wooing companies to refurbish wind power plants. In the U.S., about 1,500 megawatts of windmills were installed in the 1980s and may need to be replaced with new, higher-output ones, said Liz Salerno, director of industry analysis at the American Wind Energy Association. About 85 percent of wind turbines were installed in the last five years, and most should produce power for another 20, she said.

NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE), the largest U.S. wind producer, plans to replace about 5 percent of its oldest turbines in the next four years, Chief Executive Lew Hay said in January. In Denmark, where Vestas is based, most turbines are 10 to 15 years old, said Anders Hasselager, a Danish Energy Agency policy adviser.

Cheaper Than New

In India, repowering a site costs 20 percent less than setting up a new project and avoids the difficulties of obtaining new land permits, said J. Balakrishnan, a Gamesa sales manager working on a repowering project there.

The smaller turbines installed in India are less efficient, require higher wind speeds and generate less power than newer models. The Indian government also is prodding the industry toward modernization.

Many existing wind farms in India were built to take advantage of a tax break that allowed companies to write off expenses of installing turbines more quickly than elsewhere. The measure encouraged companies to erect turbines but not to maintain them or see that they produced power, according to Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah.

“The time has come for India to think of repowering,” Abdullah told a conference in February, where he complained about the number of facilities with broken blades and rusting equipment.

Tax Credits

He wants the finance ministry to scrap the tax credit next year and replace it with an alternative subsidy that rewards projects for the amount of clean energy they generate. The so- called generation-based incentive pays wind farms 500 rupees (£6.65) a megawatt-hour of electricity they feed to the grid.

Still, many operators won’t want to junk equipment that has more than half its useful life left.

Gamesa, which completed India’s first repowering project last month, thinks installations in Spain and other European countries can be revamped too, Chief Executive Officer Jorge Calvet said in an interview last month in Mumbai.

Kenersys, the German manufacturer, and Orient Green Power Ltd., an Indian developer of renewable-energy projects, say they’re looking for ways to tap into the budding repowering market.

The Gamesa project at Kammalapatti in Tamil Nadu state is owned by a unit of Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd. (LMW), a Coimbatore- based maker of textile machinery.

Bigger and Better

The newer machines -- with hub heights and rotor diameters more than double that of the older ones -- are better able to harvest energy from the wind. Controls inside their towers measure the wind speed, air pressure and tilt the fiberglass blades to best catch the breezes.

The new machines may double the farm’s electricity output by the end of the monsoon season in October, helping the project pay off in five years, Gamesa estimates.

Older machines can use more power than they produce during low-wind seasons. Owners turn them off, sometimes for up to half the year, said N. Sudhakar, site manager for Lakshmi Machine’s unit Super Sales India Ltd. (SSAI) Once a windmill stops, it needs power from the grid to start turning again.

“It doesn’t make sense to use them,” Sudhakar said. “They don’t produce enough power.”

Maintenance Costs

Other benefits include lower maintenance costs and easier access to replacement, the Global Wind Energy Council said. Lakshmi Machine Works’ dismantled turbines were originally made by Denmark’s Nordtank Energy Group A/S and installed in 1993. Nordtank merged with Micon A/S in 1997 to form NEG Micon A/S, which Vestas agreed to buy in December 2003.

Obstacles to repower old sites include getting up to a dozen owners of each facility to agree and ensuring the plant can earn the same subsidized rate for energy.

“Even if you get better efficiency, if you lose your old power purchase agreement and replace it with a newer one with a lower tariff, what’s the point?,” Kenersys’ Chief Executive Officer Paulo Fernando Soares said in an interview in Chennai.

The waste generated by tearing down old windmills is another barrier. The eight 0.3-megawatt and two 0.55-megawatt Nordtank turbines dismantled by Gamesa sit at the site in a rusting heap, their rotor blades stacked atop one another. Lakshmi Machine Works hasn’t figured out how to dispose of them.

“It’s an important question. What happens to old blades?” said Andrew Garrad, president of GL Garrad Hassan, a wind consultant. “We produce blades which are difficult to recycle and reuse. It should be on our conscience.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-28/india-s-rusting-wind-farms-help-gamesa-vestas-expand-foothold.html


.

Chennaiites looking up to solar energy..

- nearly-ten per cent-increase in the sale of solar devices in the city in the past one year.

- While solar energy utilisation for power generation may not be economic for individual households

- While regular solar water heaters cost up to Rs. 20,000, the new tube-shaped ones that absorb solar energy easily in 2-3 hours cost lesser

- “While solar water heaters have a payback time of 2 years, it takes 10 years to recover the capital cost of solar lighting system.

- A system of one kilo watt capacity will cost nearly Rs.2.2 lakh,” says Sikkander Amin, managing partner of Solarys Energy Solutions.

- But, if 1,000 houses instal water heaters, nearly six megawatt of electricity can be saved per year, he adds.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2157179.ece

CHENNAI: In the backdrop of a severe power shortage in the state, Germany-based Traiton Global LLC has proposed a desalination plant on the Cooum river in the city, which could produce 600MW power and 75 million litres per day of clean water. A project plan has been submitted to the state government which has invited company officials from Germany to discuss the project and costs.

Government sources said a team from the company in Germany is likely to visit Chennai in the first week of August. The focus of this project is on producing clean water out from Cooum and also on energy production. "The company has proposed to set up its unit at the mouth of Cooum River where it flows into the Bay of Bengal," an official said.

According to the technical specifications of the project, water would be brought in from polluted Cooum River and then stored in a large reservoir prior to purification and enhancement. Then the water would be pressurised and purified in several stages. The toxins and pollutants would be gasified to feed a synthetic gas turbine that will generate power. The next stage will be a purification process that will create clean water, which will then be pumped to the final stage to get medical grade drinking water.

"We have already located the land, technology and sufficient funds for setting up the plant. We only need a 'buy back' guarantee for the power and water from the Tamil Nadu government," says S Manoharan, who represents Traiton Global.

Manoharan claimed that the proposed system will produce 600MW power and 75 million litres of drinking water per day. "The system will run round-the-clock throughout the year with low CO2 emissions," he said, adding that no outside fuel would be needed to produce power and drinking water.

"The project is not weather-dependent, and independent of any increase in prices of gas, diesel, petrol and wood," he said. Manoharan also claimed that the project would produce power at Rs 4.95 per unit – which would make it competitive with coal plants.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/In-Tamil-Nadu-power-comes-cheap/articleshow/9264773.cms

^^ Sounds interesting. The Germans are always good at these. :cheers:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/In-Tamil-Nadu-power-comes-cheap/articleshow/9264773.cms

most important guarantee that they need from government is a forever polluted cooum. that is one oxymoronic plan.

this must be a jj benami or one of her cronies.

^^
i guess we have some protocols to embed news & all that. as we can all see from my previous post, that is not very useful. if we add a gist of that message, it helps others as they start a chain.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2293233.ece

Thermax Limited has entered into an agreement with California-based Amonix Inc. for bringing the new concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology for solar power generation to India. Under the agreement, Amonix will provide the solar power modules and technology for putting up power plants, while Thermax will be the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) partner to providing turnkey solutions to customers.

Amonix proposes to manufacture the CPV modules at the Flextronics Technologies plant in Chennai initially, and plans on building a separate facility in India when business starts picking up. The solar systems will be indigenised to the extent of 50:50 in the beginning, with a plan to localise up to 60% subsequently.

“Concentrated photovoltaics technology will be a game changer in solar power generation technologies because of the substantially high efficiency it offers,” Mr M S Unnikrishnan, Managing Director and CEO, Thermax said. The exclusive arrangement with Amonix will enable Thermax to bid for projects in India, he said, adding that the company will (help developers) bid for the next round of PPAs under the National Solar Mission (NSM) due to open in September.

Mr Brian Robertson, CEO, Amonix said that the technology originally developed for aerospace applications, has 38% module efficiency, and provides 29% post inverter power. The pole-mounted panels are fitted with dual-axis tracking systems, and require no water. The cost for setting up the CPV would be around Rs 10-12 crore per MW, he added.

Artificial Leaf
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110327191042.htm
..........Placed in a single gallon of water in a bright sunlight, the device could produce enough electricity to supply a house in a developing country with electricity for a day, Nocera said. It does so by splitting water into its two components, hydrogen and oxygen.

Earlier researchers used clean water.... but this one can use any water even our excretions. Which reminds me of abundant Coovam river water :)

Tata has already invested in this...
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/artificial-leaf/


People like Kannan Sir or others who have oppurtunity to talk to the TN officials directly can pass on this message. TN govt. can cut down on one of the free schemes (which I guess the high court is already hearing a case to block it) and invest a little bit/join hands with TATA. Even if the technology fails which I believe it won't atleast it will create a "State moving towards new age" impression. Imagine these trees along Coovam :).

^^ Superb .... Solar energy is the future fuel of our world ... Happy that people and researchers are concentrating more on that ... :)

As you have told, people who have influence on TN govt. can share this idea with some one in top rung...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/In-Tamil-Nadu-power-comes-cheap/articleshow/9264773.cms

wow nice to imagine this kind of futuristic idea. i dont mind 75 million litres of potable water coming into Chennai from Cooum as long as they have no ebolas, marbughs, H1N1's etc...

wow nice to imagine this kind of futuristic idea. i dont mind 75 million litres of potable water coming into Chennai from Cooum as long as they have no ebolas, marbughs, H1N1's etc...

You mean that attu virus which Kamalhaasan flaunts in Dasavatharam ?

You mean that attu virus which Kamalhaasan flaunts in Dasavatharam ?

ebola was shown in the film outbreak. See thats the thing. We need to go global and not look at local examples.

Artificial Leaf
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110327191042.htm
..........Placed in a single gallon of water in a bright sunlight, the device could produce enough electricity to supply a house in a developing country with electricity for a day, Nocera said. It does so by splitting water into its two components, hydrogen and oxygen.

Earlier researchers used clean water.... but this one can use any water even our excretions. Which reminds me of abundant Coovam river water :)

Tata has already invested in this...
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/artificial-leaf/


People like Kannan Sir or others who have oppurtunity to talk to the TN officials directly can pass on this message. TN govt. can cut down on one of the free schemes (which I guess the high court is already hearing a case to block it) and invest a little bit/join hands with TATA. Even if the technology fails which I believe it won't atleast it will create a "State moving towards new age" impression. Imagine these trees along Coovam :).

I saw a presentation by some technologists on a similar one.It was called Artificial Tree and it looked a rectangular Arch. I feel that it is still a long way to go for commercial applications.

the best thing we can do is try and invent a gadget that converts mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches into electricity. Chennai has a huge abundance in bugs and this natural resource must not be wasted. Just my 2 cents

the best thing we can do is try and invent a gadget that converts mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches into electricity. Chennai has a huge abundance in bugs and this natural resource must not be wasted. Just my 2 cents

Also energy from Vetti Pechu.

In every village tea shops will become Energy producing centres

(Hayyo-- even our forum dialogues):ohno:

Also energy from Vetti Pechu.

