Introduction

(R&D Division)

Solicitation of RD&D projects in the ‘Thrust Areas’ mentioned in the Report of the ‘Sub-Group on Research, Design and Development in Renewable Energy’ for the preparation of the 11^th Five Year Plan. 

*      ‘Research, Design and Development Thrust Areas’ included in the draft report of the Sub-Group on ‘Research, Design & Development in Renewable Energy’ for the preparation of the 11^th Five Year Plan are given in Annexure-I. 

*      RD&D Policy Order on Guidelines for taking up R&D activities in the area of renewable energy is given in Annexure-II. 

*      Prescribed Formats for the RD&D projects submission, execution and monitoring are given  in Annexure-III. 

*      Area-wise technology development groups are given in Annexure-IV.

*      Salient features of R&D project development, appraisal system and available financial support for public-private-academia partnership R&D projects is given in Annexure-V.

Interested experts working in various industries and institutions are invited to generate proposals in the said RD&D Thrust Areas and sent to the concerned Technology Development Groups of MNRE (Annexure-IV) for consideration.

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Annexure-I

RD&D Objective and Thrust Areas in Renewable Energy during the 11^th Plan

1. The main objective of RD&D during the 11^th plan and beyond is to reduce the cost, improve the performance efficiency, reliability and life of the systems for energy independence of the country through clean and sustainable renewable energy technologies. 

2. With a view to accelerate RD&D efforts in renewable energy, the Ministry has identified Solar energy, Wind energy, Bio-fuels and  Hydrogen/ Fuel Cell technologies, where time bound focused RD&D efforts are required to meet the short term, as well as long term research goals.

3. There is a need to boost public-private partnership in the area of RD&D in renewable energy in the 11^th Plan. Industries need to significantly enhance investment in R&D in the renewable energy sector to make their products more reliable and cost competitive. The Ministry will encourage and provide support to private and public sector to invest in and undertake R&D in renewable energy technologies in accordance with the guidelines given in Annexure-II. For the purpose, involvement of recognized R&D units in private sector is also proposed to be encouraged. Apart from supporting RD&D involving industry, the Ministry will also facilitate patent search, patenting and technology transfer in accordance with the guidelines and formats given in Annexure-II and Annexure-III.

4. The industry is expected to play an important role in absorption of research. It, is therefore, for a meaningful RD&D facilitating manufacture and large scale deployment of renewable energy, it is necessary to get regular feed-back from the industry to identify the specific areas of research/ technology up gradation where industry needs immediate help in improving the product design, quality, reliability and bring about the desired cost reductions.

5. Together with the setting up of manufacturing units in the country, it is important to ensure that the industry is able to make products as per the latest national and international standards and specifications. The industries need to seek product qualification testing from independent national/ international agencies. This will require setting up of the world class R&D and testing and quality assurance facilities by the industries as well as in public domain. The Ministry proposes to facilitate the same.

6. The RD&D institutions have to work in tandem with industries. For the purpose, it is desirable that in most of the projects industries are actively involved from the very beginning. However, in the RD&D projects of basic nature initial involvement of industry may not be necessary.

7. The RD&D efforts in various renewable energy technologies have been identified to achieve the short term goals of the 11^th plan as well as the long term goals to develop new technology concept and are given in Appendix-I.

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Appendix-I

 RD&D Thrust areas & Major activities for 11^th Plan

 1.         Bio-energy

It is proposed to take up focused RD&D projects in the area of bio-energy resource identification and biomass conversion to energy through combustion, pyrolysation, atmospheric and high pressure gasification, plasma and bio-methanation.

(i) Bio-energy Resource

  Resource Atlas for Bio-energy covering crop residues, forest residues, MSW, industrial wastes etc.

