rural energy management

Introduction

1

1INTRODUCTIONMinistry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) is the nodal Ministry of the Government of India for all matters relating to new and renewable energy.VISION

To create MNES into a scientific institution characterised by pursuit of excellence in the area of new and renewable energy. Towards this end, to develop new and renewable energy technologies, processes, materials, components, sub-systems, products & services at par with international specifications, standards and performance parameters in order to make the country a net foreign exchange earner in the sector and deploy such indigenously developed and/or manufactured products and services in furtherance of the national goals of energy security and sustainable development.MISSION

i. Energy Security: Development and deployment of alternate fuels (hydrogen, bio-fuels and synthetic) to contribute towards bridging the gap between domestic crude oil demand and supply; ii. Development and Deployment: Renewable (bio-energy, wind, hydro, solar, geothermal & tidal) energy to supplement fossil fuel based electricity generation; iii. Technology Ladder for Traditional Biomass: More efficient and cleaner conversion of biomass for meeting the energy needs of cooking, lighting and motive power in rural areas;

2

Rural Energy Management

Introduction

3

iv. Availability, Accessibility, Affordability: Normative levels of energy supplies to energy deficient sections of the population; and v. Per-capita Energy Consumption: Consumption to be at par with the global average level by 2050, through a sustainable fuel- mix.ROLE

performance parameters. For meeting specific Indian requirements, if any, additional or enhanced standards to be adopted. BIS standards to be notified accordingly; vi. Commercialisation: To facilitate commercialisation of already developed and demonstrated new and renewable energy technologies, processes, materials, products and services, through appropriate measures; vii. Making Industry Competitive: To facilitate domestic owned new and renewable energy industry to become internationally competitive and a net foreign exchange earner in the sector, through appropriate measures; viii. S&T activities: Directly linked to R&D in the area of new and renewable energy sources in terms of promoting scientific activities and services; and ix. Deployment: Facilitating deployment of indigenously developed and manufactured new and renewable energy products & services, through appropriate measures.FUNCTIONS

Research, development, demonstration, commercialisation and deployment of new and renewable energy systems/devices for transportation, portable and stationary applications in rural, urban, industrial and commercial sectors through: i. Fundamental/basic research: Original investigation to gain new scientific knowledge in new and renewable energy technologies, processes, materials and products, not necessarily directed towards any specific immediate application; ii. Applied Research: Original investigation to gain new scientific or technical knowledge in new and renewable energy technologies, processes, materials, products and services directed towards a specific practical aim or objective; iii. Experimental Development: Use of scientific and/or technical knowledge in new and renewable energy technologies, processes, materials, products, and services directed towards producing new or substantially improved; iv. Technology Demonstration: Use of scientific and technical knowledge in new and renewable energy technologies, processes, materials, sub-systems and components directed towards the development of a prototype with the prime aim of establishing technical feasibility. Demonstration of commercial viability through a technology demonstrator may not necessarily be one of the prime aims; v. Standards, Specifications and Performance Parameters: New and Renewable energy products and services to be at par with international standards, specifications and

Development and deployment of: i. Alternate Fuels (hydrogen, bio & synthetic) to replace liquid hydrocarbons; ii. Green Initiative for Future Transport (GIFT) based on Alternate Fuels for land, air & sea applications; iii. Green Initiative for Power Generation based on Alternate Fuels for stationary & portable applications; iv. Standalone new and renewable energy products and services to provide energy needs of cooking, lighting and motive power; v. Distributed new and renewable energy systems to provide energy needs of cooking, lighting and motive power; vi. New and renewable energy products and services for urban, industrial and commercial applications; vii. Energy recovery (including cogeneration) from urban and industrial wastes and effluents; and

4


Introduction

5

viii. Grid interactive renewable electricity to supplement fossil fuel based electricity generation.KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF THE MINISTRY

PARTNERSi. Research and Development Institutions; ii. Indigenous developers and manufacturers (public/ domestic owned private industry) of new and renewable energy technologies, processes, materials, components, subsystems, products and services; and iii. Deployers of new and renewable energy technologies, processes materials, components, sub-systems, products and services-States/UTs government departments/ agencies, local bodies, panchayats, corporates, community based organisations, non-governmental organisations, and citizens.

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION COMMERCIALISATION (RDDC)

AND

Net foreign exchange earning in new and renewable energy sector covering technologies, processes, materials, components, sub-systems, products and services. Deployment effort to be gauged through:

MACRO INDICATORSi. Share of alternate fuels in the liquid hydrocarbon mix; ii. Share of renewable energy in the energy mix; and iii. Share of renewable electricity in the electricity mix.

ROLE ROLE

AND

FUNCTIONS

OF

DEVELOPMENT GROUPS

OF THE

MINISTRY

MICRO INDICATORSi. Percentage of villages, where grid connectivity is either not cost effective or feasible, termed remote villages, provided with energy services of cooking, lighting and motive power, through renewable means; ii. Percentage of electrified or to be electrified villages provided with energy services of cooking, lighting and motive power, through non-electrical renewable means (exception: SPV lanterns and only for community purposes SPV pumping systems); iii. Percentage of available potential of MSW utilised for conversion to energy; iv. Percentage of available potential of agro industrial bio waste utilised for cogeneration; v. Percentage of available potential of commercial & industrial wastes and effluents utilised for conversion to energy; and vi. Percentage of available potential of solar water heater tapped.

Development Groups are required to work in close concert with corporates (public/domestic owned private) and research institutions in order to make Indian new and renewable energy industry competitive and a net foreign exchange earner in the sector.

FUNCTIONSi. Technology Mapping and Benchmarking; ii. Identifying Research, Development, Demonstration and Commercialisation (RDDC) needs and facilitate execution of the same; iii. Standards, specifications and performance parameters to be at par with international level or above and to facilitate industry in attaining the same; iv. Aligning costs of new and renewable products and services with international level or below and to facilitate industry in attaining the same; v. Facilitating industry to obtain appropriate international level quality assurance accreditation; vi. Facilitating industry (public/domestic owned private) to

6


Introduction

7

become internationally competitive through 2,3,4 & 5 above and related measures; vii. Laying down specifications, standards and performance parameters for new and renewable energy systems and devices to be incorporated in programmes /schemes of deployment groups; and viii. Action Plan for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 above.

vi. To draw up suitable programmes and schemes to attain the aim of mainstreaming indigenously developed and manufactured new and renewable energy products and services; and vii. To draw up Action Plan for 1,2,3, 4, 5 and 6 above. The need to increase the use of renewable energy sources for sustainable energy development was recognised in the country in the early 70's. Since 1980s, a significant thrust has been given to the research, development and induction of renewable energy technologies in different sectors. To begin with, these endeavours were steered and overseen by the Commission for Additional Sources of Energy (CASE) in the Department of Science and Technology. In 1982, a separate Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources was created in the Ministry of Energy and entrusted with the charge of promoting non-conventional energy sources. In 1992, DNES was upgraded and it started functioning as a separate Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES).CHARTER OF MNES

ROLE ROLE

AND

FUNCTIONS

OF

DEPLOYMENT GROUPS

OF THE

MINISTRY

Deployment Groups are required to work in close concert with Development Groups, Deployers, Scheduled Banks/NBFCs/ Cooperatives with the aim of mainstreaming indigenously developed and manufactured new and renewable energy products and services.

FUNCTIONSi. Identify areas in which new and renewable energy products and services can have the maximum impact in keeping with the national goals of energy security and sustainable development; ii. Deployment strategy for various indigenously developed and manufactured new and renewable energy products and services; iii. Identifying and facilitating the development of delivery mechanisms to accelerate the process of deployment of various indigenously developed and manufactured new and renewable energy products and services; iv. Identifying and tying up with Scheduled Banks/NBFCs/ Cooperatives to facilitate the process of deployment; v. Provide sustained feed-back to Development Groups on performance parameters of new and renewable energy products and services with the aim that the same would be taken into account for continuous upgradation by Development Groups so as to attain international levels in the shortest possible time span;

Under the Allocation of Business Rules, the following specific items have been assigned to the Ministry: Research and development of biogas and programmes relating to biogas units; Commission for Additional Sources of Energy (CASE); Solar Energy including Solar Photovoltaic devices and their development, production and applications; Programme relating to improved chulhas and research and development thereof; Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency; All matters relating to small/mini/micro hydel projects of and below 25 MW capacity; Research and development of other non-conventional/ renewable sources of energy and programmes relating thereto; Tidal energy;

8


Introduction

9

Integrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP); Geothermal Energy.

