Friday, June 7, 2013


Solar PV - Sunita Narain Senseless Editorial in Down to Earth
June07, 2013

It’s a pity Down to Earth is so degraded even its editorials are Bogus Meaningless Outdated and Misleading.

Here in this Editorial like some months earlier Sunita is completely out of touch.

Firstly she doesn’t understand that Solar PV are already commercially viable in countries like India where Electricity Tariff are very high and Sunshine almost twice of EU and North America, Japan.

1 kw Solar Panel produces 2000 units of electricity in a year and over 25 years is expected to generate 50,000 units of electricity that @ Rs.9 per unit DTE Office pay is Rs.4,50,000 worth of lifetime generation. Solar PV costs are under $1 per W Turn Key Installation, 1 kw panel cost is around Rs.60,000 only.

Solar Power is already Viable in 95% of India.

Solar Panels in India are Most Suitable for Offices and Commercial buildings that generally work from 9AM to 5PM – Solar panels reduces grid power consumption, Minimize impact of Interruption in Grid Supply.

It is important to note in India Offices and Commercial buildings work for 6 or 7 days in a week unlike developed countries shall require little or no storage.

Solar PV therefore has Triple Advantage in India.

1.  Produces 50% to 120% more power India in winter and summer compared to EU, North America, Japan.

2.  Power tariff in India are much higher than USA – Solar PV is more beneficial in India.

3.  Solar PV can directly supply solar power for Office and Commercial Purpose.

4.  Domestic Consumers shall utilize 100% of Soar PV power and cut down highest tariff slab consumption into low and medium slab tariff.

I have already proposed Scaling up of Solar Mission to 100,000 MW by 2020 mostly rooftop panels.

Ravinder Singh
Inventor & Consultant

Solar energy not war
Sunita Narain 2013-6-15

Illustration: Anirban BoraIf you know that a sector has arrived when it makes for trade wars between countries, then solar energy clearly has. Last year, the US imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports of solar panels; now the EU has proposed the same. The Chinese have in turn threatened that they will take action against European exports of poly-silicon, the material used for manufacturing solar panels. In February this year, the US filed a case against India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for “favouring sourcing of panels from domestic manufacturers”. Earlier this month, Canada lost a similar case filed against it at WTO for its support to domestic manufacturers in procurement of solar panels. So, what you thought was all good and nice has suddenly become the biggest bugbear in international trade relations. It tells you that this sector is growing, it is lucrative and it makes for fierce trade politics and competitiveness.

But this is only part of the story. The big issue underlying these “wars” is the role of solar energy—a new source of power to lead the world to a low-carbon future and thus, away from the looming climate crisis. It has big objectives.

First, it has to become cheap so that it can achieve grid parity and compete with the dinosaur in the market: coal and oil. This can only happen when its deployment is greatly scaled up. Secondly, it has to reinvent green growth. This is why solar energy has been “sold” as an alternative industry, which will add to employment. It is the economy of the future. Thirdly, it has to secure needs of the most energy-poor. In other words, this relatively expensive and certainly most modern energy system should reach the poorest millions living in darkness. This would mean cutting the cost of supply, building networks to distribute and doing all that has not been done before.

Solar energy, therefore, has a tall order to deliver. The problem is countries have never considered the competing and often conflicting objectives. As a result, solar energy instead of becoming the messenger of the new cooperative world is getting embroiled in battles.

Consider this. The Chinese have managed to bring down prices and in the process led to the collapse of manufacturing across the world. It is estimated that in 2011 PV modules cost 60 per cent less than what they did in 2008. The first objective of solar energy is close to being met. But cheaper supply from China has hit manufacturing elsewhere. This has led countries to look for options to subsidise their industries and, in turn, damaging others. The US, for instance, provides cheap loans tied to purchase of domestically produced solar systems. Indian solar manufacturing has suffered fatally.

The second objective of using this new industry for green growth is being destroyed. It is for this reason that governments are hitting back.

In all countries the developers—the companies that buy solar systems to install power stations—are objecting to what they call are unnecessary protectionist measures at the behest of inefficient domestic producers. They say cheaper solar power systems have resulted in large-scale deployment, which in turn has given jobs and growth. The result of this powerful push back is that within days of announcing the anti-dumping duties, the US and EU solar associations have issued the Shanghai Declaration asking for a “rule-based trading system” and no duties. Over 1,000 industries have written against the proposal. Hectic parleys are on between the US, EU and China to find a “satisfactory” answer. No doubt these dependent trading partners will find a solution that suits their mutual interests but where will this leave the original purpose of solar power?

This is where the world needs to stop and think. The fact is that countries need manufacturing capacities for domestic employment and to build the future industrial base. The fact also is that solar energy, even with substantial cost reductions, needs policy and financial support for growth. In all this, governments must provide the framework, and not just leave it to the market.

