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 Renewable Energy
While the whole world is celebrating unprecedented momentous upward surge economically, technologically and scientifically, we also realize that the world is on a slippery slope as far as energy is concerned. Fossil fuels that have been contributing almost the whole energy required for the world's sustenance and progress are unfortunately finite and the rate at which they are being tapped, the world may not see another 100 years to continue their exploitation.

The crying need therefore is to look for renewable energy that alone can ensure sustainable development. Mercifully, Providence has provided us the wherewithal for such sustainability, if only we looked around and realised what has been kept in store for us. I refer to the Sun, the Sea, the Wind and the regenerating Nature around us. All these are potential and practically inexhaustible sources of energy and what is required for us is to evolve a policy and a concerted plan of action to tap them on a mode of emergency mission.

Indian Scenario
Germany, Spain, United States, India and Denmark have been the leaders in wind energy exploitation. The Asian region alone accounted for 19 per cent new installations in 2005 experiencing a growth of over 46 per cent taking the total installed capacity to almost 7000 MW. India can justifiably be proud of the fact that the strongest Asian market in 2005 was India, with almost 1430 MW of new installed capacity, in 2005 alone. We have estimated potential of 45000 MW which itself should be capable of being reviewed upward on account of fast improving technologies and scientific advancements. As on 1 October in the current year, India's installed capacity stood at 6053 MW. With a project cost of about Rs.5 crores per MW and generation cost of Rs.2.50 to Rs.3.50 per unit depending upon the site, the potential that the wind energy sector opens up is immense. I am glad that Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has identified over 200 sites as high windy sites across the country.
 
 

“ Energy or power for Industry is  like oxygen  for  human life. Without  adequate  and uninterrupted  power  supply, Industry Development  is just impossible. With the growing  population And expanding Industry activities ,there  has been a tremendous Increase in power demand all over the world .  India, with its Huge   population, is no exception. Though ,as elsewhere, India Is tapping different sources for power generation such as coal, oil, etc,. There  is of  late a greater realization of the role  played  by wind energy In Industrial  development .with  least damage to the environment, wind Energy offers a lot of extra benefits at low investments”.

(Excerpt  from the interview given to Business and Travel Times by Mr.D.V Giri , President and CEO Pioneer  Wincon Pvt Ltd , Chennai and Chairman, IWTMA)

 
 
 
EU agrees renewable energy target
Braes of Doune wind farm in Scotland
EU states will have to embrace wind, solar and hydroelectric power
European Union leaders have agreed to adopt a binding target on the use of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, officials say.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Europe was now able to lead the way on climate change. The 27 EU states will each decide how they contribute to meeting a 20% boost overall in renewable fuel use by 2020. The measures could include a ban on filament light bulbs by 2010, forcing people to switch to fluorescent bulbs. The bulbs last longer but more are more expensive to buy. In another key measure, agreed on Thursday, EU leaders said they would cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020. BBC world affairs correspondent Nick Childs says there is an air of real achievement in Brussels. But, he says, the compromises over each nation's share of the burden in reaching the targets have yet to be negotiated, meaning the hard decisions may still lie ahead.

'Crucial issue'

Mr Barroso described the agreement as historic, saying it was the most significant in which he had played a part. "We can say to the rest of the world, Europe is taking the lead, you should join us in fighting climate change," he said. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "These are a set of groundbreaking, bold, ambitious targets for the European Union. "It gives Europe a clear leadership position on this crucial issue facing the world."

Looking ahead to the G8 summit of industrialised nations in June, Mr Blair said the European deal would give "a good chance" of getting the US, China and India on board too. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who chaired the two-day summit, also welcomed the package of binding measures. "I personally am very satisfied and happy that it has been possible to open the door into a whole new dimension of European co-operation in the years to come in the area of energy and combating climate change," she said. "We can avoid what could well be a human calamity."

The EU plan involves:

  • A 10% minimum target on the use of bio-fuels in transport by 2020
  • A commitment to increase use of solar, wind and hydroelectric power
  • A possible ban on incandescent bulbs - with filaments - in offices, street lights and private homes by the end of the decade

EU officials are working on a directive that would compel the use of modern low-energy fluorescent light bulbs. It could come into force as early as next year.

The Australian government announced similar plans to phase out old-style filament bulbs last month.