The functional jurisdiction of Regional Offices is given below: ________________________________________ Sl. No. ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Location of the Regional Office ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Functional jurisdiction in States/UTs ________________________________________ 1. Chandigarh: 2. Ahmedabad: 3. Lucknow: 4. Guwahati: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi Gujarat, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya and Sikkim Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar, Pondicherry and Lakshadeep Bihar and Jharkhand

STRUCTURE COMMISSION

OF THE FOR

MINISTRYOF

ADDITIONAL SOURCES

ENERGY

The Commission for Additional Sources of Energy was established in 1981 on the lines of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Space Commission to oversee the development of new energy sources in the country. The Commission functions under the chairmanship of Secretary, MNES with the following responsibilities: Formulating policies and programmes for the development of new and renewable sources of energy. Co-ordinating and intensifying research and development activities in new and renewable sources of energy. Ensuring implementation of Government's policies in regard to all matters concerning new and renewable sources of energy. The Commission held 3 meetings during 2002-2003 to consider policy, programmes and schemes of the Ministry and to review the progress of implementation under various programmes.

5. Bhopal: 6. Hyderabad: 8. Chennai: 9. Patna :

FUNCTIONAL GROUPSThe Ministry is broadly organised into six Functional Groups dealing with `Rural Energy', `Solar Energy', `Power from Renewables', Ènergy from Urban and Industrial Wastes', `New Technologies' and Àdministration and Co-ordination'. In addition, the Ministry has an Integrated Finance Division. The Ministry is classified as a Scientific Ministry.

7. Bhubaneshwar: Orissa and West Bengal

OTHER ESTABLISHMENTSThe Solar Energy Centre, a division of the Ministry, is located on its own campus at Gwalpahari in Gurgaon District, Haryana. The Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) is established in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy (SSS-NIRE) is in the process of being set up near Jalandhar in Punjab.

REGIONAL OFFICESThe Ministry has 9 Regional Offices, which carry out monitoring and inspection of projects and maintain liaison with the concerned State Governments and State Nodal Agencies and other Implementing Agencies.

10


Introduction

11

WOMEN CELLThe Women's Cell of this Ministry was set up in 1997. This Cell reviews plans, schemes and progress of the Ministry with a view to ensure that all aspects of women's development are promoted and wherever feasible to introduce a component for women's development in the various schemes and programmes as per recommendations contained in the National Perspective Plan for Women.

Ministries/Departments concerned. The following major activities have been co-ordinated by the Division: The Annual Renewable Energy Conference on "Renewable Energy Strategy for 10th Plan" was organised 7-8 May, 2002 at New Delhi in which Secretaries in charge of nonconventional energy of various State Governments, Chief Executives of the State Nodal Agencies, Financial Institutions and State Electricity Boards, besides all those engaged in the implementation of various programme of this Ministry participated. The Conference was inaugurated by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Nonconventional Energy Sources, Shri M. Kannappan and Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran, Minister of State for Finance, who was the Chief Guest. The strategy for formulation of the 10th Five-Year Plan and the targets were finalised in the Conference. 25 awards were presented to the States and NGOs for their significant contribution in the field of various renewable energy for the year 2000-01. Higher Central Financial Assistance (up to 90%) being continued since 2001-02 for North Eastern States including Sikkim in respect of National Project on Biogas Development, National Programme of Improved chulhas (NPIC), Biomass Gasifier programme, Solar Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme and the Small Hydro Project Programme. Periodic reviews of progress of New & Renewable Sources of Energy (NRSE) programmes in the North Eastern region have been taken regularly at the Secretary level. All North Eastern States were requested to announce a Renewable Energy Policy at the earliest.

GRIEVANCE CELLA Grievance Cell in this Ministry has been set up in 1995 with a Director of Grievances. The Cell takes appropriate steps to redress the grievances of the public, staff/officers of MNES as well as its subordinate offices.

LIAISON CELL

OF

SCHEDULED CASTE/SCHEDULED TRIBE

The Liaison Cell in Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe of this Ministry was set up in 1997 to look after various matters relating to SC/ST employees of this Ministry including its various subordinate offices.PLANNING & COORDINATION

The Planning & Co-ordination Division is responsible for the preparation of the Annual Plan and the Five Year Plans besides periodic review of their implementation, physical as well as financial, co-ordination of matters relating to Parliament, i.e., Parliament Questions, Standing Committee on Energy and work relating to VIP references, etc. Other functions of the Division include co-ordination among the various Programmes/Divisions within the Ministry as well as the other Ministries/ Departments, Planning Commission apart from autonomous organisations and the State Governments. Special reviews are undertaken for development of renewable energy sector in the North Eastern region. This Division is also responsible for preparing and sending monthly reports to the Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, Department of Development of North Eastern Region and reports to other

SUPPORT FOR SETTING UP & STRENGTHENING STATE NODAL AGENCIES (SNAS)The SNA NE Scheme, which started in the year 1998-99, provides for Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for recurring and

12


Introduction

13OF

non-recurring (one time grant for construction of building, etc.) expenditure to the SNAs of N.E. region including Sikkim. All North Eastern States have set up independent Nodal Agencies for Renewable Energy under this Scheme. During the year 2002-03, CFA has since been released to Assam, Mizoram & Manipur towards construction of SNA buildings and recurring expenditure on salaries & contingencies. Buildings for SNAs at Mizoram and Tripura have been completed and its offices have started functioning from these buildings. The work on the construction of the buildings is under progress in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland and Assam. During 2002-03, this scheme has been extended to provide central financial assistance to the three newly created States of Uttaranchal, Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh.

IMPLEMENTATION

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE POLICY

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMEDuring 2002-03, 12 National Training Courses have been organised at the Indian Institutes of Technology, Mumbai, Delhi, Roorkee, Guwahati, NIT MACT Bhopal, CTAE Udaipur, TERI New Delhi, DAVV Indore, Winrock India & ASCI Hyderabad, in which officers of MNES and State Nodal Agencies, Public Sector Undertakings, NGOs etc. have participated. Seven officers of the Ministry have been deputed to attend an overseas training course in Renewable Energy which was organised by MNES at the Australian Co-operative Research Centre for Renewable Energy, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia during November 11-22, 2002. Under the National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme, which has been operative since 1999-2000, 30 M. Tech and 14 Ph.D fellowships have been approved by the National Fellowship Committee during the current year. The renewable energy fellowships are administered and implemented by this Ministry with the assistance of the Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. 24 prominent Institutions are awarding National Renewable Energy Fellowships.

During 2002-2003, a number of measures were taken for accelerating the pace of implementation of the Official Language Policy in the Ministry. Special emphasis was laid on increasing original correspondence in Hindi. As a result, the percentage of Hindi correspondence with offices/individuals in Regions À' and `B' has increased to 84% and 57% respectively, corresponding to an overall of 65%. All specified documents were issued bilingually under Section 3(3) of the Official Language Act, 1963. Besides, Rule (5) of the Official Language Rules 1976 was fully complied with by replying to all Hindi letters in Hindi only. The scheduled training programmes in Hindi teaching/Hindi Stenography/Typing were completed during the year. The targets set for inspection regarding the use of Hindi were fully achieved. All computers in the Ministry have been equipped with bilingual facility and training imparted to operate such systems. In order to increase knowledge in Hindi, Lila Prabodh & Lila Praveen Hindi Softwares have been purchased and a demonstration thereon organised. During the year one more section (I & PA) in the Ministry was identified to work generally in Hindi. Members of Parliamentary Hindi Advisory Committee visiting an in-house exhibition on renewable energy set up in the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources. To propagate the use of Hindi and to increase the use of technical words in Hindi, an English-Hindi vocabulary has been prepared in the Ministry. A committee consisting of experts/ officers from I.I.T. Delhi, D.S.T. Delhi and A.I.C.T.E. looked into the correctness of Hindi equivalents. The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology is verifying the correctness of the Hindi equivalents. During 2002-03, two meetings of the Hindi Advisory Committee of the Ministry were held under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Non-Conventional Energy Sources. Regular quarterly meetings of Official Language Implementation Committee were held to review the progress made in implementation of Hindi and efforts made to remove shortcomings.