The global aim should be to support this source of power, even if it distorts the so-called market. That’s why it is essential that all trade cases be withdrawn. It should be accepted that countries will provide fiscal support for building manufacturing and that domestic procurement would be facilitated. This is part of the bigger design.
The Indian government must continue with its policy to mandate domestic content in solar installations. But to make it work it should also provide cheap loans—similar to what the US government does through its EXIM Bank—conditional to the purchase of locally produced systems.

Most importantly, the support must be focused on meeting the third objective: reaching clean energy to the poorest. This would mean supporting decentralised power grid that feeds power directly to households. This will not be easy. The cost of such systems is high, cost recovery low and the ability to pay even lower. Let’s remember, the dinosaur can be slain only if there is new energy. New dawn needs new light.

 

Mahindra drives into compact car segment with Verito "Vibe" a sporty and dynamic exterior styling, latest features, large boot is available at price of Rs 5.69lacs.Vibe is basically a sub 4-metre Verito and difference here is that while both Maruti and Honda created compact sedans using existing hatchback platforms, Mahindra has chosen to go in the other direction, shrinking a sedan down to a hatch. All this, of course, is for the lower excise benefits. While camouflaged units have been spotted testing for quite a while, undisguised images have also surfaced on the web. What we’ve seen is a front-end that resembles the Verito sedan with slight modifications to the headlamp unit. The alloy wheels, as seen on the test mules, look good and are — as of now — exclusive to the Vibe. The side profile remains similar to the sedan. At the rear, a thick chrome strip on the boot lid is lifted straight off the Verito. Verito vibe has reliable 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine which produce 65PS of power and 160Nm of max torque. A 5-speed manual transmission will be mated to this engine. Mahindra persist with the front-wheel drive architecture of the Verito for the Vibe. Vibe’s ride quality to be as plush as the Verito sedan and the handling to remain acceptable. The fuel efficiency is 21kmpl for the Verito diesel.

Verito 'Vibe',well suited for Indian roads conditions, priced between Rs.5.69 lakh and Rs.6.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) will be available in seven colours including newly developed aqua Rush. Shah of M&M announced that it is looking forward to bring in an electric powered version of the passenger car.
"This a part of our strategy in which we introduce new models for new segments on already proven platform at an attractive price points," Pravin Shah, chief executive, automotive division, Mahindra and Mahindra, said at the launch in Delhi.

Further  Shah added, the company is already present in the super compact segment which has an off-take of 2.30 lakh vehicle per annum with Verito sedan,  now has  an opportunity to tap the eight lakh per annum compact sedan segment.
"We now have an opportunity to cater to one million passenger carmarket (super compact and compact). This will bring in more options to first-time buyers and customers who wish to upgrade from a hatchback to compact sedan," Shah said.
President lays the foundation stone of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi University
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi University today (June 6, 2013) at Bhopal.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that language has an important role between the Government and people. Success of social welfare and development programme depends on language. Therefore, we should encourage Hindi and other regional languages. Hindi has always played an important role in the national integration. It is symbol of India’s social and cultural unity.

The President stated that education has an important role to play in the development of the society and the nation. The recent rise in crimes against women and children is a cause for deep concern. It not only calls for effective measures for their safety and security, but also requires us to urgently introspect and find ways to arrest the erosion of values in our society. He called on universities to take the lead in starting a sustained programme for meeting the contemporary moral challenges and ensuring that our civilizational values of love for motherland; performance of duty; compassion for all; tolerance for pluralism; respect for women and elderly; truth and honesty in life; discipline and self-restraint in conduct, and responsibility in action are inculcated fully in the young minds.

The President said that decade of 2010-20 has been declared as the decade of innovation. He said that recently, he had opened Innovation Clubs in two Central Universities in Uttar Pradesh and Assam and attended innovation exhibitions organized in these universities. He called upon the University to take the initiative to build a strong innovation culture.

A newsletter ‘Atal Samvad’ was released on the occasion and its first copy was presented to the President. 
India Offers Thailand Collaboration in Defence Production
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today offered to discuss with Thailand possible areas of cooperation and collaboration in Defence production. During talks with his Thai counterpart Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat in Bangkok, Shri Antony said India has, over the years, developed a well established defence industry which can meet varying requirements of the Thai Armed Forces. He said India would welcome the visit of Thai teams to various Defence production facilities. Shri Antony said conscious planning, hard work by our scientists and support by the government is resulting in the growth of a strong defence industrial base in the country.

The talks between the two ministers covered a wide range of issues including regional security concerns. Shri Antony said both our countries have large stakes in the maintenance of peace and stability in our immediate neighbourhood and in the wider Asia Pacific region. He said our trade is dependent on the sea lanes. Hence, security of the sea lanes and freedom of navigation is critical to our economic and overall security. India supports the freedom of navigation in accordance with the principles of international law.

Shri Antony said our view is that peace and stability is in the interest of all countries in the region. “We support the resolution of differences and disputes through the process of dialogue and consensus between the parties to such disputes. All countries must exercise restraint and resolve issues diplomatically, according to the principles of international law”.

