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“The Government of India aims to provide 24x7 electricity to all households in the country and affordable access to electricity in the next 5 years.

Renewable energy technologies provide probably the most sustainable and economic options for energy access. We aim at accelerating the overall deployment of renewable energy in India to achieve around 55 Giga Watt of renewable power by the year 2017.”

PM’s inaugural address at the International Seminar on Energy Access on 9th October, 2012; Press Information Bureau, Government of India

From 7th November to 9th November 2012, the 6th Renewable Energy India 2012 Expo is being held.

6th Renewable Energy India 2012 Expo

A Billion People In The Dark - Kevin Bullis.

How Solar-Based Microgrids Could Bring Power to Millions | MIT Technology Review Millions of the world's poorest lack power. Microgrids could be a clean-energy solution.

Nagpur, an industrial hub of West India, has adopted a “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency” policy. It has targets of 20% reduction of conventional energy consumed by municipal buildings and services to below 2005 levels by 2012; 3% reduction in overall city conventional energy consumption by 2012; and 10% of primary energy consumption to be met by renewable energy sources.

Solar water heating systems in commercial/domestic activities have been promoted and it has been mandated that all new residential buildings with greater than 1500m2 floor area must install solar water heaters. A 10% property tax rebate is offered to gain compliance. Renewable energy sources have been promoted for all city applications such as its parks, campus lighting, street lights, garden lights, advertisement hoardings and traffic signals. Waste-to-energy projects have been promoted through this policy.

Under the Nagpur Solar City Programme funded by the Government of India, energy efficient green buildings are being promoted on a large scale in the city. The Unique Waste Plastic Management and Research Company Pvt. Ltd. in Nagpur manages a waste to- energy demonstration plant that converts plastic waste into diesel fuel equivalent. A special economic zone has been established by the government for industrial development where manufacturers of renewable energy equipment and components have been encouraged to establish plants.

The Renewable Energy Resource Centre established in 2006 conducts awareness generation activities. Different methods have been used for awareness campaigns such as using a mobile van, establishing more than 20 school energy clubs, and providing training for students and teachers. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has actively hosted events to promote renewable energy in the city, and for gathering leanings from success stories.
Nagpur is the first “solar city” in India and is planning to become the future host of the world’s largest renewable energy park.

Source: IEA, 2009