14


Introduction

15

With a view to creating awareness and accelerating the use of Hindi, a `Hindi Fortnight' was observed in the Ministry and its Regional Offices from September 1-14, 2002. During this Fortnight a message was issued from the Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Non-Conventional Energy Sources, and a number of Hindi competitions were held. 48 officers and staff members belonging to Hindi and non-Hindi speaking categories were given prizes and certificates for excelling in their performance. In order to remove the difficulties / hesitation to work in Hindi a two-day Hindi workshop was organised. Participants were apprised of the Official Language Policy and training in Hindi Noting/Drafting was imparted. Small Hindi notings commonly used in Official work were printed on file covers for the use of all concerned. Seven officers/staff members were given awards under the Hindi Noting/Drafting incentive scheme of the Department of Official Language. To encourage writing of original books in Hindi or books translated into Hindi in the field of new and renewable sources of energy, `PRAKRTIK URJA PURASKAR YOJNA' was continued during the year.POLICY INITIATIVES

facilities. 15 States have so far announced policies for grid connectivity of renewable energy projects. However, in order to accelerate progress and attract investments, policy support and creation of a conducive regulatory and legislative framework are critical. The Ministry had prepared a Draft Renewable Energy Policy Statement, which was considered by the Union Cabinet. The Cabinet had referred the Policy Statement for consideration by a Group of Ministers. The Group of Ministers has met once so far, and are yet to complete their deliberations. The current restructuring of the electricity sector is leading to the creation of independent regulatory commissions and the unbundling of the State Electricity Boards. The Ministry is interacting with the regulatory commissions in various States to help in bringing about a rational pricing framework that takes into account the environmental costs and other externalities of conventional energy, as well as the benefits of non-conventional energy options, with a view to providing a level playing field in the energy sector. In the new Electricity Bill which is being finalised, several enabling provisions have been proposed for incorporation in the Bill with a view to promote accelerated development of non-conventional energy based power generation.TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION FORECASTING, ASSESSMENT & DATA BANK (TIFAD)

The Hon'ble Prime Minister had announced at the Chief Minister's Conference on power sector reforms on March 3, 2001, a goal of increasing the share of renewables to 10% of the additional planned capacity in the next 10 years that is 10,000 MW. The Central Government can mainly act as a catalyst and facilitator, with implementation being carried out by the States or by the private sector. Action is, therefore, to be taken by the States to evolve streamlined procedures for various statutory clearances, for land allotment, for providing grid connectivity, and for creating the infrastructure for power evacuation. The Ministry has been constantly interacting with the States to bring this about. The Ministry has been able to persuade the State Electricity Boards to incorporate renewable energy based electricity into their systems. They have, though somewhat erratically, provided concessional tariffs, wheeling, banking, third party sale and power evacuation

In order to bring renewable energy technologies at centrestage by providing state-of-the-art technological input through the use of technological forecasting and assessment techniques and intellectual property rights and for on-line processing/ monitoring of projects and programmes by using Information Technology tools, the Ministry has set up the 'Technology Information Forecasting, Assessment and Data Bank (TIFAD)' Division in May 1998. The Division has initiated activities for large-scale utilisation of Information Technology by providing computers and peripherals to officers up to the level of section officer, Internet and E-mail facilities to all officers, establishment of integrated Local Area Networks (LAN), establishment of a

16


Introduction

17

Renewable Energy Network (RENET), creation and updating of MNES web-site, installation of a solar powered Information Kiosk at the Ministry's headquarters, establishment of video conferencing facility, creation and updating of database in renewable energy, taking up activities for intellectual property rights, technology forecasting and technology assessment in the area of renewable energy and training of officers and staff of the Ministry in the use of computers and other allied matters.

Energy Electronic Processing System (REEPS)' for achieving the goal of e-governance over a period of time, has been developed during the year and is in testing and implementation stages.

WEBSITE, INFORMATION KIOSK AND VIDEO CONFERENCING FACILITYMNES has prepared its website in English as well as in Hindi through in-house efforts. This website gives a comprehensive picture of the development and utilisation of renewable energy sources in the country. During the year 2002-03, `Trend Setter Achievements' and some other features have been included in the website. A 'Touch-Screen Information Kiosk' has been installed at the Facilitation Centre for providing easy access to various types of information to visitors coming to the Ministry. To demonstrate the efficacy of solar PV power packs in providing uninterrupted power supply to `Kiosks', the Ìnformation Kiosk' of the Ministry has been powered by solar photovoltaic system.

CREATION

AND

UTILISATION

OF

IT FACILITIES

The Ministry has achieved 100% computerisation. 233 nos. of computer-based workstations have been created for providing computerisation facility at the Ministry's headquarters, its 9 regional offices and the Solar Energy Centre. All computers are equipped with Hindi software as well. At MNES's headquarters, 5 nos. of servers have been installed for the use of LAN, RENET, PAONET, Contact ORA, and OPA software in addition to installation of a CD server to cater to the needs of the Ministry. A VSAT has also been installed for providing connectivity to RENET at headquarters of the Ministry. A Local Area Network (LAN), established at the Ministry's headquarters, is being upgraded to increase its speed to gigabit range and the same is connected to the NIC headquarters through fibre optic cable. For providing connectivity and operation of LAN a VSAT and a server have also been installed at the Solar Energy Centre. Wireless LAN is under final stages of implementation at the Centre.

PATENT FACILITATION CELLDuring the year activities concerning Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) included organising awareness programmes for the officers of the Ministry. Patents have been/are being filed for some of the renewable energy technologies developed under R&D projects supported by MNES by institutions/ inventors/ manufacturers. So far 10 patents have been applied/ are being applied/or obtained in the areas of solar energy, biomass gasification, biomass production and censor-less torque control device of induction generator in the wind turbine.

R ENEWABLE E NERGY N ETWORK (RENET), D ATABASE ELECTRONIC PROCESSING

AND

IT TRAINING

OF

OFFICERS & STAFF

The Ministry is in the process of establishing the Renewable Energy Network (RENET) in the country. Projects on cost sharing basis for the establishment of RENET have been sanctioned in fourteen states and union territories during the years 1998-99 to 2002-03. A project for the establishment of `Renewable Energy Network' (RENET) and the creation of Renewable Energy Database for MNES is being executed through CMC. Under the project, an intra and inter-divisional file movement software: `Renewable

Officers of the Ministry have been imparted training in the use of the computer system. Specialised training programmes for the officers of the Ministry have also been organised. During the year, officers have also been nominated for training programmes organised by NIC, free of charge at their Training Division.

IMPLEMENTATION

OF

10TH FIVE YEAR PLAN

For the utilisation of information technology and the establishment of Technology Information System in the area of

18


Introduction

19

renewable energy, TIFAD Division has successfully implemented its IT Plan at the Ministry's headquarters, its regional offices and the Solar Energy Centre. During the 10th Plan, TIFAD Division will also take up three separate schemes, namely Ìnformation Technology Utilisation for Renewable Energy Scheme (ITRES), Renewable Energy Technology Information System (RETIS) and Renewable Energy Patent Information System (REPIS)'. During the year, these schemes were in the process of preparation for their implementation.

3rd International CHP and Decentralised Energy Symposium by Cogeneration Association of India International Conference on "Bio Fuels Driving India's Future" by CII Annual Conference of the State Nodal Agencies Vice Chancellors Meet on Renewable Energy in Tamil NaduINFORMATION & PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMME

SEMINAR

AND

SYMPOSIA

The main objective of seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences in renewable energy is to help in creating awareness about renewable energy and provide feedback and learning points for implementing the renewable programmes more effectively. These events also provide a converging forum for scientists, technologists, policy planners, managers, economists, financial institutions, industry representatives, consultants and entrepreneurs to interact and share their views on various aspects of development of renewable energy sector. The Ministry has been providing financial and technical support to Government and Semi-Government organisations, academic and R&D institutions and NGOs for organisation of seminars, symposia, workshops, conferences, short duration awareness campaigns etc. During the year 2002-2003, the Ministry supported the following major events: International Conference on "Recent Advances in Solar Energy Conversion Systems" by Maulana Azad College of Technology. International Conference on `Bio fuels India's future' by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). International Conference on `Power India 2002' by India Tech Foundation, Mumbai. Business Meet on Wind Energy by Agency for NonConventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) Kerala

The Information & Public Awareness (I&PA) Programme aims at popularisation of New & Renewable Sources of Energy (NRSE) systems & devices for their widespread utilisation in the country, and also dissemination of information on technological developments and promotional activities taking place in the area of renewable energy. The programme is implemented using existing Government channels i.e. State Nodal Agencies, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP), Doordarshan, All India Radio (AIR), Deptt. of Posts, Song & Drama Division of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting etc. The message for adoption of NRSE systems & devices is conveyed to all sections of society using a variety of media like electronic media, print media, exhibitions and outdoor media.

