British Astronomical Association recommends dimming or switching off lights when not required

For last 20 years BAA has been campaigning for dark skies so that children can see the stars.

The CfDS (Campaign for Dark Skies) says that inefficient lighting results in wastage of GBP 1 Billion

And very few people can enjoy the natural beauty.

CfDS says that light should be available where it is needed and wanted. Doing so is easy and cost effective and with significant health and safety benefits.

It also provide a list of regions where policy of light off and light dimming has been practiced. Check out http://www.britastro.org/dark-skies/lightsoffresponse.html?6O

NDPL to tap solar energy in Rajasthan for use in city

As per article on Times Of India of 16^th Sept. 2009

Green power is the latest mantra of electricity distribution utilities. After the 'roof-top' proposal in which consumers are encouraged to install solar panels on their terrace to tap solar energy, discom NDPL will soon set up a 50-100 MW solar power project in Rajasthan that will cater to its consumer base in the national capital.

NDPL CEO Sunil Wadhwa said three or four locations in the desert state had been identified to set up the plant.

Power officials said that regulations were currently being framed for the project and details like tariff/transmission costs were yet to be decided. "The power tariff is lower in Rajasthan, and hence it will not cost much to transmit this power to Delhi.

For complete article click here:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/delhi/NDPL-to-tap-solar-energy-in-Rajasthan-for-use-in-city/articleshow/5015798.cms

 

Solar power subsidy enthusing investors

As per article on 14^th Sept. 2009

Under its national solar mission, the government has initiated solar power projects up to a maximum capacity of 50 MW supported by financial incentives of a maximum of Rs 12 per kWh for photo voltaic and Rs 10 per kWh for solar thermal power projects for a period of 10 years for achieving 10 per cent of the country’s total electricity requirement by adding 20,000 MW of solar power by 2020.

Karnataka is blessed with active wind and hydro potential. We should exploit these to the maximum,” he said and added, while its wind potential was 7500 MW, the state was tapping 987 MW only. The total energy harnessed from renewable energy sources was 1787 MW, while the total potential was 11,150 MW.

 For complete article click here:

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/solar-power-subsidy-enthusing-investors/370075/

10,000 villages to get solar power

As per news article of 8th Sept. 2009

The central government will convert 10,000 villages which do not have electricity into solar-powered settlements 2012, Union minister Farooq Abdullah has said.

Lauding the initiative by Solkar and Exnora, Abdullah said: "India is deficient on power. We should make this into a movement to make sure that every powerless household will have a solar lamp."

For complete article click here:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/chennai/10000-villages-to-get-solar-power/articleshow/4984075.cms

Arizona gets $9.6 million to help energy efficiency in small towns

As per news article of 14th Sept. 2009

Arizona received $9.6 million Monday that will be funneled to small cities and towns across the state to further their goals for energy efficiency.

The latest round of disbursements will be handled through the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office and will target towns of 35,000 people or less, said David Drennon, spokesman for the department.

DOE officials said the grants were given to cities that are not eligible to receive direct EECBG funds from the American Recover and Reinvestment Act.

The state has begun to receive its share of stimulus money dedicated to energy efficiency, including about half of the $57 million due it for weatherization.


For complete article click here:

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/09/14/daily8.html

Energy conservation in tea manufacturing stressed at Upasi

As per news article of 14th Sept. 2009

With the tea industry's fortune reviving once again, the Kolkata-based Tea. Board has initiated methods to reduce manufacturing cost and thereby increase productivity to ensure that key segments of the business like processing remain profitable even in a down-turn.

"The tea prices have increased, but productivity is down and with the social cost increasing, we need to look at ways to minimize manufacturing cost," Nilgiris’s Kaikatty Tea Factory MD, K Swaminathan told ET.

"It will reduce our firewood consumption by 20 truck loads, which amounts to 2 lakh kgs per year," Mr Swaminathan said.


For complete article click here:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Commodities/Energy-conservation-in-tea-manufacturing-stressed-at-Upasi/articleshow/5010079.cms

Punjab government asks to create energy conservation cells in all departments

As per news article on Punjab News of 14th Sept. 2009

Chief Secretary, Punjab, S.C. Agrawal has issued instructions to all the Financial Commissioners, and Head of the Departments to create Energy Conservation Cells in their Departments and Corporations/Board/Institutions under their control with the existing staff structure.

S.C. Agrawal, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Punjab, asked PEDA to propagate the message of energy conservation among the general public and to various sectors of the economy

For complete article click here:

http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/18740/38/