In every village tea shops will become Energy producing centres

(Hayyo-- even our forum dialogues):ohno:

i will give them one in the mouth itself. That gadget will convert any vocal resonance into micro joules of energy and that is transmitted through a transmitter and a nearby capacitor will retain the energy and slowly we could get more and more electricity from vetti pechu and loose talks. the good thing about the device is that it even picks up laptop typing vibration range making our forum powerful and power generating. :nuts:

Delta Electronics to invest $15 mn in Solar Plant in Chennai

The $ 6.6-billion, Taiwan-based Delta Electronics is investing $15 million to set up a manufacturing facility for solar inverters at the SIPCOT Sriperumbudur Hi-Tech SEZ, near Chennai. The plant is expected to be operational by mid-2012. Close to 70 per cent of the output will be exported, while the balance will meet the rising demand for solar inverters in India. Says Dalip Sharma, MD, Delta India: “With global warming becoming a major issue across the world, this is a huge opportunity for us.”

With this plant, the total investment of Delta Electronics in India will exceed $ 60 million. The Chennai plant is the fourth plant of Delta Electronics in India after those at Gurgaon, Pondicherry and Rudrapur in Uttarakhand. These plants produce telecom power systems, uninterrupted power systems and display solutions.


Mr. Sharma says: “The rapid growth of the Indian economy means it will need solar solutions to raise power capacity.” Delta which has been in India for close to a decade is looking to ramp its operations here. During the last fiscal, the Indian operations had revenues of $ 154 million, which is expected to touch $ 200 million this year.
The solar inverter is the heart of the photovoltaic (PV) system. The grid-tied inverter will not operate when they do not detect the presence of the grid. It contains special circuitry to match the voltage and frequency of the grid. These inverters shut down automatically upon loss of utility supply, for safety reasons. These will come in handy as India is looking to have a 20,000 mw solar power capacity under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.

Also Delta will be producing Grid-tied solar inverters for domestic market and for exports to Europe, South-East Asia and Australian markets. It is the first multinational to set-up a manufacturing plant in India for solar inverters. Though there are many companies that are providing inverter solutions in the market, most of them are suitable for European grid conditions. Delta is the only international manufacturer providing “AP-Asia Pacific” models to consumers, the inverters are customized to Asian conditions.

http://www.pv-tech.org/news/eyelits_mes_software_appropriated_by_centrothem_as_they_configure_eyelits_s

Eyelit and centrotherm have embarked on their first joint venture for Shan Solar, a crystalline-silicon PV panel manufacturing plant in Chennai, India. Turnkey solutions provider, centrotherm, will use Eyelit’s Enterprise Manufacturing Execution suite (MES) for its PV module production, expanding Eyelit’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Eyelit, a manufacturing software provider for visibility, control and coordination of manufacturing operations for the aerospace and defence, discrete electronics, semiconductor and PV industries, provides a flexible and extensible system that leverages modular software components. This modular design enables centrotherm to mix and match system components as they configure Eyelit’s software solution for various joint projects.

The plant is currently able to produce 30MW of solar modules per year which Shan Solar hopes will increase to 100MW after a projected expansion. Eyelit MES, Asset Management, Executive Dashboard and Client Reporting will be used to track, monitor and provide product visibility throughout the manufacturing process.

“We chose Eyelit’s MES software solution because the system is designed with a modular architecture, is highly scalable and stable and has great overall performance. It exactly matches the requirements for this project,” said Volker Buschendorf, head of MES, centrotherm photovoltaics.

I heard Tamilnadu s planning for a 50MW Solar Plant.Any idea is it true or false.

^^

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86480932&postcount=267

I heard Tamilnadu s planning for a 50MW Solar Plant.Any idea is it true or false.

depends on where you heard it. If u heard it in a tasmac wineshop bar over a couple of bears and some half boil eggs, then the news is false :dunno:

depends on where you heard it. If u heard it in a tasmac wineshop bar over a couple of bears and some half boil eggs, then the news is false :dunno:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86416314&postcount=263

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86480932&postcount=267

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86416314&postcount=263

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86480932&postcount=267

then it may be true. Still lets wait and watch.

the best thing we can do is try and invent a gadget that converts mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches into electricity. Chennai has a huge abundance in bugs and this natural resource must not be wasted. Just my 2 cents

ha ha. what a naughty poster i was a couple of months back. Now thirundhiten because of many scoldings and bashings from people in this forum:bash:

^^

ungala partha engalukellam perumaiya irukku.

entha padathai parthu thirunthuneenga?

^^

ungala partha engalukellam perumaiya irukku.

entha padathai parthu thirunthuneenga?

shhhsss :colbert: no Tamil in these threads ;) especially in non "Chennai discussions" or aratai arangam threads. Enna madhiriye chamatha neengalum tirundhunga. Oops sorry, next time i wont type in Tamil :D

depends on where you heard it. If u heard it in a tasmac wineshop bar over a couple of bears and some half boil eggs, then the news is false :dunno:

u mean beers not bears (Karadi):lol:

I heard Tamilnadu s planning for a 50MW Solar Plant.Any idea is it true or false.

Capital cost for producing solar power is very high when compared to the power produced now thru thermal,hydro,nuclear or even wind .When the TN govt is unable to meet the subsidies and people in TN resist increase in power tariff will it be possible to go for high cost solar power?TN power companies are saddled with huge accumulated losses and are finding difficult to maintain the existing assets leave along setting up new grids which is the constant complain of the wind power generating companies for not providing enough for evacuating power generated by their wind mills.Adding to the woes is the strong resistance to commission Kudankulam nuclear power, which is ready after spending more than Rs14,000 crores, by the local christians and the irony is the state going thru power outages including at Kundankulam where i am presently staying.:ohno:

^^ Are you working on the Kudankulam nuclear plant?

Capital cost for producing solar power is very high when compared to the power produced now thru thermal,hydro,nuclear or even wind .When the TN govt is unable to meet the subsidies and people in TN resist increase in power tariff will it be possible to go for high cost solar power?TN power companies are saddled with huge accumulated losses and are finding difficult to maintain the existing assets leave along setting up new grids which is the constant complain of the wind power generating companies for not providing enough for evacuating power generated by their wind mills.Adding to the woes is the strong resistance to commission Kudankulam nuclear power, which is ready after spending more than Rs14,000 crores, by the local christians and the irony is the state going thru power outages including at Kundankulam where i am presently staying.:ohno:

For Solar TN has opted for PPP model.

TN Govt will pay max Rs. 4 per KWH (They pay similar rates to Thermal also) and Non Conventional Energy Ministry will pay approx Rs. 6 per KWH. As per the Solar Policy proposed,

All Thermal Plants in TN should buy min 10-20% (not yet decided) of their total production by Thermal from Non Conventional (Solar or wind) power manufacturer.

NTPC has already started buying like this. They will pay approx Rs. 14.50 per KWH to Solar / wind Manufacurers for 10 - 20% of their total production and supply to Govt at Rs. approx Rs. 4 per KWH and they will get approx Rs. 6 per KWH from NCE Ministry. Their nett loss of approx Rs. 4.50 per KWH for solar gets distributed over entire Thermal Units supplied which may be 10 to 20 paises more per KWH.

Don't you think that this is a brilliant strategy of Indian Solar Mission and TN Govt?

Don't you think that this is a brilliant strategy of Indian Solar Mission and TN Govt?
It will not be brilliant for him because the word Tamil is there somewhere.

Also please read my post in renewable energy thread. cost is coming down

^^ Are you working on the Kudankulam nuclear plant?

No. I came to see my nephew who is working here as a scientist.it is peaceful within the township but hell outside.If u go thru the villages around u feel as though u are going thru enemy territory.The prayers in the nearby church at Idinthakarai are regular and extends to sermons and lectures in hush hush tones bordering on anti national rhetoric.When a local fellow argued with the fellow villagers that if people in kerala have no right to fear on account of old mullaperiyar dam burst as it would never occur just on the basis of assurances of TN govt and its people then in the same way people in the villages around kundankulam must believe the assurances of scientists and experts including the local man Dr.M.A.J Abdul Kalam about the plant safety and there is no dangers on account of earthquakes and tsunami for which the poor fellow was beaten severely and was treated in the nuclear plant clinic.:ohno:

For Solar TN has opted for PPP model.

TN Govt will pay max Rs. 4 per KWH (They pay similar rates to Thermal also) and Non Conventional Energy Ministry will pay approx Rs. 6 per KWH. As per the Solar Policy proposed,

All Thermal Plants in TN should buy min 10-20% (not yet decided) of their total production by Thermal from Non Conventional (Solar or wind) power manufacturer.

NTPC has already started buying like this. They will pay approx Rs. 14.50 per KWH to Solar / wind Manufacurers for 10 - 20% of their total production and supply to Govt at Rs. approx Rs. 4 per KWH and they will get approx Rs. 6 per KWH from NCE Ministry. Their nett loss of approx Rs. 4.50 per KWH for solar gets distributed over entire Thermal Units supplied which may be 10 to 20 paises more per KWH.

Don't you think that this is a brilliant strategy of Indian Solar Mission and TN Govt?
The strategy might be brilliant but how much solar power is planned to be generated in the 12th five year plan and of which how much TN is going to generate?It should be few hundred MWs at the most and that would not suffice to bridge the huge gap of 3000 MWs between demand and supply as the state faces right now.It would take a decade more to tap solar power at a low affordable cost till then augmenting conventional power generation is the only way.

It will not be brilliant for him because the word Tamil is there somewhere.

Kurumbuthanama pesasra nalla elle.

Surplus power in Tamil Nadu by 2015’
[Print]
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu would be a power surplus state by 2015 by optimising production and speeding up new projects, Electricity Minister Natham R Viswanathan said .

Inaugurating a seminar organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry here, he said the additional one hour power cut being imposed in the state barring Chennai would be lifted by January next. He said the state presently faced a power deficit of 3,000 MW. By commissioning new projects, the State would add up 1,600 MW by May 2012 and 1,400 MW by the end of the year. By 2015, the state would be power surplus and a model for other states in the country in power generation.

Bids Soon for 50 MW Solar Project

Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency would soon float tenders to set up a `500 crore, 50 MW solar power project.

“It is the first 50 MW solar project in the state,” Sudeep Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of TEDA said. The project is likely to be executed in public-private partnership mode.

As regards off-shore windpower projects, Jain said land has been allotted and the first assessment has just begun near Dhanushkodi in Ramnad.

Capital cost for producing solar power is very high when compared to the power produced now thru thermal,hydro,nuclear or even wind .When the TN govt is unable to meet the subsidies and people in TN resist increase in power tariff will it be possible to go for high cost solar power?TN power companies are saddled with huge accumulated losses and are finding difficult to maintain the existing assets leave along setting up new grids which is the constant complain of the wind power generating companies for not providing enough for evacuating power generated by their wind mills.Adding to the woes is the strong resistance to commission Kudankulam nuclear power, which is ready after spending more than Rs14,000 crores, by the local christians and the irony is the state going thru power outages including at Kundankulam where i am presently staying.:ohno:

sir, today it might be a costlier process extracting solar energy but tomorrow it will come down. So no harm in pioneering and take a step forward and be the front runners. We have bright sun burning our skin 24/7/365/31536000(seconds ha ha) and so let that serve the purpose of bringing out some power atleast. Vettiya nammala morachu pakaruthukku, Sooriyan ala ethavuthu labham aagattum.