ELECTRONIC MEDIATwo video spots titled "Clean Renewable Energy" and "Solar Cooker" were produced through Doordarshan for telecast during national news mid break. A Doordarshan produced video spot titled "Clean Fuel & Manure" is under consideration for approval. A radio programme on renewable energy titled "Nai Roshni Nai Dishaein" of 15 minutes duration has been taken up for production and broadcast of 15 episodes through DAVP. One episode a week is being broadcast in Hindi and regional languages from 40 Vividh Bharati stations, six FM stations, 15 North Eastern stations and 75 local radio stations of All India Radio across the length and breadth of the country from 22.12.2002 to 30.03.2003.

20

Rural Energy ManagementTHROUGH

Introduction

21

PUBLICITY

PRINT MEDIA

Thematic advertisements on various renewable energy technologies, systems and devices were issued through DAVP in English, Hindi and regional languages-newspapers. The thematic advertisements on renewable energy have also been released to several journals, magazines etc. to maximise their outreach. Printing of NRSE slogan in regional languages including Hindi & English on post cards and inland lettershas been completed. Printing of slogan with sketch diagram of NRSE systems and devices on envelopes & speed post satchels and railway reservation tickets through Department of Posts and Northern Railway is in progress. Printing a special issue of Urja Bharati on "Solar Passive Architecture" is in progress. CDs of the booklet "A Factsheet of Achievements" and the "Annual Report 2001-02" have been prepared. Updation of the book "Renewable Energy in IndiaBusiness Opportunities" is in progress for development of CDs. Two issues of "Resource", a quarterly newsletter on renewable energy for school children were released and more issues are also to be brought out.

Postal Department's mail vans has also been taken up in different States. Exhibits like photographic blow-ups and write-ups were prepared during the year. The Ministry's Photo Unit covers NRSE installations and provide photographs, transparencies and slides for the print media, exhibitions, seminars, conferences and other agencies.

LIBRARYThe Ministry has a library catering to the day-to-day reference requirements of its officers and staff. The library also has a reading room well stocked with books, literature and publications on technical, financial and administrative topics. The Ministry has taken steps to strengthen the library with technical books and journals on renewable energy. A Committee has been constituted for recommending purchase of technical books and journals including Hindi books. The library continues to provide newsclipping services.

OTHER ACTIVITIESPublicity of renewable energy was carried out through distribution of T-shirts, printed with the slogan on renewable energy, in the 7th Health Fitness Carnival Run through the organizer of the Run. The Fourth national competition of drawing, poster, essay and working models on renewable energy for school children was organized through National Foundation of Indian Engineers (NAFEN) to celebrate the National Science Day during February 2003.SPECIAL AREA DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMME

PUBLICITY

THROUGH

EXHIBITIONS

AND

OUTDOOR MEDIA

Twenty-two State level NRSE exhibitions were organised in important melas/festivals in different States. More such exhibitions will be organised within this financial year. The Ministry participated in the India International Trade Fair-2002 held during 14th - 27th November 2002 by setting up indoor and outdoor pavilion on renewable energy. The Ministry participated in "The India Infrastructure Show" exhibition organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 58 February 2003. Awareness campaigns were organised in different States through mobile exhibition vans (MEVs) fitted with working NRSE systems & devices. The Ministry has taken up outdoor publicity on renewable energy using kiosks, bus back panels, bus queue shelters, hoardings etc. through DAVP in different States. Publicity activity through

The Energy Park Scheme was started in 1994-95 under Special Area Demonstration Programme. Two types of Energy Park projects are promoted under the scheme. District level Energy Parks are set up at the rate of one park per district in well-known educational institutions, registered consumer forums and public places where there is large inflow of public. The State level Energy

22


Introduction

23

Park is proposed to be set up in every State in suitable public places.

OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the Energy Park Scheme are: (i) to create awareness and give publicity amongst the students/teachers and rural and urban masses about the use and benefits of the renewable energy systems and devices; (ii) to demonstrate the use of NRSE technologies; (iii) to provide opportunity to the technical institutions to carry out technical experimentation on renewable energy systems and devices by the students/teachers; and (iv) to give large scale publicity through setting up of State Level Renewable Energy Awareness/Education Parks.

maintenance of District level Energy Parks on case to case basis for a period of 4 years starting from the 2nd year to 5th year. For State level Renewable Energy Awareness/Education Parks (large sized), Central Financial Assistance (CFA) can be provided up to a maximum of Rs.1.00 crore for the energy systems/devices and exhibits. However, the State Nodal Agencies meet the total civil construction cost etc. The concerned State implementing agencies are given Rs.5,000/- per park for monitoring the progress of the implementation of District level Energy Parks. A typical district level energy park may include energy systems/devices such as, improved chulhas (fixed/portable type); solar photovoltaic street lights; domestic lights and solar lanterns; solar water heating systems, solar cookers, solar stills, biogas plant, solar PV radio, solar PV power plant, a solar PV colour TV, a solar PV pump, a solar drier, a biomass gasifier and a wind pump. However, the systems and devices are sanctioned depending upon the potential and the requirement of the institutions.

IMPLEMENTATIONThe Energy Park Scheme, implemented through the State Nodal Agencies /Departments has been modified during the current Financial Year 2002-2003. The main features of modified scheme are that the district level Energy Parks are now being set up only in technical institutions and the procurement and installation cost of energy systems and devices is being shared on 50:50 basis between MNES and the institution concerned. The State nodal agencies implement the energy park projects. The number and type of renewable energy systems and devices for each energy park is decided by the Committee on Energy Parks and depends upon the requirement of the institutions and their utility.

EVALUATION

OF

ENERGY PARK SCHEME

FUNDING

OF

ENERGY PARKS

With a view to assess the performance of the Energy Park Scheme vis--vis to suggest measures for further improvements, the Ministry had sanctioned an Evaluation Study on Energy Parks in June 2001 to four independent organisations namelyAdministrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad; Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi; National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), New Delhi and National Productivity Council (NPC), New Delhi. Forty-eight Energy Parks in twelve States were covered under the evaluation study. The main recommendations of the evaluation study are given below: All energy parks need a regular or periodic repair and maintenance. The in-charge personnel/ operational executives/operators in the institutions need to be trained on operation and maintenance of Energy Parks. State Nodal Agencies should ensure the proper running of the Energy Parks under its purview as per MNES norms.

The maximum cost of a District level Energy Park is limited to Rs.10 lakh and is shared on a 50:50 basis between the MNES and the institution concerned. Besides, the Scheme provides for Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of not more than 7% of the capital cost of the energy systems and devices for repair and

24


Introduction

25

There should be two levels of implementation of Energy Parks, one in public places and the other at the institutional level (apart from the Technical Institutions, it could also include Agricultural Engineering Colleges, Krishi Vigyan Kendras etc.). The size of the Energy Park may vary for these two types. On the one hand, the Energy Parks in public places generate wide scale awareness and on the other, the Energy Parks in institutions impart/provide a practical oriented training to the students. While recommending for sanction of Energy Parks to the Ministry, State Nodal Agencies should give priority to the institutions which have a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in operation and maintenance of similar projects and commitments of the institutions should also be taken into account. Local environmental conditions should also be taken into consideration, while selecting the devices for installation in the Energy Park. Literature giving details of the devices should be made available to the institutions for public distribution (visitors and students). Workshops may be organised at the State level or Regional level to ensure better understanding, learning and coordination between each other. Monitoring of these workshops by MNES will ensure that experiences are shared. A condition may be imposed on every Energy Park's institution to invite other local institutions to visit the park. At least a minimum of 10 institutions to be contacted for sending their students to visit the park. The district field/project officers are to monitor these visits.

