Saturday, May 19, 2012


Project on Development and Promotion of Solar Heating Applications Launched
Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Gireesh B. Pradhan today launched a project on development and promotion of solar concentrator based heating applications in India. The project namely “Market Development and Promotion of Solar Concentrator based Process Heat Application in India” aims to reduce GHG emissions from low and medium temperature process heat applications through the use of Concentrated Solar Heat systems.

Speaking at the inception workshop of the project, Shri Pradhan underlined the need to develop renewable sources of energy to meet the growing energy demand. Referring to the renewable energy growth in India, he said that with 25,000 MW installed capacity, renewable energy today accounts for about 12% of total installed capacity. He said that by the end of the 12th Plan, renewable energy capacity is expected to reach 55,000 MW. Pointing out that the solar heating systems need to be tailored to Indian conditions, Shri Pradhan said that concentrating solar technologies have to come in a big way for off-grid applications. He emphasized the need of providing post installation support structures for maintenance of systems such as solar water heaters to build up credibility of these applications in the market.

Appreciating the project which is being supported by the UNDP, India and Global Environment Facility (GEF) in consonance with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, he added that it would help in accelerating growth of this sector. Shri Pradhan also inaugurated a website on solar water heating solutions for India.

The workshop provided a floor for consultation with stakeholders to implement the project. The objective of the project is to increase the use and promotion of Concentrated Solar Heat (CSH) Systems for low and medium temperature process heat applications. The project is to be completed by March 2017.

The major activities to be carried out in the Project include technology package development and standardization; awareness and capacity building; planning and operationalisation of demonstration projects; and removal of financial barriers in order to adopt CSH technologies.

The outcome of this endeavour is to enhance understanding of CSH technologies, applications and markets, assurance of quality, safety and performance of CSH systems as well as strengthening technical capacity. The project seeks to implement improved technical and economic performance of commercial CSH technologies in an increased diversity of applications. At the same time, it is also hoped that enhanced understanding of the financial viability of CSH technology is enforced as well as measures to mitigate investment risks. 

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