1.Could someone from Chennai tell me if anybody in Channai uses there own wind turbine and produces enough electricity for their home use. 2.What is the average wind speed in Chennai.

^^ 1. I am from Chennai but no one in "Channai" use wind turbine.
2. Average speed will be 50-70 kmph during cyclones.

Adima sikkitaana? Evalavu adichaalum thaanguvan pola irukku.

^^ 1. I am from Chennai but no one in "Channai" use wind turbine.
2. Average speed will be 50-70 kmph during cyclones.

Hi wlbkng, Thanks for your reply.....Kumarjay

Adima sikkitaana? Evalavu adichaalum thaanguvan pola irukku.

Enna kodumai pathingala shyam idhu..

Enna kodumai pathingala shyam idhu..

Aiyo paavam.. mozhi theriyaathu pola irukku..

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Govt-plans-offshore-facility-to-tap-wind-energy/articleshow/11383786.cms

Govt plans offshore facility to tap wind energy at dhanushkodi

Honble Minister for Forests held meeting with the officers of Forests Department on planting 64 Lakhs saplings
http://www.tn.gov.in/seithi_veliyeedu/pr10Jan12/pr100112a.jpg

CHENNAI: The state may be hobbled by a severe power shortage, but its capital is home to more green buildings than any other city in the country. Chennai is home to 42 of the 212 structures in India that are certified as eco-friendly by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

Chennai is followed by Mumbai, with 29 green buildings, and the National Capital Region (28), among cities awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by IGBC. Hyderabad and Bangalore are tied in fourth place with 24 each and Kolkata is sixth with eight.

Tamil Nadu tops the states with 47 green buildings and 57 more have been registered for certification in 2011, a big increase over previous years. Sriperumbadur has three green buildings , Tirupur, two, and Madurai , Salem, Siruseri and Coimbatore have one each.

Among the green buildings in Chennai are the Turbo Energy office complex in RA Puram, Menon Eternity in Alwarpet and Shell Business Service Centre, all with platinum certification, the highest rating. Platinum is followed by gold, silver and certified ratings, based on sustainability, waste management , use of natural resources and indoor environmental quality.

Anna Centenary Library and the new Tamil Nadu assembly building are gold-rated as is Express Avenue Mall.

Viswa Syamalam, a house in Madipakkam, is one of only two individual homes in the country to have received a green rating . It was awarded platinum rating in 2009. The other green home is in Hyderabad.

"People in Chennai have been proactive about green buildings," says Sathiaram Ram, managing director of En3 Sustainability Solutions Pvt Ltd, a green building consultancy in Chennai. "The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is also promoting the concept."

What is a green building?

A green building is one that uses less water, is high on energy efficiency and sustainability, generates lesser waste, conserves more natural resources and has a better indoor environmental quality than a conventional building

Green Is Gold For State Builders

Tamil Nadu Developers Grab Business Opportunity As Eco Buildings Get Popular; Clients Save On Energy, Water Bills

Today's monoliths of concrete, glass and steel will soon be replaced by green, selfsufficient buildings and towns. Eco-friendly blueprints are off the drawing board, hauled onward by energy-saving rafters and photovoltaic louvres on gigantic cranes, as the cities of the future rise from the grime of urban sprawl.

While these new cities are taking shape in China, the United States and various European countries, builders in Tamil Nadu are getting into the act too, constructing ecologically sustainable buildings that generate their own power, stay cool with cornices covered with native plant species that require little water and save electricity with occupancy sensor-fitted lighting.

According to the Indian green building council (IGBC), there has been a sharp increase in the number of buildings in Chennai that have been awarded green certification over the past three years.

Chennai leads the country with 42 green buildings with leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) rating. Only 10 buildings in the city won the rating from 2004 to 2008, while 37 buildings received the rating between 2009 and 2011. Experts attribute this to rising ecological awareness as well as business opportunity: Green certification gives builders a new branding option.

"For a consumer, the green certificate is a third party validation, just like a college degree. They are ready to pay more for a green building," says Sathiaram Ram, managing director of En3 Sustainability Solutions Pvt Ltd, a green building consultancy in the city.

A green certificate is also a sign of corporate social responsibility. "Many IT companies have adopted the concept as company mandate or an initiative for sustainability ," Ram says.

There is also a rise in the number of buildings that have been registered for green certification , with builders needing to ensure that the structure meets certain parameters in terms of sustainability, waste generation and conservation of natural resources.

Fifty-seven buildings were registered with IGBC for green certification in 2011, 13 buildings in 2010, and 25 in 2009. The rating is divided into four categories , based on how ecofriendly the structures are, with platinum at the top, followed by gold, silver and certified buildings.

At Rane Institute for Employee Development (RIED), Perungudi, workshops and conferences are conducted in which participants can see the benefits of an energy efficient building. The RIED building, a silver-rated green building, is equipped with low-flow showers and sinks and solar PV cells to reduce water and energy consumption.

"The building is well lit to ensure we do not have to use artificial lighting during the day. At other times, we use compact fluorescent lamps that save electricity up to 20%," says N Hari Babu, vicepresident , RIED.

"Although it costs more to construct a green building, the returns are high," says a spokesperson for the IGBC. "The government should provide initiatives to encourage green developers. Green builders are provided incentives in Pune and Greater Noida . A lot of people also opt for green certification as it makes it much easier to get environmental clearance."

Investment For Future

Constructing a green building costs 3% to 5% more than a normal building, but subsequent expenditure is low. On an average, these buildings consume 40% to 50% less energy than a normal building and cut water consumption by as much as 40%

Pride Of Chennai

Chennai has the largest number of green buildings, with almost 42 certified projects over the last seven years. Chennai also has one of two green certified independent bungalows in the country

Green Building Ratings In India

In India, the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) gives the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating, a system which rates buildings on design, construction and operation and offers four certifications for new constructions: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum

Adarsh (Association for Development and Research of Sustainable Habitats) founded by Teri (The Energy and Resources Institute), New Delhi, and the ministry for new and renewable energy, (government of India) also issue Griha (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) to deal with small residential complexes and homes. Griha ratings range from one star to five star

Some Green Buildings In Chennai

World bank building olympia technology park tamil nadu legislative assembly anna centenary library express avenue mall
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/With-42-green-buildings-city-leads-the-pack/articleshow/11867597.cms

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2904112.ece

In the Sean Connery starrer, You Only Live Twice, they bring three large suitcases to a terrace and from the contents of the boxes they quickly assemble a fighter plane for the 007. What the wind turbine manufacturer, Gamesa, has in mind is somewhat similar — do-it-your-self kits for rooftop solar-wind hybrid plants. At least, that is the dream of Mr Ramesh Kymal, Chairman and Managing Director, Gamesa India.

An intense R&D effort is underway at Gamesa's India headquarters in Chennai, where, on the rooftop of the building, the company has put up a demonstration 40 kW hybrid system, comprising four solar panels and four small wind turbines. It has cost the company Rs 1.7 lakh a kW, but Mr Kymal is confident that the costs could be brought down.

Gamesa's experience has been mixed. The solar panels are working beautifully, producing 4-5 units of electricity a day per kilo watt. However, the windmills are not, and there is a useful lesson in it — which is that even on rooftops micro-siting is required. Mindful of vibrations and its impact on structural stability of the building, Gamesa just put up the windmills on end-points of the pillars. Consequently, one windmill is affecting the performance of the next.

Mr Kymal says power at Rs 10 a unit is easy and the effort is on to halve it. Gamesa, he said, is also working on a prototype of a small-sized solar-powered reverse osmosis plant that can produce clean drinking water. These plants, he says, could solve the water problem in villages. “Every village has a water source,” he said, “only the water is dirty.”

All this talk of Solar is not translating to actual projects on the ground in Chennai/TN. Other states are blazing ahead. If the govt of TN is serious about the need to generate more power, then they need some pro-active policies.

Power deficit in chennai is growing worse. A large part of the city enjoyed uninterrupted power, but nowadays there is power shedding with blackouts for hours. The protest at KKulam Nuke plant (inspired by sinister western interests in thwarting Russian nuclear power plant in India) is not helping the situation.

There are many little things that the govt can do. For starters they can blanket the flat roof tops of existing buildings with solar power. All public buildings, colleges, schools can kick of the project immediately. If capital expenses is an issue, then private players can step in. They rent the roof tops and pay a small fee. The power generation from the roof tops is metered and connected together, with the private player selling the overall power to the state Electricity Board. Next common apartments, condominiums can blanket their rooftops. Eventually, private building owners get in since there is money to be made.

The Govt can mandate that new buildings should have solar power installed on their rooftops. They could qualify for lower tax rates on the building for the first 5 years.

I know that Chennai gets some water supply from the Krishna canal from AP. This canal can be covered by Solar panels like Gujarat has shown. It generates power and prevents water loss through evaporation. win win.

Solving the power problem via renewable sources is no more a fashionable/buzzworthy slogan, it is a strategic imperative. Nations that do not address this issue sooner will lose. Every state in the Union should focus on this imperative with laser like focus.

sir, today it might be a costlier process extracting solar energy but tomorrow it will come down. So no harm in pioneering and take a step forward and be the front runners. We have bright sun burning our skin 24/7/365/31536000(seconds ha ha) and so let that serve the purpose of bringing out some power atleast. Vettiya nammala morachu pakaruthukku, Sooriyan ala ethavuthu labham aagattum.

The cost per/KW too high for solar energy and not affordable for most of the Indians.....even for western's without goverment subsidy's/incentive...its tough task to continue inspite of falling cost of PV cells and modules...

check out the fall of major PV cell producers stocks in the recent 2 years....all fallen more than 80%....

The cost per/KW too high for solar energy and not affordable for most of the Indians.....even for western's without goverment subsidy's/incentive...its tough task to continue inspite of falling cost of PV cells and modules...

check out the fall of major PV cell producers stocks in the recent 2 years....all fallen more than 80%....

my unsolicited advice for PV aspirers - forget the ROI economy.. you might never break even, (not in your lifetime). but you will get some relief in the power scarce state of ours...

that said, even notwithstanding the initial cost of solar pv panels, the solar panel for home power is a tempting proposition. it gives you a power autonomy in the dog days of power cuts. but the biggest stumbling block is the battery and maintenance surrounding it. its kind of an art to keep the battery perfectly balanced and never over-charge it. pv panels, by itself, require not much .. just gentle swipe of dust on the surface and terminals should be enough. but, if you try to skimp on the battery sizes and the accessories such as monitors, automation etc .. you might end up on the losing side. what you saved in the short-term you will lose in a near short-term ...


some numbers -

the industry standard for 1 kw panel + battery + inverters + installation ~ rs 2.2 lakhs (after rebates)

to build a robust system that could keep you off the grid for 70% of the time and well maintained, and not heavily stressed, you need to invest a bit more than that. around rs. 2.6 lakhs/KW.

(the key thing is to not go for the distributors/middle-men .. but go buy the panels at the mfg. source itself)

so if you want a 3 kw you will spend close to 8 lakhs.