district level and at least five State level Energy Parks has been kept for the current year 2002-03. A total of only five new district level Energy Park project proposals have been received so far which are under process for sanction. During 2001-02, 8 State level Renewable Energy Awareness/ Education Parks for setting up at Durgapur (West Bengal), Delhi, Ernakulam (Kerala), Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam) Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Bhubaneswar (Orissa), and Shillong (Meghalaya) have been sanctioned. During the current Financial Year 2002-2003, 2 State level Renewable Energy Awareness/Education Park project proposals, one each from Maharashtra and Uttaranchal, have so far been considered and are being sanctioned. It is expected that a minimum of Seven State level Renewable Energy/Education Parks would be sanctioned by the end of the current year 2002-03. The Ministry has sanctioned a State level Renewable Energy Awareness/ Education Park to Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), New Delhi for setting up at The Garden of Five Senses "Said-ul-Ajaib", New Delhi. The park is almost ready and is likely to be commissioned by the end of January 2003. This energy park is going to be a model park. The main attractive feature of the park is the two Solar Trolley Buses, totally run on solar photovoltaic power, have been introduced for display and use for the first time in the country. The solar buses will run on a track of about 1.2 kms. The other attractive functional models include- Energy Quiz, Electricity Generating Drum, Energy Slip, Battery operated bicycles (10 Nos.), Computer Mechano Set, Micro hydel Unit, Solar Cars (2 Nos.), Solar PV Pump, Solar Refrigerators (2 Nos.), Solar Water Heating System (1000 lpd) and Solar Colour TV etc. The friendship pavilion has also been constructed in the park based on the solar passive features. The Energy Park will be a centre of attraction particularly for the children and will give publicity about the use and benefits of renewable energy to the public. Two State level Renewable Energy Awareness/Education Parks, one each at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Durgapur

ACHIEVEMENTSA total cumulative of 278 District level Energy Parks have been sanctioned since the inception of the scheme in 1994-95 to March 2002 in 32 States and Union Territories. A target of 60

26


Introduction

27

in West Bengal are also expected to be ready for the public by the end of current financial year 2002-03.RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Research & Development efforts in renewable energy are being supported since 1982. For sustained development of this sector, it is necessary that renewable energy is driven to a substantial extent by the market and the consumer. To achieve this, the ministry has given a market oriented thrust to R&D efforts and has evolved a policy of supporting Research & Development with close involvement of the industry. One focus of R&D is on cost reduction and improvement in efficiency of renewable energy devices. This includes upgradation of existing renewable energy technologies and the development, demonstration and commercialisation of new and emerging technologies. A greater level of commercialisation of renewable energy systems with a wide ranging linkage and co-operation between research and academic institutions and industry is envisaged in the R&D policy of the ministry. The ministry has also identified thrust areas for R&D efforts so as to help principal investigators to generate good quality proposals. The ministry has re-constituted the R&D Advisory Committee comprising eminent persons in the areas of research, industry, academic institutions, national laboratories, IITs, etc. to consider R&D proposals and to make recommendations. The Committee also discusses and recommends R&D strategies and priorities. During the year the Committee considered 32 R&D projects while 38 more are likely to be considered before the end of the financial year. Some of the major projects considered by the R&D Advisory Committee include development of nano and micro crystalline thin film solar cells; study on evaluation of improved chulha with reference to indoor air pollution and health aspects in field conditions in different climatic zones in North East India having diverse traditional and geographical nature; design standardisation of kitchens with respect to indoor air quality and thermal comfort; design and development of biogas powered

single pressure refrigeration for rural areas; development of high performance biogas-vegetable oil dual fuel engine; and development and testing of low cost membrane filters from biomass ash for hot gas clean up of producer gas for gasifier based power plants etc. It is proposed to take up more intensive goal oriented, industry driven R&D with large scale industrial participation in order to commercialise renewable energy technologies. R&D work would also be focused on power generation, system optimisation, efficiency improvement and feasibility of new and emerging technologies so that renewable energy sector gets greater market orientation which would result in overall economic development of this sector in the country.

28


Rural Energy

29

the main objective of WRED scheme is to facilitate women selfhelp groups to optimally use renewable energy systems.NATIONAL BIOGAS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

2RURAL ENERGYRural people depend upon biomass fuels, such as fire wood, animal waste and crop residues for meeting cooking and heating energy requirements. These fuels are burnt in an in-efficient manner in traditional chulhas, causing not only economic loss to the nation but also health problems to women. While the present level of consumption of firewood is considered unsustainable, the burning of animal waste and agricultural residues deprives our soils of much needed organic matter, adversely affecting soil health and agricultural productivity. Fortunately, technologies have been developed indigenously to produce modern biomass fuel, such as biogas from cattle dung and other organic wastes and to burn biomass in an efficient manner in improved chulhas. The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, therefore, continues to implement a Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP), a modified version of the Ninth Plan Scheme on National Project on Biogas Development (NPBD), with the objectives to promote family type biogas plants and biogas power stations. These programmes depend upon developing and involving rural entrepreneurs and women self-help groups. Rural Energy Entrepreneurship and Institutional Development (REEID) and Women and Renewable Energy Development (WRED), initiated on a pilot basis in 2000-01, continued during 2002-03. While REEID scheme aims at developing and strengthening local institutions and training for promoting renewable energy entrepreneurship,

Biogas is produced using a fermentation process wherein complex organic molecules present in organic wastes are converted into methane, carbon dioxide and traces of other gases. Indigenously developed `biogas (gobar gas) plants' are simple and easy-to-operate. Biogas, which contains about 55 to 70 per cent methane, is an efficient fuel when burnt in specially designed stoves for cooking purposes and in silk mantle lamps for lighting. It can also be used in dual fuel engines for motive power and when attached with alternators for generation of electricity. The left-over digested slurry serves as an enriched manure for agriculture and pisciculture. The National Biogas Management Programme (NBMP) is a modified version of the National Project on Biogas Development (NPBD), which was implemented during 1981-82 to 2001-02. Its objectives are: (i) to provide clean and cheap source of biogas energy; (ii) to produce and use enriched organic manure; (iii) to develop management systems for production of value added products; (iv) to improve sanitation and hygiene by attaching toilets with biogas plants; (v) to mitigate drudgery of women and girl children; (vi) to generate employment in rural areas; and (vii) to set up biogas power stations in cattle-based institutions.

TECHNOLOGYThe main approved designs of biogas plants are: (i) floating gas holder type, popularly called "Indian or KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) Model", (ii) the fixed dome type, commonly known as "Deenbandhu Model" and

30


Rural Energy

31

(iii) bag type portable digester made of rubberised nylon fabric. Fixed dome models using different construction materials have also been approved viz. the ferro-cement Deenbandhu Model and the pre-fabricated reinforced cement concrete model.

approach". New initiatives introduced in 2002-03 for improving the quality include: (i) 100 per cent physical verification by States/ agencies before forwarding financial claims to MNES; (ii) embossing identification marks at an easily visible place on biogas plants; (iii) fixing of photographs of beneficiaries in subsidy disbursement records; (iv) sharing of lists of beneficiaries among different agencies working in a given district to avoid duplicate reporting; (v) involving Panchayats to identify beneficiaries and to display the lists of beneficiaries in Panchayat Ghars; and (vi) setting up of State and district level co-ordination committees.

ACHIEVEMENTAgainst an estimated potential of setting up of 120 lakh family type biogas plants, a cumulative total of 33.70 lakh plants have been set up so far in the country, thereby covering over 28 per cent of the potential. For 2002-03, a target of setting up of 1.70 lakh family type biogas plants was planned initially with budget estimates of Rs.59.90 crore. However, a target of only 1.20 lakh plants has been allocated to States and agencies as most of the States were affected by drought. About 70,440 plants have been completed during the period April to December 2002, which is almost 117 per cent over the target of 60,000 plants planned for the corresponding period. India is in the sunny belt of the world. The country receives solar energy equivalent to more than 5,000 trillion kWh per year, which is far more than its total annual energy consumption. The daily average global radiation is around 5 kWh per sq.m per day with the sunshine hours ranging between 2300 and 3200 per year. Though the energy density is low and the availability is not continuous, it is now possible to harness this abundantly available energy very reliably for many purposes by converting it to usable heat or through direct generation of electricity. The conversion systems are modular in nature and can appropriately be used for decentralised applications.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVESNBMP provides for Central financial assistance (CFA) for various items and activities as described below: (i) Central Subsidy: Central subsidy is given in fixed amounts varying according to categories of beneficiaries and areas. The details of Central subsidy are given in Table 3.2. (ii) Turn-Key Job Fee: The amount of turn-key job fee is Rs. 800/- per plant for North-Eastern Region States (excluding the plain areas of Assam), Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, other notified hilly areas and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For other areas, the rate is Rs.700/- per plant. (iii) Household Toilet Linked Plants: An additional Central subsidy of Rs.500/- per plant is given for linking the cattle dung based plant with a sanitary toilet, wherever feasible. (iv) Repair Charges for Old Non-functional Plants: Financial support is given up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the rate of Central subsidy as applicable for a given category of beneficiary and area for repair of plants, which have been used for a period of at least five years and thereafter developed structural defects.