Shri Antony said New Delhi has been of the consistent view that ASEAN is central to any security architecture for the region. “India is committed to efforts of ADMM Plus, ARF and the East Asia Summit for promoting dialogue and consensus building among all countries of the region”, he said.

Earlier on his arrival at the Thai Ministry of Defence, Shri Antony was accorded an Inter-Services Guard of Honour. The Thai Defence Minister also hosted a lunch in honour of Shri Antony and his delegation.

Anand Sharma Meets Aung San Suu Kyi on Sidelines of Wef on East Asia 2013 
Discusses Energy Cooperation with Myanmar Energy Minister 
The Union Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma today met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Myanmar at Nay Pyi Taw. Shri Sharma conveyed to Ms. Suu Kyi that India stands ready to extend all necessary assistance to the people of Myanmar in their developmental efforts. “Myanmar is a vitally important neighbour for us. The relations between our two countries have broadened and deepened in the past two years,” said Shri Sharma to Ms. Suu Kyi. Both the leaders exchanged views on the issues of mutual interests. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed keen interest in building linkages with the textiles sector of India. Stressing the preference of the people of Myanmar for natural fiber, Ms. Suu Kyi said that the handloom sector of India has immense potential for Myanmar. Pointing to the conducive ecology, Ms. Suu Kyi sought India’s help in developing a full value chain for silk production in Myanmar. Shri Sharma conveyed the greetings from Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Ms. Sonia Gandhi to the Myanmarese leader. 
Later in the day, Shri Sharma met Mr. U Than Htay, Minister of Energy, Myanmar. In his meeting with the Myanmarese Minister, Shri Sharma conveyed the interest of Indian banks in setting up their branches in Myanmar. “India will also be happy to assist in strengthening the banking system in Myanmar as we inherit common banking laws,” said Shri Sharma. The two Ministers set a bilateral trade target of USD 3 billion by 2015. 
Shri Sharma also conveyed India’s interest in deepening cooperation in procuring energy, oil and natural gas from Myanmar. “Our companies are interested in securing more exploratory oil and gas blocks both onshore and offshore,” said Shri Sharma to Mr. Htay. The issue of the revival of the discussions on the gas pipeline connection between India and Myanmar through Bangladesh was also discussed. Shri Sharma said that India stands ready to continue to assist Myanmar in the development of its infrastructural projects. “We are encouraged by the progress that has been made on implementation of several of the decisions taken during the State visit of President of Myanmar in October 2011 and that of our Prime Minister in May 2012,” said Shri Sharma. He also expressed happiness over the progress made in the Inland Waterway component of the Kaladan project. 
The need to improve air, road and water connectivity between India and Myanmar also came up for discussion between the two Ministers. “A Joint Working Groups (JWG) to determine the technical and commercial feasibility of cross-border rail links and the commercial feasibility of direct shipping links between the two countries are working with the sole aim to boosting the trade ties between the two countries,” said Shri Sharma. While in 2011, the total trade between the two countries stood at USD 1.708 billion, it was USD 1.872 billion in 2012. India is the fourth largest trading partner of Myanmar after Thailand, Singapore and China


 

India Committed to be a Steadfast Partner of Myanmar: Anand Sharma

7062013
 
The Union Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma today asserted that with democracy tightening its grip in Myanmar, which has provided a right enabling environment to inspire investors’ confidence, India remains committed “to be a steadfast partner of Myanmar as it charters its path to growth and progress.” Speaking during a session entitled “The Long-Term View” at the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2013 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar today, Shri Sharma highlighted that India’s engagement with Myanmar is premised on a strong development partnership and that India would like to align its cooperation with the economic priorities of Myanmar. 
With India concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with ASEAN, Shri Sharma stressed that this over-arching framework will act as a catalyst to boost trade and investment ties with countries of the region including Myanmar. “India is working closely with Myanmar and Thailand to develop the tri-lateral highway as we call it… we are half-way there and am sure that by 2015-2016, this should be fully operational,” announced Shri Sharma. 
Shri Sharma also spoke on the importance of investment in human resource, by adding that India has always believed that it will reap dividends in the long run. “We have already established Centre of Excellence in IT sector in Yangon. We are going to establish now Information Technology institute like a university in Mandalay. In addition to that we have also established an Industrial Training Centre in Pakokku to develop skilled labour for Myanmar industry,” said Shri Sharma. During the visit of Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2012, India announced doubling the number of training slot to Myanmar from 250 to 500. 
Shri Sharma also added that India would also like to share her experiences with Myanmar in the enhancement of agricultural productivity and agricultural extension. “With this end in view, we are establishing an Advance Centre for Agricultural Research and Education at Yezin and a Rice Bio Park is also being established in Myanmar through grant assistance by India,” said Shri Sharma. 
Speaking during the session, Shri Sharma also highlighted the importance of developing high-quality infrastructure. Putting stress on the fact that sound infrastructure will help in the creation of a robust economic linkage between India, Myanmar and beyond, Shri Sharma said that “India is developing Kaladan Multimodal Transit-Transport Project which will connect Mizoram to Sittwe port in Myanmar.”

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