3 kw => 3 x 5 (avg. usable sunlight hours/day) = 15 *.70 (efficiency loss) ~ 10 kw per day.

but if you need battery storage for 3 days off the grid autonomy (max) thats extra dough.. (saves in the long run by not over-discharging)

All this talk of Solar is not translating to actual projects on the ground in Chennai/TN. Other states are blazing ahead. If the govt of TN is serious about the need to generate more power, then they need some pro-active policies.

Power deficit in chennai is growing worse. A large part of the city enjoyed uninterrupted power, but nowadays there is power shedding with blackouts for hours. The protest at KKulam Nuke plant (inspired by sinister western interests in thwarting Russian nuclear power plant in India) is not helping the situation.

There are many little things that the govt can do. For starters they can blanket the flat roof tops of existing buildings with solar power. All public buildings, colleges, schools can kick of the project immediately. If capital expenses is an issue, then private players can step in. They rent the roof tops and pay a small fee. The power generation from the roof tops is metered and connected together, with the private player selling the overall power to the state Electricity Board. Next common apartments, condominiums can blanket their rooftops. Eventually, private building owners get in since there is money to be made.

The Govt can mandate that new buildings should have solar power installed on their rooftops. They could qualify for lower tax rates on the building for the first 5 years.

I know that Chennai gets some water supply from the Krishna canal from AP. This canal can be covered by Solar panels like Gujarat has shown. It generates power and prevents water loss through evaporation. win win.

Solving the power problem via renewable sources is no more a fashionable/buzzworthy slogan, it is a strategic imperative. Nations that do not address this issue sooner will lose. Every state in the Union should focus on this imperative with laser like focus.

It is partly becos of lack of awareness on solar. People still attribute Solar power to water heater. Since chennai or TN is mostly sunny the need for water heater may not be that much. So they companies must start marketing the solar power plants.

Entities like CMRL , MRTS, all govt departments must get into PPP and develop their property with Solar. It will encourage pvt people to install solar in their roof. Further some interest proposal similar to Cell phone towers are provided by Solar energy generators will increase the usage.

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article2974603.ece

Wind power technology major Gamesa is in the process of setting up a third plant, which will manufacture nacelles at Mamandur, near Chennai.

The plant will be ready for production by June this year, said Ramesh Kymal, Chairman and Managing Director of Gamesa Wind Turbines Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Euro 3.6 billion Gamesa group of Spain.

“We have identified the land and the capacity of the proposed plant will be 1,500 MW of both 2 MW machines and 850 kW machines on a single shift basis,” Mr. Kymal said in an interview with The Hindu here recently.

The Mamandur plant is also part of Rs.750-crore investment of Gamesa on its India operations. An assembly plant in Red Hills, on the outskirts of Chennai, and one making blades at a 110 acre site in Vadodara, Gujarat, are the other manufacturing facilities of the company in the country.

Sounding upbeat about the market for wind turbines in the country, Mr. Kymal said the company offered products suited to the Indian conditions. The decision to set up another plant, he added, was in tune with its objective to increase the share of indigenous components. “We are looking at 60-65 per cent indigenisation to keep the cost under control and also reduce the risk of exchange rate fluctuation,” he said, adding that a major strength of the company was its focus on prompt, round-the-clock service. Towards this, as much as 50 per cent of the total workforce of 1,000 persons was on the service side, he said.

These strategies have helped the company, which began its operations two-and-half years ago, triple manufacturing. “First year we said 100 MW but did 200 MW, the next year we did 600 MW as against the target of 300 MW. This year we will do 750 MW,” he said, adding “We have gone to Sri Lanka and are looking at Maldives.”

On wind energy scenario, Mr. Kymal, who is also the Chairman of Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, said from the times, in early 1990s, when upfront incentives and accelerated depreciation attracted companies to harness wind power, the situation had changed. The hardcore shortage of power fuelled the growth, though there was still the need for the government to continue with incentives to encourage independent power producers (IPPs).

The power situation in the country was a serious issue, he said, adding that the demand would only go up in view of the demographic patterns.

Wind power alone is not the only answer as “we have the technical expertise to harness renewable energies and create small hybrid power systems. The need of the hour is to take a holistic approach to our power problem and renewables have to play a major role,” he said.

In terms of expectations from the Union Budget 2012, he said a level playing field was the need of the hour. The Generation Based Incentive (GBI) should be increased and accelerated depreciation scheme for the IPPs should be continued in the XII Plan.

Improving the funding, for the IPPs, is another requirement. “It is our endeavour to see that primary sector lending for the wind power project increases and the IPPs are allowed to sell power in the open access to anybody willing to. This way the IPPs can get a remunerative price for the power,” he explained.

Zynergy Projects to invest Rs 5000 cr in solar projects


Zynergy Projects and Services Pvt Limited, which focuses on solar energy and production of equipment related to the solar industry, is planning to invest around Rs 2,000 crore in manufacturing. Besides, it would invest around Rs 3,000 crore in power generation. These investments will be in Tamil Nadu.

Rohit Rabindernath, chief executive officer, Zynergy Projects, said the manufacturing facilities would be established in two phases. In the first phase, a facility to manufacture modules will come up at Sriperumbdur, near Chennai, with a capacity of 25 Megawatt. It is expected to go on stream in May.

The company has acquired 6.5 acres of land and blocked another 40 acres in Tirunelveli district, in south Tamil Nadu, for setting up a manufacturing facility for solar cell and other equipment to cater to the industry.

The investment to be made over five years would be funded by promoters, investors and debt.

“We are also in advance stage of negotiations with private equity funds to raise the money,” said Rabindernath. He refused to give other details.

Both the projects are being implemented by a special purpose vehicle.

Commenting on its generation vertical, he said, the company and its Spanish partner were planning to set up solar farms, which can generate 350 Mw over the next five years. The company intends to invest around Rs 3,000 crore in this venture.

“We are waiting for the solar policy to get some clarity,” said Rabindernath

Recently, the company commissioned a one-megawatt solar plant at Madurai. He claimed this plant would supply 1.65 billion units (kWh) per annum.

He said they were in advance level of negotiations to take up EPC works for projects with a capacity of 20 Mw.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/zynergy-projects-to-invest-rs-5000-cr-in-solar-projects/467458/

^^ Great investments for Chennai and TN as a whole.. :cheers:

Central Govt , it seems has not given sanction to many of the Solar power plant proposals from TN.

Without the central subsidy (which is almost 50%), no pvt player will come forward to put up solar plants in TN.

TN Govt should enact in a Solar Policy similar to that of Gujarat & Karnataka and force the centre with a TINA factor.

CG is being very biased against TN.

Unless the central subsidy is given, JJ's dream of 1000 MW from Solar will remain a pipe dream.

Government working on fund for financing renewable energy (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/government-working-on-fund-for-financing-renewable-energy/articleshow/12249074.cms)

The government is working on an infrastructure fund for renewable energy and other power sectors, a top official of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) said.

The government was "seized" of the issue of creating a financial instrument for financing renewable energy and other power sectors, IREDA Chairman and Managing Director Debashish Majumdar said at a conference here.

The request for the fund was made by IREDA, established under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, he said.

Power min says TN needs central funds (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Power-min-says-TN-needs-central-funds/articleshow/12242499.cms)

"The Centre announced last year that 200MW would be generated under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. Tamil Nadu was asked to generate only 7MW of the target. This year, the government has announced generation of 1,000MW, but we have been asked to generate only 22 MW."

Viswanathan said that though Tamil Nadu has potential for solar energy, the Union government had allocated it a meagre share of the project outlay. He also asked the Centre to encourage investors to set up more solar plants in the state.

Looks like CG has a very pathetic target and within that TN is getting a meagre share

Idea!

Our folks in Politics are very enterprising in mobilising funds.. JJ should ask all her 34 Ministers to set up a 10 MW Solar Power Plant in their Constituencies, to start with.. in six months.

340 MWs ready.

Now,JJ should review the performance of these Solar plants and if satisfied should ask all her other MLAs to set up 10 MWs plants in their constituencies.

112*10=1120 MWs ready in another six months.

Total :: 1460 MWs in one year.

Extend the scheme to all Mayors, Municipal Chairmen, Union Chairmen and Panchayat Presidents...2-5 Mws plants.

Total numbers...?

Very much a possible suggestion..JJ are you listening?

Idea!

Our folks in Politics are very enterprising in mobilising funds.. JJ should ask all her 34 Ministers to set up a 10 MW Solar Power Plant in their Constituencies, to start with.. in six months.

340 MWs ready.

Now,JJ should review the performance of these Solar plants and if satisfied should ask all her other MLAs to set up 10 MWs plants in their constituencies.

112*10=1120 MWs ready in another six months.

Total :: 1460 MWs in one year.

Extend the scheme to all Mayors, Municipal Chairmen, Union Chairmen and Panchayat Presidents...2-5 Mws plants.

Total numbers...?

Very much a possible suggestion..JJ are you listening?
this is nice execution path..if it is given this way.how much money it will be to have 1MW?

our ministers not even pay for their Toll bill for their allaikai's vehicles.

Idea!

Our folks in Politics are very enterprising in mobilising funds.. JJ should ask all her 34 Ministers to set up a 10 MW Solar Power Plant in their Constituencies, to start with.. in six months.

340 MWs ready.

Now,JJ should review the performance of these Solar plants and if satisfied should ask all her other MLAs to set up 10 MWs plants in their constituencies.

112*10=1120 MWs ready in another six months.

Total :: 1460 MWs in one year.

Extend the scheme to all Mayors, Municipal Chairmen, Union Chairmen and Panchayat Presidents...2-5 Mws plants.

Total numbers...?

Very much a possible suggestion..JJ are you listening?

Nice intent.. bit over simplified. But something along these lines can be done to infuse competition amongst sleepy ministers to do proactive service to constituencies.. Given our guys mentality, can only lead to more infighting and corruption..

JJ must definitely cultivate some strong second and third tier leadership.

Tamil Nadu still a big draw for wind power developers
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2991751.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Chennai, March 13:

For wind power developers, the first choice still remains Tamil Nadu. Get your evacuation lines in place, we will invest, they say.

Several wind power companies that participated in Renergy 2012, a renewable energy event organised by the Tamilnadu Energy Development Agency, have said that despite having 6,300 MW of wind power capacity – about 40 per cent of the total installed capacity in the country – Tamil Nadu has still a lot of good sites to offer.

The CLP India's Senior Vice President – Finance, Mr Hemant Joshi, told Business Line today that once the evacuation infrastructure is in place, the company would come back to Tamil Nadu.

The Hong Kong-based CLP India, which is incidentally the largest foreign investor in India's power sector, has 99 MW of wind assets in Theni, Tamil Nadu. The company wanted to add capacity here, but power evacuation issues have caused the company to wait and watch.

A similar view was expressed by Mr Sunil Jain, Chief Operating Officer, Green Infra, a major player in the renewable energy sector in India. Tamil Nadu is “very, very attractive” he said, noting that there was still a huge potential for putting up wind farms.

Manikaran Power is yet another company which is planning a major push into the renewable energy sector, with plans for 500 MW of wind assets. Choice One: Tamil Nadu — for a 25 MW plant. However, the company's Executive Director, Mr Pravin Abraham, says that it needs some comfort in terms of transmission.