IMPLEMENTATIONThe programme is implemented by State Nodal Agencies and Departments, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Non-governmental Organisations. Some States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh have linked the biogas programme with rural development schemes. The programme is implemented with a "cluster area

32


Rural Energy

33

(v) Service Charges and Staff Support: The rate of service charges is linked with a given target range allocated to States and agencies, except North Eastern Region States, Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir, where full financial support is given for the staff sanctioned for the State headquarters and selected districts. The rates of service charges applicable for 2002-03 are as follows (i) Rs.0.50 lakh plus Rs.300 per plant in excess of 200 plants for a target range of 100-3,000; (ii) Rs.8.90 lakh plus Rs.150 per plant in excess of 3,000 plants; and (iii) Rs 14.90 lakh plus Rs.100 per plant in excess of 7,000 plants subject to a maximum of Rs.30.00 lakh. (vi) Grants to Biogas Extension Centres (BECs): A non-recurring grant of Rs.10,000/- and a recurring grant of Rs.20,000/ - per year is given to BEC for systematically organising users' courses in villages. (vii) Training Courses: Financial assistance is given for organising different kinds of training courses. A one-day Users' course for 50-60 trainees per course is given CFA of Rs.1,000. A 2-3 days Staff Course for 10-15 trainees per course is given Rs.5,000 CFA per course. A 16-day refresher/construction-cum-maintenance course for 10 trainees per course is given Rs.19,000 CFA per course and a 21-day Turnkey Workers Course for 10 trainees per course is given Rs.38,500 CFA per course. (viii) Communication and Publicity: Assistance is given for communication and publicity work linked with target ranges to state nodal departments and agencies. Rs.1.00 lakh CFA is given for target ranges up to 1,000 plants, Rs.2.50 lakh for a target range between 1,001-10,000 plants and Rs.5.00 lakh for a target more than 10,000 plants. (ix) Demonstration on the Use of Digested Slurry: Financial assistance is given at the rate of Rs.50,000/- per demonstration to State Governments, Agricultural Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farmer's Training Centres, non-governmental organisations, etc. This item

has been approved for the first time in 2002-03 with the objective to collect scientific data on the effect of digested slurry on crop production. (x) Biogas Power Stations: Financial support is given for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPR). The quantum is up to a maximum of Rs.1.00 lakh per project of 100-250 kW and Rs.2.00 lakh per project for capacity above 250 kW. Central subsidy at the rate of Rs.30,000/- per kW is given for setting up a power project of 100-250 kW installed capacity and Rs.75.00 lakh plus Rs.25,000 per kW for a project having installed capacity of 250-500 kW. Besides, 10 per cent of the Central financial assistance for each project is given as service charges to State nodal departments and agencies for providing technical, supervision and training support, including facilitating signing of Power Purchase Agreement with State Electricity Boards and marketing of manure.

FINANCING INSTITUTIONSReserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) continue to support the biogas programme. Detailed guidelines are available with both commercial and co-operative banks for financing family type biogas plants. NABARD is providing automatic refinancing facility to commercial banks for loan amounts disbursed for biogas plants.

TRAINING CENTRESBiogas Development and Training Centres (BDTCs) have been established to provide technical, training and publicity support in a decentralised manner to State nodal departments and agencies for an effective and accelerated implementation of NBMP. The eight such centres functioning in major States of the country are namely University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka; Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal; Centre for Energy Studies and Research (CESR), Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh; Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab; Himachal Pradesh Krishi

34


Rural Energy

35

Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh; Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur; Rajasthan; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu; and Planning Research and Action Research (PRAD), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. These Centres are also carrying out applied research on area-specific problems. Full financial assistance is given for sanctioned staff, contingencies and training courses. BDTCs focus on the training of masons to improve quality of construction of biogas plants with due care to ensure shape and dimensions of the approved models and use of quality construction materials. BDTCs are increasingly involved in the monitoring of quality of biogas plants and publicity for the installation and use of biogas.

(iii) development of designs and methodologies for utilisation of other biomass and agro-residues for biogas production; (iv) reducing cost of biogas plants by use of alternative building materials and construction methodology; and (v) diversified use of digested slurry for value added products. During the year 2002-03, two projects were completed and two new projects have been sanctioned. The highlights of the completed projects are given below: (i) Under the project "Microbiology of methane production from animal dung at low temperatures and improvement of digester performance", the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh studied performance of two biogas digesters, made of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) insulated with polyurethane foam and installed at National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The digesters were inoculated with microbial consortia adapted at 10 oC and continuously operated with cattle dung and Yak waste. The digesters worked satisfactorily, although with reduced gas yields. Field trials are recommended using adapted microbial consortia for improved gas production in biogas plants installed at high altitudes. (ii) The Division of Environmental Sciences, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi has completed a study entitled, "Green house gas emission from exposed areas of biogas plants". Quantitative measurements was carried out on emission of methane, carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from exposed areas of biogas plants and manure pits located in northern plain region and hilly terrain. The study has concluded that green house effect of biogas plants is only marginal. New projects sanctioned during the year are: (i) Development of certain poultry equipment Brooder, incinerator, flame gun operated on biogas generated by poultry droppings at Poultry Experimental Station,

TRAININGState Governments, agencies and BDTCs have planned a target of organising 3,000 users' courses and 210 construction-cummaintenance courses (CMC) during 2002-2003.

PUBLICITY

AND

AWARENESS GENERATION

Both print and electronic media are used for raising awareness in rural areas. Periodic advertisements on the benefits of biogas technology and details of the government financial assistance are released in national and regional dailies. Regional Stations of All India Radio and Doordarshan are used for broadcasting/telecasting programmes on biogas. Many State Governments and programme implementing agencies are organising farmers' training camps at the block level, distributing information leaflets during Kisan Melas and displaying publicity materials and screening documentary films in district level agricultural meets.R&D ON BIOGAS

Thrust areas for research and development (R&D) on biogas identified are: (i) studies in the field of microbiology, biochemistry and engineering for increasing the biogas yield especially at low and high temperatures; (ii) development of cost effective designs of biogas plants;

36


Rural Energy

37

Livestock Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh and (ii) "Value added products from biogas slurry manure produced through vermitechnology involving botanicals and microbials" at Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. A summary of the research work in progress under seven other R&D projects is given below: (i) The Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra is carrying out work under the project entitled, "Development of microbial technology to enhance biogas production from cattle dung at different temperatures". The results indicated that the increase in the biogas production was proportional to the quantity of clarified digested slurry added up to a certain level. The biogas production was increased up to 35 per cent with re-circulation of 40 per cent by volume of clarified digested slurry. (ii) Under the project "Development of two stage psychrophilic anaerobic reactor for cold climatic condition for solid waste" at Energy Research Centre, Punjab University, Chandigarh, work on single stage anaerobic digestion at psychropilic temperature has been completed. Results showed that the gas production at 7-10C ambient temperature could be sustained with inoculum acclimatized at 10C. Work is in progress to use isolated psychrophiles in the first acidogenic stage of the two-stage anaerobic digestion process. (iii) At the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, preliminary studies have been carried out on the use of materials, such as, clay pipes, ferro-cement angles, asbestos sheets, nylon ropes, etc., as fixed-film matrix in laboratory scale digesters under the project entitled "Design of fixed film reactors for performance enhancement of cow dung based biogas plants". The results indicated a significant bio-film formation on clay pipes and asbestos matrix. A modified method has been standardised for determining

the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in dung slurry, which contains heterogeneous substrates. (iv) Under the project entitled, "High rate biomethanation of lignocellulosic waste biomass and utilisation of the effluent for production of plant growth regulator" taken up at Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat, Assam, a two phase digestion system has been developed for fibrous biomass, such as de-oiled citronella grass and de-oiled lemon grass, which are wastes of aromatic oil industry. A hydraulic retention time of 1.2 days has been achieved for the methanogenic reactor. Work is in progress to standardise the design for efficient gas production. (v) Under the project entitled, "Development of high efficiency biogas plant through modifications in design and feed stock amendment" at National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, an experimental reactor with inner well and gas collection accessory has been developed to prevent short-circuiting of fresh feed stock with digested material. (vi) Project entitled, "Design and development of a high performance biogas digester for north-eastern region of India" has been initiated at IIT, Guwahati, Assam. Design and fabrication of a duplex digester is in progress along with laboratory level simulation of biogas digester and a study on thermo-physical properties of biomass feedstock. (vii) Under the project entitled "Development of improved biomethanation system: High rate anaerobic digester for wastewater containing solids" at Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a new generation high rate system called "Buoyant Filter Bioreactor (BFBR)" has been developed and standardised for treatment of waste water from sources, such as dairy, slaughter house, food processing industries and sewage. The new design facilitates establishment of microflora capable of converting fats into biogas at a faster rate on a continuous basis.

