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India: The Sunny Giant
India is one of the most populated countries of the world, and a tropical country where the sun shines 300 days a year. The economic growth of this Asian giant, second only to China, anticipates that the photovoltaic market will grow exponentially in the coming years. We transcribe an interview with one of India´s photovoltaic energy pioneers.
How did you get started with renewable energies?
In 1982, Dr. Manmohan Singh, then deputy and current Prime Minister of India, visited the Indian state of Tripura. I was then a scientist in the Department of Electricity of the Government of Tripura and I convinced him that he should try photovoltaic energy for the first time in India, since there were many isolated villages without electricity, leaving farmers unable to irrigate, and thus, without income. The Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources considered my proposal and provided funding for a solar pump powered by 300 W. of photovoltaic energy in the state of Tripura. A battery of this same system also fed a small 24 volt fluorescent lamp. The crystalline solar cell only had an 8% efficiency.
You seem to have a certain preference for PV, although it is more expensive ....
Of all the=2 0renewables, solar energy is the one best suited for India. Eolic energy is limited to certain geographic locations, minihydraulic energy relies on the somewhat unpredictable rainfall and biomass depends on the season. Solar radiation in India, however, is predictable and abundant in this tropical climate. I´ve always been convinced that solar will be the most important renewable energy in India.
Of all the=2 0renewables, solar energy is the one best suited for India. Eolic energy is limited to certain geographic locations, minihydraulic energy relies on the somewhat unpredictable rainfall and biomass depends on the season. Solar radiation in India, however, is predictable and abundant in this tropical climate. I´ve always been convinced that solar will be the most important renewable energy in India.
You run the Corporation for the Development of Green Power in West Bengal. What is this organization about?
It´s a state agency subject to the Ministry of Renewable Energies. In principle, it is an organization created to develop these sources and foment its use, without seeking financial gain, but with the development and awareness about climate change, it´s beginning to give a more commercial approach to WBREDA. The first customers have been companies that have a true commitment to the environment. Moreover, West Bengal was the first Indian state to provide bonuses for the sale of photovoltaic, even before the Indian Renewable Energies Ministry announced the rates that now exist for the entire country.
It´s a state agency subject to the Ministry of Renewable Energies. In principle, it is an organization created to develop these sources and foment its use, without seeking financial gain, but with the development and awareness about climate change, it´s beginning to give a more commercial approach to WBREDA. The first customers have been companies that have a true commitment to the environment. Moreover, West Bengal was the first Indian state to provide bonuses for the sale of photovoltaic, even before the Indian Renewable Energies Ministry announced the rates that now exist for the entire country.
Rabi Rashmi Abasan is the first urban development project with solar photovoltaic across India. How did you come up with the idea?
In 2001 I saw a documentary on television about ecological city planning in developed countries. Then, a n innovative project occurred to me, based on concepts of energy efficiency and passive solar architecture with integrated photovoltaic, named "development of the new century," and I did submit it to the Department of Housing of West Bengal. The authorities provided a number of acres for housing development in Kolkota City. The Rabirashmi Abasan development took shape with the construction of 25 houses, each with two kW photovoltaic integrated roof, and a community building with 10 kw. This development has been the first of its kind in India.
In 2001 I saw a documentary on television about ecological city planning in developed countries. Then, a n innovative project occurred to me, based on concepts of energy efficiency and passive solar architecture with integrated photovoltaic, named "development of the new century," and I did submit it to the Department of Housing of West Bengal. The authorities provided a number of acres for housing development in Kolkota City. The Rabirashmi Abasan development took shape with the construction of 25 houses, each with two kW photovoltaic integrated roof, and a community building with 10 kw. This development has been the first of its kind in India.
What were the factors that have facilitated the success of this development?
Climate change was already accepted as a fact, and therefore, the cost of photovoltaic energy was not questioned, although it´s the most expensive renewable. In fact, 25 homes were sold quickly without any complaints about the price. The project was so successful that several large builders have announced they will include PV in their developments.
What is the goal of your organization for the coming years?
We have an action plan to install 400 MW by 2012. The Indian state plans to install a total of 10 GW of renewables, including wave energy. We´ll also focus on sustainable transport, particularly in the use of biodiesel and electricity.
Climate change was already accepted as a fact, and therefore, the cost of photovoltaic energy was not questioned, although it´s the most expensive renewable. In fact, 25 homes were sold quickly without any complaints about the price. The project was so successful that several large builders have announced they will include PV in their developments.
What is the goal of your organization for the coming years?
We have an action plan to install 400 MW by 2012. The Indian state plans to install a total of 10 GW of renewables, including wave energy. We´ll also focus on sustainable transport, particularly in the use of biodiesel and electricity.