Manikaran is in talks with Gamesa for purchase of the latter's machines. Gamesa is said to have met with success in securing an approval from the Tamil Nadu authorities to put up its own sub-stations. Once, Gamesa is able to put up a 400-kVa sub-station, it might be possible to hook it up with the Power Grid Corporation of India's lines, industry observers say.

In spite of short-term challenges in Tamil Nadu that include evacuation and delays in payment, the State continues to be an attractive proposition for wind farms. This is because the State still has some of the best wind sites. Further, the developers and turbine manufacturers have acquired sites in Tamil Nadu based on resource assessment potential. The progressive regulations of the state including group captive model continues to attract investors and developers for whom Tamil Nadu continues to remain an attractive proposition, says Mr Vineeth Vijayaraghavan, Founder and Editor of Panchabuta, an online renewable energy newsletter.

Mr D.V. Giri, Secretary-General, Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers' Association, said that Tamil Nadu was good in terms of land acquisition too.

Speaking at a panel discussion at Renergy 2012, both Mr Giri and Mr Sunil Jain of Green Infra, said that land acquisition was the easiest in Rajasthan. They said that while Tamil Nadu was okay, Maharashtra and Karnataka were pretty bad.

@ Leo:

Hilarious and with good intent.

But Solar & Wind plants can not be put up anywhere & everywhere and designated areas are only recommended. Depends on Sun Radiation Level & Wind speed.

CG may derail the TN Govt's plan of going for Solar in a big way simply by refusing the JNSSM subsidy.

Greening TN's industrial economy, the CII way (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2994893.ece)

CHENNAI, MARCH 14:

Pollution tax for polluters? Incentives for green products? And lower property tax for green buildings?

These are some of the ideas mooted at a recent meeting by the Confederation of Indian Industry and industry partners. Can some these ideas find shape in the future as Tamil Nadu seeks to become a green industrial economy?

CII's Tamil Nadu chapter is working with the Madras School of Economics on a project to help industries reduce green house gas emissions and carbon footprint. CII will also seek the association of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation in the project.

Mr N.K. Ranganath, Chairman, CII Tamil Nadu, said: “The biggest generator of green house gas in the State is power generation. Tamil Nadu, being a highly industrialised State, stands number 2 in vehicle pollution and number 4 in green house gas intensity in the country. While shortage of power has made our industries innovative and energy efficient, the industry needs to be proactive and not reactive.”

The project will dip into UKFCO's $10-billion global funding meant primarily for developing nations. “We will also look into international funds for mitigation of climate issues.”

A high-level steering committee comprising senior government officials from power, environment, renewable energy departments will be formed. The committee will identify industries that require priority and come out with findings and recommendations on policies, incentives, taxes and other fiscal instruments, cost-benefit analysis, implementation strategies and monitoring.

The first of the meetings were held on Wednesday between CII and representatives from companies such as Tata Consultancy, Nissan, ABB, Chennai Petrochemicals, Wheels India, and consultants from KPMG and Ernst & Young. Proposals ranged from loading non-green practices with taxes and incentivising green products to differential pricing for government tenders with greater price offered to green products.

CII will hold talks with the State Government next, by March-end. A study on carbon footprint in Tamil Nadu will be released soon.

West Bengal and Odisha have already taken a lead in this and recently came out with several recommendations. The Tamil Nadu project is expected to come out with recommendations by October 2012.

@ Leo:

CG may derail the TN Govt's plan of going for Solar in a big way simply by refusing the JNSSM subsidy.

so its going to be Solar Vs Nuclear

You lift the ban, i will give u subsidy.
no no, you give subsidy, i will lift the ban.

so its going to be Solar Vs Nuclear

You lift the ban, i will give u subsidy.
no no, you give subsidy, i will lift the ban.

In either case, since its TN.. we will do nothing.. :bash: CG

In either case, since its TN.. we will do nothing.. :bash: CG

decentralize is the trump card.

like the groundwater harvesting, every person in rent or owning a house should be mandated to produce atleast 1 KWH using wind or solar or pay a hefty electricity bill. for violators, the first few KWH-s of daily consumption must come at a 6x cost. in otherwords, no carrots only stick. we are already giving too much carrot alvaas to the folks in selling power for such a fraction of what it costs. still better, a grading/slab system for quantifying KWH of self-production based on the current consumption, say if < 4 KWH/day => produce atleast 1 KWH so on.

if such a mandate come to effect, then solutions will fall in place. houses in a colony can cluster, apartments in a building will have to cluster, commercial places must be knocked down if they don't comply.

when it comes to sun and wind power, mass holds the key. instead of looking for govt. subsidies - if we put such seemingly "brutal" law into effect, the economies of scale will kick in and the prices will come down. the solution may sound too simplified, but the human ingenuity will find its way to achieve it..the survival game.

if you want to harvest renewable energy why not target the whole footprint of its availability.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3013263.ece

SunEdision has put up a 100-kW solar plant on roof of building of Scope International in Chennai. Scope is Standard Chartered Bank's captive BPO and its headquarters is in Chennai.

Spread over 20,000 sq ft of roof space, the plant uses 875 solar panels and will generate 3 million units of electricity over the next 20 years, enough to power 40 average Indian homes annually.

This is the first commercial rooftop solar project, SunEdison India's Managing Director, Mr Pasupathy Gopalan, said on Monday, meaning that the Scope building will consume the energy produced on its rooftop, paying a price for it. SunEdison has not disclosed the price, but said it was the first commercial PPA rooftop in the country.

The entire project was completed in three months. SunEdison is in talks with other prospects for similar rooftop projects.

Report is aimed at helping the State government know its overall position

Energy and power-related sources account for over 75 per cent of the emissions in Tamil Nadu and it is imperative for the State to adopt an overall renewable energy strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of power generation and lower its overall emission footprint, states a report on Tamil Nadu's carbon footprint.

Prepared by the Confederation of Indian Industry-Sohrabji Godrej Green Building Centre, the report is aimed at helping the State government know its overall position, pattern of emissions and use it as a basis to attain low carbon growth for the future.

Giving the details of the report, CII-Godrej GBC principal counsellor, K.S. Venkatagiri, said Tamil Nadu's carbon footprint indicated a total greenhouse gas emission of 111.86 million tonnes during 2009-10, with energy sector accounting for 76 per cent, followed by industries and agriculture.

Some of the key recommendations of the study include: adopting voluntary renewable power obligation targets; creation of green fund and supporting the State's climate mitigation efforts; establishing a power plant refurbishment fund; charging a fuel cess of Rs.0.25 per litre on both diesel and petrol and utilising it for funding bio-fuel research and supporting technology absorption.
A green cess to support the public transportation system; a clean energy cess to promote non-fossil fuel based energy; co-processing of industrial, municipal and other combustible wastes in cement kilns; adoption of green buildings in residential and commercial space; and demand side management in agricultural pump sets, water and crop management are other recommendations.
“In line with the national commitment of reducing emissions intensity by 20 to 25 per cent of 2005 levels by 2020, this study explored possible options to help the state to achieve similar emissions intensity reduction. Based on the mitigation options identified, an emissions intensity reduction of 20 to 25 per cent by 2020 for Tamil Nadu looks feasible,” he said.

Delivering the inaugural address at a conference on ‘Corporate sustainability', Principal Secretary, Environment, C.V. Sankar said here on Monday that Tamil Nadu was drafting its own action plan on climate change and had initiated discussions at various levels.

“This will make Tamil Nadu ready for carbon constraint and make the State an attractive green investment destination both nationally and internationally. As in many other areas, Tamil Nadu can take the lead and show the world how sustainable models such as reuse and recycling, though well-known concepts, could be put into practice,” he said.

He also said Tamil Nadu had embarked on a massive tree plantation drive with an ambitious target of taking the forest and tree cover of the State to 33 per cent of the land area from the present 21.8 per cent.

Source: The Hindu, Chennai edition, dated 20-Mar-2012 (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3013702.ece)

Today, there was the news on Thiruvannamalai school being punished by TANGEDCO for using Solar energy instead of EB power. :bash:

Today, there was the news on Thiruvannamalai school being punished by TANGEDCO for using Solar energy instead of EB power. :bash:

That was a Comedy piece :)

Due to the use of solar power, their electricity bills became very low. The EB then accused them of using faulty meter or something like that and imposed a hefty fine.

@ Leo:

Hilarious and with good intent.

But Solar & Wind plants can not be put up anywhere & everywhere and designated areas are only recommended. Depends on Sun Radiation Level & Wind speed.

CG may derail the TN Govt's plan of going for Solar in a big way simply by refusing the JNSSM subsidy.

but out of 140 odd MLA seats, atleast 80% may qualify. :)

For me it is looking as great idea. But again funds would be problem..

112*10 = 1120 MW * 10 crores = 11200 crores.

4yrs before it was 21crores per MW and now it is 10 crores per MW and I guess by 2016 it would be 3-4 crores per MW.

IMHO, state gvt can form a separate renewable resource ministry for power and concentrate more on this. (namma Tshyam ku special post athula ;))

but out of 140 odd MLA seats, atleast 80% may qualify. :)

For me it is looking as great idea. But again funds would be problem..

112*10 = 1120 MW * 10 crores = 11200 crores.

4yrs before it was 21crores per MW and now it is 10 crores per MW and I guess by 2016 it would be 3-4 crores per MW.

IMHO, state gvt can form a separate renewable resource ministry for power and concentrate more on this. (namma Tshyam ku special post athula ;))

I can take a joke, but seriously?!! .. trusting a strategic cum moral climatic responsibility to MLAs! c'mon guys, its like giving your atm card & pin to the looters and asking for accountability. ofcourse, they will rape and plunder... thats their birthright. all you will see is a big pole with a smooth glass for a PV panel.. and they will call that the phaseI.

power be to the people. lets petition AMMA for a per-capita-kilo-watt-harvesting ... the current residential per-kw quotes are all so made-up .. a careful customer can already easily make it the fraction of what it is. and, the private enterprises will drive the market forces in the right direction.

I can take a joke, but seriously?!! .. trusting a strategic cum moral climatic responsibility to MLAs! c'mon guys, its like giving your atm card & pin to the looters and asking for accountability. ofcourse, they will rape and plunder... thats their birthright. all you will see is a big pole with a smooth glass for a PV panel.. and they will call that the phaseI.

power be to the people. lets petition AMMA for a per-capita-kilo-watt-harvesting ... the current residential per-kw quotes are all so made-up .. a careful customer can already easily make it the fraction of what it is. and, the private enterprises will drive the market forces in the right direction.

The idea is
Govt is not providing funds.

MLAs have to spend from their pocket. :lol:

I can take a joke, but seriously?!! .. trusting a strategic cum moral climatic responsibility to MLAs! c'mon guys, its like giving your atm card & pin to the looters and asking for accountability. ofcourse, they will rape and plunder... thats their birthright. all you will see is a big pole with a smooth glass for a PV panel.. and they will call that the phaseI.

power be to the people. lets petition AMMA for a per-capita-kilo-watt-harvesting ... the current residential per-kw quotes are all so made-up .. a careful customer can already easily make it the fraction of what it is. and, the private enterprises will drive the market forces in the right direction.