38 BIOGAS POWER PROJECTS


Rural Energy

39

A detailed project report has been prepared for setting up a biogas power project at Sri Gopal Govardhan Goushala, Pathmeda, district Jalore, Rajasthan. It is estimated that about 100 metric tonnes of cattle dung available per day from about 16,000 cattle heads would be adequate for a 300 kW power station. The project envisages implementation in two stages, each for treatment of 50 metric tonnes of cattle dung per day at a total estimated cost of Rs.3.00 crore. This shows huge potential for setting up biogas power projects in large gaushalas and dairy farms.ENERGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

teaching and management institutions. Financial support is also given to entrepreneurs for acquiring technology, getting quality certification from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), preparing bankable projects, etc. Provision has been made for organising market surveys, studies on financial and socio-economic analysis of renewable energy systems, preparation and distribution of good practice manuals for fostering entrepreneurship amongst rural youth.

IMPLEMENTATIONInstitutions set up in different States specifically for entrepreneurship development are involved in implementing REEID Scheme. The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development Andhra Pradesh (CEDAP), Hyderabad is organising EDPs and EACs with the involvement of non-governmental organisations. The North-India Technical Consultancy Organisation Limited (NITCON), Chandigarh has organised EACs in engineering colleges and polytechnics to focus on issues relating to entrepreneurship as a career option, planning of small scale businesses and marketing of REDs. Maharashtra Industrial Technical Consultancy (MITCON), Pune, has conducted EDPs in two phases, i.e. orientation and project formulation; and project financing. Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat has organised EACs with the help of local Employment Exchange and non-governmental organisations. Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi, Jharkhand has organised EDPs to develop entrepreneurship development abilities amongst tribal youth.

A pilot scheme initiated in 2000-01, on Rural Energy Entrepreneurship and Institutional Development (REEID), continued during 2002-03 with the objective of creating entrepreneurship in the rural energy sector by strengthening entrepreneurship development centres in different States with linkages to renewable energy industries, IREDA, SNAs and NGOs for providing entrepreneur development training, management skills, support for project formulation, maintenance services and export management, and consultancy; awareness camps; and promote rural energy micro-enterprises for manufacturing, marketing, servicing and exporting rural energy systems;

CENTRAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (CFA)The scheme provides for CFA for organisation of one-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps (EAC) at the rate of Rs.10,000 per camp and 4-5 week duration Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDP) at the rate of Rs.1.00 lakh per programme. Besides, establishment of rural energy entrepreneurs and consumers facilitation counters is supported with a grant of Rs.1.00 lakh per counter. Provision exists for capacity building by way of core organisational support up to Rs.10.00 lakh as non-recurring grant and Rs.5.00 lakh per year as recurring grant to selected R&D,

ACHIEVEMENTS

DURING

2001-02

AND

TARGETS

FOR

2002-03

During 2001-02, a total of 96 EACs and 33 EDPs were organised. A total of five Rural Energy Entrepreneurs and Consumers Facilitation Counters were established in the States of Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. For 2002-03, 90 EACs, 40 EDPs and two counters have been planned with an overall objective to promote about 50 micro-enterprises. A budget of Rs.1.00 crore has been allocated.

40


Rural Energy

41IN

WOMEN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

ACHIEVEMENTS

2001-02

AND TARGETS FOR

2002-03

The scheme on "Women and Renewable Energy Development (WRED)", initiated on a pilot basis in 2000-01, continued during 2002-03 with the objective of empowering rural women through promotion, marketing, utilisation and management of renewable energy systems and devices by establishing Renewable Energy Sales and Servicing Outlets (RESSOs) managed by women and organising Renewable Energy Women Self-Help Groups (REWSHGs) to arrange construction and maintenance of renewable energy devices, undertake energy plantation in waste lands for fuel wood production, impart training in construction, operation, repair and maintenance of renewable energy devices and systems relevant for women; recognise entrepreneurship and research capabilities among women through awards and certificate of merit; and publish training and best practice manuals, publicity and awareness materials on renewable energy systems. The scheme is implemented by State nodal departments and agencies, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), academic institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

During 2001-02 the 140 Orientation/Training Courses were organised against a target of 200. 58 RESSOs were established against a target of 120 and 79 REWSHGs were established against a target of 122. During 2002-03 it is targeted to organise 75 Orientation/Training Courses, and establish 40 RESSOs along with 40 REWSHGs.

OTHER SCHEMESThe Planning Commission decided in June 2002 that other two Centrally Sponsored Schemes, namely, Community, Institutional and Night-soil based Biogas Plants (CBP/IBP/NBP) Programme and National Programme on Improved Chulhas (NPIC), which were being considered for transfer to the State Plan Sector, should be continued during 2002-03. Accordingly, a target of setting up of 200 community, institutional and night-soil based biogas plants with Revised Estimates of Rs.3.50 crore has been planned.

CONCURRENT MONITORINGConcurrent monitoring of the biogas and improved chulhas programmes was initiated in 2001-02. Four independent organisations have been selected on the basis of applications received through advertisement in national dailies. M/s Techno Economic Services (TES) New Delhi covers the States of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Delhi, while Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC), Mumbai cover the States of Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal apart from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Goa. Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), Bangalore covers the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Pondicherry and North-Eastern Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (NEITCON) Ltd, Guwahati covers Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The field work for concurrent monitoring started in April 2002. A summary of number of villages covered and the devices

CENTRAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (CFA)CFA of Rs.15,000 per course is provided for organising Orientation Courses of five-day duration. Rs.20,000 per Outlet CFA is given for Renewable Energy Sales and Servicing Outlets (RESSOs) in rural areas. CFA of Rs.10,000 per Group is given for establishing Renewable energy women self-help groups for arranging purchase and maintenance servicing of renewable energy devices and systems. During 2002-03, provisions have been made for giving service charges at the rate of 10 per cent of approved CFA to State Governments and programme implementing agencies; supporting the government approved selected Women Technical Institutes to serve as technical backup unit up to a maximum of Rs.15.00 lakh as non-recurring grant and Rs.5.00 lakh as recurring grant for a period of three years, organising panchayat workshops at the rate of Rs.50,000/- per event.

42


Rural Energy

43

monitored during the period April to December, 2002 is given below: ________________________________________Organisation ______________________________Number of villages covered ________________________________________ Number of devices monitored during April to Dec., 2002 ________________________________________ Biogas plants TES, New Delhi AFC, Mumbai NEITCON, Guwahati TERI, Bangalore ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Total ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Reports on detailed status of devices monitored are sent on a monthly basis directly to the State nodal departments and programme implementing agencies concerned. Observations on qualitative aspects, such as, adequacy of users' training, quality of construction materials used, maintenance servicing provided by turn-key workers/self-employed workers/ non-governmental organisations and awareness about the use of digested slurry are included in the reports. State governments and 1454 7869 8476 120 476 983 853 331 150 Improved chulhas 3996 936 2722 5833 675 724

programme implementing agencies are taking follow up action on these reports with a view to improve quality of the programme. Besides 100 per cent physical verification of biogas plants prescribed for the State Governments and agencies to be carried out at the block level and sample re-verification to be done by the district and State level functionaries, field inspections are carried out on a random basis by the Ministry's Regional Offices. During the period April to December, 2002, the Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Patna Offices inspected a total of 5006 plants in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal, and reported an overall average functionality of 86 per cent.