It should be made in such a way that they have show 10*5*300 = 15000 MWh or 1.5 crore units per year per MLA. If they miss the target by more than say 20%, adutha thadava MLA seat kedayathu. :D

Surely even our resourceful MLA's cant produce current with just glass panels. So all the amma vasis will implement them properly and with fear.

Great incentive is Govt. will pay them at Rs 5.00 per KWH and getting payment is assured,being part of the Govt.

Rs 7.5 Crores per annum income till the plants last..

Surely even our resourceful MLA's cant produce current with just glass panels. So all the amma vasis will implement them properly and with fear.

^^

why not? they have set fine precedence-s .. they have toll-enabled a road which is not even worth commuting let alone on a premium. service roads, 30 minute from MK to Mahabs, drains, etc .. have they all materialized. now that may be nhrdc or whatever central govt. it is. but its the same gutter line.

even granting a big IF on the MLA-s' altruism, the idea hinges heavily on multiple mega-projects cropping up simultaneously. that by itself has a lethal punch on its boot-strap-time. because you get into land-allocation and local power plays. thats the definition of DOA dead on arrival.

secondly the power grids are not yet capable of uploading and distributing unless you get to build such intelligent power grid that's way beyond the entrepreneurial acumen of small timers or hood-winkers such as MLAs, it needs visionaries to clear ahead of several challenges technical and logistical.

if there is a storm coming, would you let everyone brace on their own or set to build a huge shield for each constituency which will never get built? the energy storm has already hit us .. for some reason our govt. is protecting/shielding us from the brunt of it in the name of subsidies.. but cannot sustain. smarter way is often the simpler way.

forget the smart grids, we cannot yet master the laying of tar-roads and drains that can sustain at least 1 monsoon!!

Recomended norm by WHO for Green Space Requirement per Dweller :: 9.0 Sq Mtr

Available in well Developed Cities in the West :: 80 Sq mtr
In gandhinagar :: 162 "
IN Chandigarh :: 54 "
In New Delhi :: 21 "
In Bangalore :: 17 "
In Chennai :: 0.46 "

Govt needs to preserve every sq in of free space . Instead it has increased FSI for providing low cost housing in the latest Budget.

Planning to make the available Green Space to near zero!

Atleast other Cities and towns in TN should try for this WHO\s norm.

^^

why not? they have set fine precedence-s .. they have toll-enabled a road which is not even worth commuting let alone on a premium. service roads, 30 minute from MK to Mahabs, drains, etc .. have they all materialized. now that may be nhrdc or whatever central govt. it is. but its the same gutter line.

even granting a big IF on the MLA-s' altruism, the idea hinges heavily on multiple mega-projects cropping up simultaneously. that by itself has a lethal punch on its boot-strap-time. because you get into land-allocation and local power plays. thats the definition of DOA dead on arrival.

secondly the power grids are not yet capable of uploading and distributing unless you get to build such intelligent power grid that's way beyond the entrepreneurial acumen of small timers or hood-winkers such as MLAs, it needs visionaries to clear ahead of several challenges technical and logistical.

if there is a storm coming, would you let everyone brace on their own or set to build a huge shield for each constituency which will never get built? the energy storm has already hit us .. for some reason our govt. is protecting/shielding us from the brunt of it in the name of subsidies.. but cannot sustain. smarter way is often the simpler way.

forget the smart grids, we cannot yet master the laying of tar-roads and drains that can sustain at least 1 monsoon!!

Sure! Government never works!! On the contrary, cribbing in SSC has always worked.

am not the guy who likes saying "told you so ...", but let me brag, ... am I right or am I right.

the TN is now on right track, taking the subsidies off of the power tariff and making it a bit more
realistic .. it was just so gross injustice to the current situation, now corrected.

am sure its going to hurt some pockets .. and some hearts. but the good news is its not yet so bad.

the next step is going to be more painful. mandate the kilo watt harvest at per capita level. a small solar panel 30 sqfeet panel
will go a long way.

the TN is now on right track, taking the subsidies off of the power tariff and making it a bit more
realistic .. it was just so gross injustice to the current situation, now corrected.
Sir,
State's old man will come and clean up the treasury next time sir...
who knows, he might even do a stunt "min Kattanangal Kuriakkapadu" or he will give "Electricity" as a freebie..

Hopefully his son takes over, before this maniac comes back again.

Windmills to power streetlights in city

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01043/05TH_WINDMILL_1043985f.jpg

Imagine 15-metre towers with micro wind turbines above and four solar panels below vying with huge palm trees to create a geometrically regular pattern along the East Coast Road.

These towers, with a hybrid of wind and solar energies systems, will soon be yet another initiative in Chennai Corporation's pursuit of tapping alternative energy sources for better street lighting in the city, particularly along coastal roads that are predominantly in newly added areas.

The civic body has commissioned a study on tapping wind and solar energy with optimum hybrid models for better street lighting in added areas. Chennai, according to persons associated with the study, “is a good wind zone” but is not suitable for big wind turbines over 100 metres in height. However, the initiative using micro wind turbines is also likely to be another stepping stone towards bringing down energy consumption by 25 per cent and to save 36 lakh units in the coming year.

A group of streetlights would be connected to a tower with hybrid power generating systems. These additional street lights would fill the unusual voids between rows of 2.2-lakh streetlights in the 426 sq km of the city, mainly in the coastal zones of Tiruvottiyur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur in the added areas and Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Teynampet and Adyar of the old city limits.

Existing streetlights have been found to be inadequate in many of the expanded areas, which have a relatively low number of 88,000 streetlights. The added areas, which were earlier part of Panchayats, would be the biggest beneficiaries from the proposal for wind and solar energy-based models.

Areas such as the Marina Beach and Elliots Beach are also set to gain from the initiative. Localities in Tiruvottiyur, Sholinganallur and Marina Beach will get pilot projects that will be expanded after ascertaining their viability. In the wake of an increase in power tariff, this proposal is likely to be viable.

These new hybrid facilities would be in addition to the 25,000 solar-powered streetlights proposed in eight new zones. The Corporation has already proposed a massive programme to replace around 60,000 streetlights.

The wind and solar hybrid systems would overcome challenges pertaining to the old system of illumination adopted by many Panchayats earlier. The Corporation's norm of a minimum of a 25-metre distance between two adjacent streetlights would be adhered to during the installation of these facilities in areas such as Tiruvottiyur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3281765.ece

That pic is pretty cool..

+1. Pretty cool.:cheers:

Chennai Port Trust to produce power from wind, wave

Chennai Port Trust (CPT) aspires to become self-reliant on the energy front with plans to produce power using renewable sources of electricity, including wind and wave.

The port has called for consultants to conduct feasibility study to install windmills on the breakwater and produce electricity from ocean-based renewable energy.

“Being a city-based port, we have to be a pioneer in making the port ecologically sustainable. We are working towards reducing energy consumption and also produce electricity from renewable sources,” CPT chairman Atulya Misra.

He said CPT currently consumes 38 MW every year and are spending about `29 crore per annum on electricity charges.

He noted that CPT is now scouting for green port consultants, who will create a roadmap for harnessing renewable energy.

“Then we will decide the project size and join hands with a private partner to develop it on a profit sharing model.” About 10 MW of power would be generated from the estimated `78.95 crore project, which is expected to be ready in three years.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-port-trust-produce-power-wind-wave-276

Chennai Port Trust to produce power from wind, wave



http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-port-trust-produce-power-wind-wave-276

good positive news. :)

Eco school

http://puthiyathalaimurai.tv/news/videos?video=608&paging=3

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/9074

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/9074

Fantastic concept. Thanks Shyam.

We recommended District Cooling Concept along OMR to TNRDC way back in 2005.

All the Back up Power generators in the IT parks create so much of heat and the heat can be used to generate low pressure steam and in turn the LP Steam can be used to generate chilled water for AC plants by using Absorption Refrigeration.

TNRDC could have laid Chilled water pipelines in ducts along the road to supply to all IT parks / townships.

As usual Chevidan Kadhula oodhina Changu.:bash:

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/cooking-oil-powers-qantas-aircraft/936337/

Fantastic concept. Thanks Shyam.

We recommended District Cooling Concept along OMR to TNRDC way back in 2005.

All the Back up Power generators in the IT parks create so much of heat and the heat can be used to generate low pressure steam and in turn the LP Steam can be used to generate chilled water for AC plants by using Absorption Refrigeration.

TNRDC could have laid Chilled water pipelines in ducts along the road to supply to all IT parks / townships.

As usual Chevidan Kadhula oodhina Changu.:bash:

Yes sir. I actually posted it for you. I thought your company will find it very useful.

India: Chennai Port Trust Seeks Proposals for Wave Energy Development (http://subseaworldnews.com/2012/04/17/india-chennai-port-trust-seeks-proposals-for-wave-energy-development/)

http://subseaworldnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/India-Chennai-Port-Trust-Seeks-Proposals-for-Wave-Energy-Development.jpg

As reported by the Asian Age, Chennai Port Trust (CPT) is looking for green port consultants with project proposals that will pave the way for the port to become self-reliant when it comes to generating energy from renewable sources such as wind and wave.

In order to be able to push ahead with the 78.95 crore worth idea it is needed to first prepare the terrain in terms of exploration of the possible options which are ecologically acceptable.

Therefore, consultants have been called to carry out a feasibility study on potential installation of windmills on the breakwater.

Upon completion of preparatory stages, the project implementation of 10 MW should ensue, with anticipated duration of three years.

“Then we will decide the project size and join hands with a private partner to develop it on a profit sharing model,” CPT Chairman Atulya Misra said.
At the moment CPT spends circa `29 crore on annual bases for 38 MW power.

Chennai readies to give country its solar atlas (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-readies-give-country-its-solar-atlas-070)

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/19SOLAR-STORY-PIC-ONE.jpg.crop_display.jpg
SRAC director G.Giridhar explains recording the data of solar radiation across the country with a nerve center in Chennai. — DC

Chennai is readying to give India its solar atlas, which will have details on radiation of solar energy in various cities in the country.

A team of experts set up by the ministry of new and renewable energy are sitting in Chennai and updating the data of radiation of solar energy in 50 existing automatic solar radiation monitoring centers, including seven in Tamil Nadu, starting from Ladhak in Kashmir to Chitradurga in Karnataka. Sixty more data centres would be set up shortly.

The data in the atlas would be useful for both the government and commercial investors, who could learn about the potential solar zones in India and come up with specific projects to tap the energy, says G. Giridhar, director of the solar radiation assessment cell in Chennai.

The ministry is finalising the proposal to sell the solar data to corporates who would like to set up renewable energy business houses such as solar farms in India.

“The ministry aims to produce 20,000 mega watt of electricity through renewable energy sources in 2020.

This solar census project has the ground data about 32 weather parameters, including humidity, ambient temperature. This is the first of its kind of its project in the world to use solar spots to assess the potential zones,” Giridhar said.

The automatic centers in the country would feed the data collected from all the centers to the server in Chennai, he said.

“Using GPS we update 32 weather parameters including humidity, ambient temperature and radiation. At the click of the mouse, the Chennai office provides the graphs of solar radiation in all major cities,” he said.