EVALUATION STUDYAt the instance of the Ministry, the Programme Evaluation Organisation (PEO), Planning Commission conducted a diagnostic survey study on National Project on Biogas Development in 200102. The study covered a sample of 615 plants set up during the years 1995-96 to 1999-2000 in 19 States, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The report received in May, 2002, indicated that about 81 per cent plants were commissioned, 6 per cent plants were lying un-commissioned, 4 per cent plants were incomplete and 9 per cent plants were dismantled. Out of the commissioned plants, only 66 per cent plants were found in use. The study's major recommendations included: (i) earmarking areas for implementation to specific agencies to avoid unhealthy competition; (ii) improving reporting system for accuracy and consistency; (iii) following mandatory physical verification before release of Central subsidy; (iv) involving Panchayat level officers in physical verification of biogas plants;

44


Rural Energy

45

(v) added emphasis on repair of non-functional plants; (vi) emphasis on training to users on preventive maintenance; and (vii) to set up large size community biogas plants. Guidelines have been modified in the light of these recommendations and issued to all States and agencies for compliance. IIT, Delhi was assigned a study entitled "Determining the extent of installation and impact assessment study of MNES supported programmes relating to improved chulhas, family type biogas plants and community, institutional and night soil based biogas plants in four selected States, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh" in January 2002. The fieldwork was done in March to June 2002. The primary survey was based on structured questionnaire for two respondent categories i.e. State nodal department/nodal agencies and beneficiaries. It covered a sample of 3755 biogas plants and 14,310 improved chulhas set up during 1996-97 to 2000-01 in 367 villages selected from 28 districts of the four States. The interim report on the extent of installation received in August 2002 indicated that on an average 77 per cent of the plants were functional, 19 per cent plants were non-functional, 4 per cent were not installed and dismantled. State-wise status of biogas plants found in the study is given in Table 3.6. In regard to improved chulhas, the study pointed out that only 33 per cent chulhas were in use, 7 per cent were non-functional, 43 per cent were dismantled and 17 per cent were not installed. IIT, Delhi is preparing report on the second part of the study relating to "impact assessment".

Details of the awards for 2000-01 given at the Annual Renewable Energy Conference held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in May 2002, are mentioned below:

BENEFITSAchieving 1.5 lakh family type biogas plants and 200 institutional biogas plants would result in the estimated saving of about two lakh tones of fuel wood equivalent and production of about 20 lakh tonnes of enriched manure per year during the life span of about 15-20 years of the plants. The social benefits accrued are reducing drudgery of women involved in collecting fuel materials from long distances, minimizing health hazards due to smoky kitchens, saving in cooking time, etc. Besides, 4.5 million person days employment for both skilled and unskilled workers will be generated and 100 sales and servicing outlets are functioning and about 120 women self-help groups are involved in promoting and maintaining renewable energy devices.INTEGRATED RURAL ENERGY PROGRAMME (IREP)

AWARD SCHEMENational Project on Biogas Development (NPBD) and National Programme on Improved Chulhas (NPIC) envisaged annual awards to encourage a healthy competition for quantitative and qualitative achievements. An award scheme for women scientists, entrepreneurs and self-help groups and NGOs was instituted under the Women and Renewable Energy Development Scheme.

Rural areas account for the vast majority of the country's population and as such the country's efforts in the direction of sustainable energy security cannot be expected to succeed unless the problems encountered in meeting the energy needs of the rural population are addressed in a planned and systematic manner. This calls for an integrated rural energy planning and implementation framework. It was in this context that the Integrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP) was launched during the Seventh Plan with the aim of developing the planning and institutional capabilities at the State, District and Block levels to formulate and implement area-based micro-level plans to tap in an integrated manner all types of energy sources. Under this programme, people's participation in the planning and implementation of Block-level energy plans and projects is being achieved through the involvement of people's participation, government and non-government agencies and the panchayats, wherever feasible. It also envisages the setting up and the strengthening of mechanisms for effectively linking micro-level

46


Rural Energy

47

planning for rural energy with national and the state-level planning for rural energy and economic development. The IREP has two components- Central and State. Under the Central Sector component, the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of IREP provides for developing capabilities in the States and the Union Territories for preparing and implementing integrated rural energy plans and projects. Central financial assistance is provided for the support staff in the IREP project cells at the State and Block levels and for training and extension. The State-sector outlay is utilised for the implementation of IREP plans and projects, including funding of demonstration activities, provision of financial incentives for various energy devices, funding of extension activities and other related activities. The funds and resources from other ongoing energy-related programmes are also utilised in IREP Blocks to the extent possible.

TECHNICAL

AND

TRAINING SUPPORT

Regional Training and R&D institutions have been functioning, one each at Village Bakoli (Delhi), Chinhat (Lucknow), Jakkur (Bangalore) and village Amrol, Distt. Anand in Gujarat. The objectives of these institutions are to: (i) impart training to planning, implementation and administrative manpower at the village, block, district, state and national levels for the IREP; (ii) develop course material for various training programmes for different levels on IREP; (iii) establish data base on rural energy demand and supply for different micro regions of the states and sub-regions, (iv) monitor the various rural energy and development projects and develop suitable computer simulation model; (v) establish facilities for documentation, information dissemination and mass communication in the area of rural energy, appropriate technology and efficient uses of water; (vi) establish a demonstration center for appropriate rural technologies; (vii) undertake research and development on rural energy systems and appropriate technology, including drought animal power resources, manual labour, energy efficient practices utilising conventional and non-conventional energy in agriculture, forestry, rural industries works, etc.; (viii) undertake research and development on programme implementation and management methodologies, including the use of various organisational and institutional alternatives including voluntary agencies/and NGOs; and (ix) carry out economic, social and environmental impact and other related issues. The training programmes organised by the IREP Training Centres during the current year (till 15th January, 2003) are as follows: The IREP Training Centre at Lucknow has organised 17 training programmes on various aspects of IREP and non-

OBJECTIVESThe objectives of IREP are: To provide for minimum domestic energy needs for cooking, heating and lighting purposes to rural people in IREP Blocks; To provide the most cost effective mix of various energy sources and options for meeting the requirements of sustainable agriculture and rural development with due environmental considerations; To ensure people's participation in the planning and implementation of IREP plans and projects through the involvement of panchayats, voluntary organisations and other institutions at the micro level; and To develop and strengthen mechanisms and co-ordination arrangements for linking micro-level planning for rural energy with National and State level planning and programmes for energy and economic development so as to ensure regular and planned flow of energy inputs for meeting the requirements of various end users in IREP Blocks.

48


Rural Energy

49

conventional energy programmes for a variety of target groups such as project officers and officers of the other departments involved in the implementation of IREP in the State, SEW's on the repair and maintenance of energy systems and devices, school students for giving an exposure to the non-conventional energy systems, Bankers on their role in the implementation of nonconventional energy programmes and village Panchayat Heads and Municipal Corporations. The IREP Training Centre at Amrol has organised a training programme for technicians on repair of Solar Cookers. The IREP Training Centre at Jakkur (Bangalore) named as Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Integrated Rural Energy & Development (MGIIRED) has organised 40 training programmes on various aspects of IREP to the Project Officers and Junior Engineers involved in the implementation of the IREP in the State of Karnataka and for Village Panchayats, NGOs and Self-help Women Groups.

with the States and Union Territories in a meeting held in October, 2002. The States were requested that while implementing IREP projects, they should consider the total energy for each IREP Block through the most cost-effective mix of different technological options/convergence of different programmes at grass-root level. The States were also requested to provide a minimum of Rs.5.00 lakh per IREP Block for implementation of block level IREP projects apart from mobilising financial resources from other State departments implementing energy related projects/ programmes. The Planning Commission while deciding to continue IREP during the 10th Five Year Plan suggested that IREP may be streamlined to make it more effective and meaningful. The Ministry has, therefore, decided to modify the IREP for implementation from the financial year 2003-2004. Meetings with the Planning Commission and selected States have been held to discuss the modified IREP. Further, it is proposed to discuss the modified IREP in a National Workshop, which may be organised by the end of current financial year 2002-2003.SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY PROGRAMME

STRENGTHENING

OF THE

PROGRAMME

With a view to demonstrating the formulation of a realistic energy project and its implementation with an assured provisions for maintenance and repair, the Ministry has approved in December, 2000 the provision of financial support to State Governments for implementing

rural energy management

Documents

renewable energy technologies

renewable bioenergy

renewable energy industry

renewable energy sources

energy recovery

deployment of new

capita energy consumption

geothermal tidal energy