The five-year project, which started in 2011, has been coordinated by TEDA (Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency), TNEB (Tamil Nadu Electricity Board) and the renewable energy ministry.

SOLAR-POWERED ATM MACHINES - EXPAND BANKING OPTIONS IN RURAL INDIA (http://e360.yale.edu/digest/solar-powered_atm_machines_expand_banking_options_in_rural_india/3428/)

For many villagers in rural areas of India, personal banking comes at a high cost. In addition to the expense of traveling to the nearest branch, often in distant cities, they must often forego a day’s work.

Vortex Engineering - A “Gramateller” ATM in a Tamil Nadu village.

http://e360.yale.edu/images/slideshows/vortex_engineering_solar_atm_india.jpg
Local residents use a Vortex ATM in Tiruppalapandal village in Tamil Nadu. (Photo courtesy of Vortex Engineering)

Vortex Engineering, a start-up incubated at Chennai’s Indian Institute of Technology, has come up with a solution that not only saves rural Indians the day’s hassle but cuts down on energy use. Combining solar panels with innovative mechanical design requiring far less power, Vortex’s ATMs are capable of running on about 10 percent of the energy used by conventional machines. And because the low-power design produces very little heat of its own, the “Gramateller” — “gram” is Hindi for “village” — functions as well in the heat of a Rajasthani June as in the snowy winters of the hill station Nanital. To date, 450 Gramatellers have been installed, most in small towns between 30 and 60 kilometers from bank headquarters. Vortex marketing manager, Sabarinath Nair, estimates that 10,000 more are slated to be in place within the next two years, with international expansion — Bangladesh, Madagascar, Nepal, and Djibouti — already underway. Vortex notes that Gramateller is opening business opportunities for banks where there had previously been none, while also saving practices by reducing costs for rural Indians and permitting them to take out only the cash they need immediately. And it is doing it all while running entirely on solar power.
— Jason Schwartz

ICF goes green, generates own power


At a time when Tamil Nadu has effected all possible measures for power conservation, against the backdrop of the severe electricity crisis crippling the State, India’s premier coach manufacturing unit of the railways in Chennai is showing TN how effective conservation can be achieved.

�The Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) here has succeeded in producing more coaches using less power by implementing various energy conservation measures. The factory has manufactured 1,510 rakes for trains last year (2011-12) using 9,074 units of electricity when compared with 1,250 coaches produced by consuming 12,047 units during the fiscal 2006-07.

Interestingly, ICF completely sources its electrical energy requirement from its windmills set up in Tirunel*veli, which have generated 10.5 MW of power in the last three years. Besides this, ICF had sold surplus power to TNEB, earning revenue to the tune of `22.61 crore during the above period.

Releasing a booklet titled ICF Goes Green, Abhay K Khanna, General Manager, ICF, underlined that the coach manufacturing unit is 100 per cent self sufficient in its power needs, sourced through the windmills.
According to a press release, the windmill project is expected to earn additional revenue of about `1 crore annually through sale of carbon credits.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/icf-goes-green-generates-own-power/249986-60-120.html

State Level Energy Park

A State Level Energy Park with various
Renewable Energy systems/ devices/ exhibits
combining fun and learning opportunities for the
public on the various aspects of Renewable
Energy is at the verge of completion at Tamil
Nadu Science and Technology Centre, (TNSTC)
Kotturpuram, Chennai, with the funding
assistance of MNRE, Government of India
(Rs.89.00 lakhs) and State Government
(Rs.52.00 lakhs). The Renewable Energy Park is
proposed to be commissioned during the year.

http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/pdf/energy.pdf

Solar panels as standby in times of power crisis (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/solar-panels-standby-times-power-crisis-481)

With the city reeling under a two-hour power cut and in the wake of the recent EB tariff hike, more residents are now looking at using solar power as an alternative to conventional electricity.

Mr S. Krishnamurthy, a resident of Perambur, said that even though the initial investment to set up a solar power plant is over Rs 2 lakh it’s better to install it as a long-term investment.

“We can minimise the use of conventional electricity and thereby reduce electricity bills we pay to the government.

Also with the two-hour power cut in place it is always better to have a permanent non-conventional energy source as a standby”, he said.

Mr S. Srinivasan, a resident of Selaiyur, said that with government agencies like Tamil Nadu energy development agency (TEDA) and Ministry for new and renewable energy (MNRE) offering subsidies to set up renewable source of energy in their households, several residents would go for it.

Pointing out that the Chinese photovoltaic cells cost less than the ones manufactured in other parts of the world, S. Narayanan, an entrepreneur, said the inexpensive Chinese equipment made several people think of solar power.

“In the past solar power was considered only for the elite and rich, as the photovoltaic cells and battery were too expensive but today the Chinese have made it inexpensive and so more people have started procuring solar powered devices, like lanterns.

We receive sunlight for about 10 months in a year and so it’s not a bad idea to use solar power for our day-to-day use”, he added.

^^
Solar panels fixed on the roof top of houses or apartments should be safeguarded from thefts.Independent houses should be more careful.

Hospitals and schools to sport solar panels


http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01145/13TH_PANELS_1145920f.jpg

For the first time, the Chennai Corporation is venturing to install roof top solar panels of different wattage atop school and hospital buildings. It has called for tenders for installing one five-kilo-watt and five one-kilo-watt power producing panels. This move will allow the civic body to reduce its electricity bills and be more environment-friendly.

“This will be done on a trial basis. After gauging the performance, we will expand to more buildings. We already have solar-powered street lights in slum areas. Solar power installations in schools and hospitals will create awareness among children and the public about the need to use renewable energy,” said a civic body official.

Sources said the corporation was trying to explore possibilities with such installations. It plans to try out systems with and without battery backup. The latter would have supply backup from the grid.

It also plans to try out hybrid renewable systems that come with solar and wind energy in areas like Tiruvottiyur and Sholinganallur. The civic body is collecting data for such systems .

A one kilo watt (one kilo watt equals 1,000 watts) unit without battery backup can support several tubelights and fans for a minimum of six hours and those with battery can go up to 10 hours.

P. Parthasarathy of Sunbind Renewable Energy, who has been in the business for over 30 years now, says standardised systems have come to stay. And with a Central government subsidy of 30 per cent, it has become very fashionable for even individual homes to have roof-top solar power panels.

“The units that come with special batteries that run for a minimum of 5 – 7 years have a life time of 15 to 20 years. And the battery and solar panel require very minimum maintenance. Even if there is no sunshine for three days, the battery backup will take care,” he explained.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3646849.ece

IRCTC cooks plans for second automated kitchen, in Chennai

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/multimedia/dynamic/01238/bl16_IRCTC_JPG_1238404f.jpg

New Delhi, Oct 15:

Come December, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will be serving fresh meals to offices around Chennai’s IT corridor from its automated kitchen. Next year, such kitchens are expected to open in Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.

The Chennai kitchen will be modelled on IRCTC’s first automated central kitchen concept in Noida, from where it serves freshly-made food to companies and educational institutions.

The Noida central kitchen, which began trial operations in February, now serves nine firms, including HCL, Lava Mobile, real-estate player Supertech, Samsung, and the Aditya Birla Group. The number of meals served per client varies from 100-600, with Samsung as its largest corporate client with 600 meals on order.

FOOD PRICE
The price per meal varies from Rs 50-70. For BPOs and educational institutions looking to source breakfast, lunch and dinner, the cost per day comes to about Rs 150-170 a day.

One reason for this price level is because IRCTC does not pack the meals as it has clients in the 3-4 km radius. The cooked meals are transported in temperature-controlled vehicles. “The moment we increase the transportation distance, the time and cost to preserve the food will shoot up,” Sudhir Warrier, Joint General Manager, IRCTC, said.

As a stop gap arrangement, it is also serving meals on the Ahmedabad-Rajdhani Express and snacks to some Rajdhani trains.

However, moving food from the Noida site to trains is not particularly profitable because the price is fixed by the Railways, and does not always go up according to input costs. Moreover, with the New Delhi Railway Station some 25 km away, the cost of transporting and preserving food is also high.

FACILITY COSTS
The Noida facility’s capacity is 10,000 meals a day, and can go up to 25,000 in the second phase. It now functions at a 35-40 per cent capacity.

Set up with a capital investment of Rs 5.5 crore, the central kitchen has machines that can cut 400 kg of vegetables an hour, and machines that churn out 1,000 chapatis an hour.

These machines have been procured from Finland (Hackman kettles and Brat pans), Italy (Rissoto spiral mixers and ovens) and France (Rosinox Brat pan).

“There is huge demand for fresh food at reasonable price from clients such as public sector units, MNCs, BPOs and educational institutes. According to a preliminary survey, there are 250 such places in Noida,” said Warrier.

The Noida kitchen employs about 125-135 people, of which 80 per cent are outsourced from catering management institutes. On a stand-alone basis, this kitchen is expected to become operationally profitable this year, he said.

After Indian Railways shifted out IRCTC from managing contracts for supplying food in trains, the catering agency has increased its focus on non-Railway customers.

Broadly, it operates on two models — one is the kitchen and the other, where it sets up cooking units in colleges and offices such as CBI, Indian Institute of Public Administration and the Corporate Affairs Ministry.



Source (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/irctc-cooks-plans-for-second-automated-kitchen-in-chennai/article3999704.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)

Hi all, here is a list of renewable energy related companies associated with Chennai.

Wind Based
1. RRB Energy - Corporate Office (KK Nagar), Blade and Controller Mfg Unit(Poonamalle)
2. Vestas India - Manufacturing(Vestas Nacelles, Sholinganallur), Sales& Corporate Office (Sholinganallur), R&D Centre (TECCI Park, Sholinganallur),
3. Indowind energy limited - Corporate office (Nungambakkam)
4. NEPC India Ltd - Corporate office (Wallajah Road)
5. Auro Mira Energy Company pvt ltd(Biomass, small hydel and wind) - Thousand lights
6. Suzlon Energy - Branch office (Anna salai)
7. Pioneer Wincon Private Limited (PWPL) - Corporate Office
8. Regen Powertech Pvt Ltd - Corporate office (Greams Road)
9. Winwind Power Energy Private Limited - Administration & Sales (Anna Salai), Manufacturing
10. Romax Wind Energy Technology - Wind Business Centre (T.Nagar)
11. Leitner Shriram Manufacturing Ltd - Manufacturing & HQ (Gummidipoondi)
12. Gamesa - Manufacturing, R&D (Red Hills)
13. TTG Industries (Collaboration with Husumer Schiffswerft) - Main office & Manufacturing (Vanagaram)
14. Enercon India - Marketing Office (Greams Road)
15. Das Lagerway Wind Turbines Ltd - Teynampet
16. Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers' Association - Registered office (Santhome High Road)
17. Vaigunth Ener Tek (P) Ltd - Registered Office (Pallikaranai)
18. GE Wind Energy - Wind Turbine assembly
19. Centre for Wind Energy Technology - Velachery
20. Southern Wind Farms Ltd - Manufacturing (Ashok Nagar)
21. Aban Energies Ltd - HQ (Egmore)
22. Winergy Drive Systems Ltd. - Turbine Gear assembly (Sriperumbadur)
23. Vayu Energy Pvt Ltd - Chennai
24. Avanti Wind Systems - Manufacturing


Solar Based
1. Moser Baer - Solar Photovoltaic cells plant - Chennai
2. The Switch - Main office
3. Poseidon Solar - Recycling unit (Gummidipoondi)
4. SunEdison - Office
5. Numeric Power systems - Solar division
6. Signet Solar - Manufacturing (Sriperumbadur)
7. Solkar Solar Industry Ltd - Corporate office (Nungambakkam) & Manufacturing (Ambattur)


If you are aware of more companies, let me know through a msg in my profile, i'll add it..

Hi,

Here are the few wind based companies.

E-Hands Energy
kenersys
Lietnar Shriram Limited

City’s favourite grocery goes green (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/citys-favourite-grocery-goes-green/article4099110.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01269/15THKOYAMBEDU_1269737f.jpg

The complex will feature rainwater harvesting structures and solar lighting. Photo: S.S. Kumar

Koyambedu market to be a symbol of State’s commitment to combating global warming

Koyambedu market, the city’s retail hub for fruits, vegetables and flowers, has now been declared a green complex.

This is part of an initiative towards marking the city’s commitment to challenging global warming and climate change. Authorities also hope it will help counter allegations of the decrease in tree cover in the city because of the metro rail construction — most of the market complex’s land has been handed over to Chennai Metro Rail Ltd., for construction work in the area.

The decision was taken by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and on Thursday, housing and urban development minister R. Vaithilingam, in the presence of Mayor Saidai S. Duraisamy, commenced work on planting 1,000 trees on the market premises.

Apart from tree cover and flowering bushes, the complex will feature an aesthetically-designed landscape with a Rs. 2.5 crore new compound wall, rainwater harvesting structures and solar lighting.

At present, several civic projects are underway in the market complex, including augmentation and maintenance of the infrastructure, worth Rs. 33.63 crore. Most of this work, that includes the creation of new stormwater drains over 9 km long, widening of roads and concretisation of a 350-metre road connecting gate 7 and 14, which is used by heavy vehicles to carry perishables to the market complex, has been completed.

Work amounting to about Rs. 4 crore is still underway, including the storwater drain network. The funds for the project were collected under infrastructure and amenities charges from builders.

Once this is completed, work on making the complex more environment-friendly will gather momentum. However, the preparation of estimates for most of the green work is underway.

Senior officials of the housing and urban development department also inspected the work on Thursday.

The Koyambedu market complex was planned in an area of around 295 acres and the wholesale market for perishables has been developed in an area of around 60 acres under the first phase. It has 3,194 shops for vegetables, fruits and flowers.

The market has two blocks for vegetable shops and one each for the fruit and flower markets.

A CMDA official said work on making the complex green will have a major impact on the city, as the market borders the Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus where thousands congregate every day, and construction of the metro rail is also on in the area.

^^
Let them first make the market and CMBT clean first and then think green. The place is a pile of filth, urine and faeces.

^^
Let them first make the market and CMBT clean first and then think green. The place is a pile of filth, urine and faeces.

That is not part of greening.:lol::lol:

ALL THE THREE YOU MENTIONED WILL HELP IN GREENING THE PLACE :).

But seriously it is time to do something. The EXNORA tried its best to help but the people in there are not waking up to the benefits of a clean and green market. I guess it will take more than just announcements to make the place clean and green. If a team of security which is empowered by the members of the market are introduced to fine erring people, then something can happen but otherwise I do not have much hope and the people there. Only time will tell.

^^
Let them first make the market and CMBT clean first and then think green. The place is a pile of filth, urine and faeces.

State gets its first solar toilets


http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01379/27THCHENNAITOILET_1379399g.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01379/27THFANCYTOILET_1379400g.jpg

The State got its first solar, sensor-based toilets, with the Tambaram municipality installing three units at the junction of Duraiswamy Reddy Street and GST Road on Wednesday.

‘Namma toilets’, the user-friendly units made of fibre reinforced polymer material, were inaugurated by animal husbandry minister T.K.M. Chinnayya at an event that also saw the participation of Tambaram municipality chairman M. Karikalan. The initiative is a pilot project in Tamil Nadu.

The toilet blocks have a stall each for elderly women and women with physical disabilities, one for men and another for women.

The lighting in all the stalls is based on solar energy, and the stalls have sensors that are connected to the lighting system. When the sensors detect movement, the lights automatically switch on. They switch off when the user has left, thereby helping in energy conservation.

Officials of the Tambaram municipality said the project was designed and initiated by the Commissionerate of Municipal Administration for residents to have access to clean and hygienic toilets, and to ensure that by 2023, the locality was free of open defecation.

The design of the toilets was developed in six months to cater to all user groups. A study on cultural appropriateness in the State by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, also helped in the development of the design, officials said.

The toilets have several advantages over the conventional 12 existing toilets in Tambaram. Besides being corrosion-free, the toilets have two digesters to process waste and release sewage into the existing network after processing it.

S. Sivasubramanian, Tambaram municipal commissioner said that each of the three toilets cost around Rs. 70,000.

“People will not be charged for using these toilets. Two workers will be deployed to clean and maintain the toilets, and they will be open round the clock,” he said.

The municipality plans to tie up with private institutions for maintenance. From April, the toilets will be maintained by IDBI bank.

Mr. Sivasubramanian said that there were plans to extend the ‘Namma toilets’ facility to Nehru Nagar, KK Palayam, Mullai Nagar and GST Road soon. These areas will be provided with units comprising two toilets.

The facility will then be extended to other parts of Tambaram and across the State, after a team of experts, including those from Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, completes a study and validates user experience in Tambaram.

The Commissionerate of Municipal Administration is also chalking out plans to establish a waste-water treatment plant to ensure the safe disposal of waste.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/state-gets-its-first-solar-toilets/article4459753.ece

Namma toilets?:lol:

^^ pakkathu oor karanga sandaikku vara poranga.

^^ pakkathu oor karanga sandaikku vara poranga.mocking namma metro? :nuts: don't think so

toilet is named as 'Namma toilets’, hotel is named as "Amma Unavagam".... Why can't be named as "Amma toilets", if she wants name everywhere?

getting irritation whenever ministers speaks Amma Amma.... and making other to follow the same :(

they can make it namamma toilets (namamma in kannada is 'our/my mother')

Entrepreneurs' trust plans solar tech park (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Entrepreneurs-trust-plans-solar-tech-park/articleshow/18940233.cms)

The Entrepreneurs' International (EI) is a trust registered with the Union government for budding entrepreneurs in the country. The solar project will be developed in various cities in collaboration with Solar Valley, an energy group from Germany.

"The EI has formed a national core committee for the solar research and technology park (SRTP) project and will set up a special purpose vehicle to ensure proper implementation. The proposed SRTP will create modern infrastructure for research, training and manufacturing of solar and allied industries," said EI chairman Santosh Lalwani.

The SRTP will house a solar research institute for basic and applied research in the field of solar energy, which includes areas like photovoltaic components, electrochemical storage, electrical systems, power electronics, etc. Besides, a training institute to impart skill development and training in latest technologies of solar and allied systems is expected to come up at the proposed park along with a centre for incubation and entrepreneurship so as to encourage entrepreneurship in field of solar energy.

"We have already received an offer to set up a solar park on a 100-acre land in Chennai."

Entrepreneurs' International plans solar tech park (http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/entrepreneurs-international%C2%A0plans-solar-tech-park-113031400608_1.html)

Pune based Entrepreneurs' International, a trust established by city entrepreneurs plans to set up a Solar Research And Technology Park( SRTP) in India in cooperation with Solar Valley in Germany.A memorandum of understanding between Entrepreneurs' International and Solar has been signed on Wednesday.

The proposed SRTP is likely to come up in Chennai for which Entrepreneurs' International has already received 100 acres land near Chennai for this project.

Also, Entrepreneurship International plans to create 10,000 micro enterprises in the next five years.

The Entrepreneurs' International (EI) is a trust registered with the Union government for budding entrepreneurs in the country. The initial cost of this project is Rs 25 crore. Chairman, Entrepreneurship International, Santosh Lalwani visited Solar Valley in Germany in November 2012. He convinced Solar Valley to set up a project in India. "We aim to provide cost effective products to consumers. We also aim to generate employment by training people in related skills. It is high time we start using solar power which is effectively used in Germany. They have solar panels on every roof which India should follow ," said Lalwani.

Entrepreneurs' International has formed a National Core Committee for SRTP Project. Solar Valley is cluster of 35 solar companies, nine research institutes and five universities from the three German states of Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony Anhalt contributing to overall solar value creation from silicon refining to building integration and from basic research to innovative applications.

100 acres?? Thats huge!

Hope this doesn't become another dead project or a ploy for land grabbing..

100 acres?? Thats huge!

Hope this doesn't become another dead project or a ploy for land grabbing..

^^

I dont think its a Govt project! Rather its by special group of people! If the info stated above is true, its certainly ON! :)

100 acres?? Thats huge!

Hope this doesn't become another dead project or a ploy for land grabbing..

From what is published, it looks like a facilitator model and not ownership model.

They may install, operate & maintain for their clients who will invest and who will claim the brownie points.

My guess is...it will be similar to IITM Research Park incubator type of model.

Civic body installs solar power plant in its office (Source: annanagar times)

The Corporation of Chennai has installed an environment friendly solar power plant on the terrace of its streetlight office in Shenoy Nagar and TP Chathiram recently. According to an official, the plant, which has one kilowatt capacity, can supply power to 20 tube lights and 4 ceiling fans. The building has both connections — the grid and solar plant — which can be switched from one to another when necessary. The officials sought guidance relating to specifications and norms from Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency so that they can expand the program to more government buildings, including schools and hospitals in the neighbourhood.
The civic body in its budget had announced that in three years’ time all its buildings will produce solar power.

SunEdison, Thermax, Azure win mandate for rooftop solar projects in 4 cities



Three companies—SunEdison, Thermax and Azure—have been named successful bidders for putting up rooftop solar power projects in four cities—Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Gurgaon—in a tender floated by the government-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

Azure Power India Pvt Ltd will put up 0.5 MW in each of the four cities. Thermax will put up 1 MW each in Bangalore and Chennai, while SunEdison, through its subsidiary, SEI Green Technology Pvt Ltd, will put up 0.5 MW each in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi.

In all, the three companies will put up 5.5 MW in the four cities.

The tender is a result of the government of India’s desire to foster rooftop projects. As a first step in the direction, it floated a tender through SECI for 10 MW of projects to be put up across six cities.

Projects worth 5.5 MW may sound tiny, but rooftop solar projects are typically small, and are usually meant to provide energy to the building on whose roof they are put up.

However, the rooftop projects that would be put up under the SECI tender are different in nature. The project developers, such as SunEdison, Azure and Thermax, put up the projects on rented roofs and supply the electricity to the grid.

This rent-a-roof concept is still nascent in India, though SECI is not the first to try it out. Last year, the Government of Gujarat selected SunEdison and Azure to put up 2.5 MW each in the city of Gandhinagar. The projects have come up over a hundred roofs.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/sunedison-thermax-azure-win-mandate-for-rooftop-solar-projects-in-4-cities/article4577239.ece