(ii) Biomass Conversion  

a)            Development of MW-scale fluidized bed biomass gasifiers, hot gas clean up system and optimum integration of the system following the principles of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC).

b)            Development of poly-generation facilities for the production of liquid fuels, variety of chemicals and hydrogen in addition to power production through IGCC route and establishing the concept of a Bio-refinery.

c)            Raising efficiency of atmospheric gasification to 25-30% along with cooling systems, complete tar decomposition and safe disposal of wastes in commercial production.

d)            Raising system efficiency of small (upto 1 MW) combustion and turbine technologies to 20% plus.

e)            Design and Development of high rate anaerobic co-digestion systems for biogas/ synthetic gas production.

f)              Development of gasifier systems based on charcoal / pyrolysed biomass.

g)            Design and development of systems for their coupling with Stirling engine and turbines.

h)            Development of efficient kilns/ systems for charcoal production/ pyrolysation of biomass

i)              Laying down standards for various bio-energy components, products and systems.

(iii) Bio-energy Utilization  

a)            Design and development of engines, Stirling engine and micro-turbine for biogas/ producer gas/ bio-syngas.

b)            Design and development of direct gas fired absorptive chillers, driers, stoves, etc., and improvement in biomass furnaces, boilers etc.

c)            Improved design and development of processes/ de-watering device for drying of digested slurry.

d)            Improving/ upgrading biogas and syngas quality.

e)            Improved design and development of Pelletisation/ Briquetting technology for RDF.

f)              Development of driers for MSW and industrial wastes.

g)            Design and development of equipment for waste segregation.

2.         Bio-Fuels

a)           Develop technology for production of ethanol from sweet sorghum and sugar beet.

b)           Developed technology for  production of ethanol from ligno-cellulosic materials such as rice straw and other agricultural and forestry residues.  

c)            Study petrol engine performance using more than 10% blend of ethanol with petrol and undertaking engine modifications  including emission studies with different levels of ethanol blend with petrol.  

d)           Study physico-chemical properties of all potential non-edible oils for production of bio-diesel for application in transport, stationary and other applications.

e)           Developing  efficient chemical/catalyst conversion processes.

f)              Development of bio-catalyst and   heterogeneous catalyst for production of bio-diesel.

g)           Alternate use of bio products.

h)            Data generation and production of bio-diesel from all possible feed-stocks.

i)              Response of  different available additives and their dosages on the bio-diesel.

j)              Effect of bio-diesel on  corrosion.

k)            Stability of bio-diesel.

l)              Engine performance and emissions based on different feed-stock based bio-diesels.

m)         Toxicological  studies and test to check adulteration.

n)            Engine  modifications  for using more than 20%  bio-diesel as blend with diesel.

o)           Design and development bio-liquid fuel engines for stationery, portable and transport applications.

p)           Development of second-generation bio-liquid fuels and related applications.

q)           Response of different available additives and their dosages on the bio-diesel.

3.   Solar Photovoltaic Energy

In order to make solar cells and modules cost effective the global R&D efforts are directed to reduce the consumption of silicon and other materials and improve the efficiency of solar cells / modules to achieve significant cost reduction. Further, R&D is also undertaken on non-silicon based solar cell modules and other aspects of PV systems.  The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources has been supporting R&D and technology development in solar photovoltaic technology for more than three decades. During the 11^th Plan period it is envisaged that the cost of solar photovoltaic modules can be brought down to about Rs. 120 per Wp.  In order to achieve this goal the key areas of R&D and technology development have been identified. Research, design and development efforts during the 11^th plan are proposed to be focused on development of (i) poly silicon and other materials, (ii) efficient silicon solar cells, (iii) thin films materials and solar cell modules, (iv) concentrating PV systems, and (v) PV system design, with the objective of significantly reducing the ratio of capital cost to conversion efficiency. The following are the thrust areas for R&D support in solar photovoltaic technology:

Poly Silicon Material 

i.                     To undertake R&D to make poly silicon material using alternative methods (non-TCS) to achieve direct electricity consumption of 125 kWh/kg or lower. The process will be scaled up to pilot plant production, based on process reactor, which can demonstrate a capacity up to 100 TPA. The quality of poly silicon material produced at the pilot plant will be suitable to make high efficiency (>15%) silicon solar cells and the combined trace impurities of heavy metals, carbon and boron will be limited to ppb. 

ii.                   To design, develop and demonstrate at pilot plant scale (about 100 TPA) poly silicon deposition reactors, based on traditional poly silicon deposition methods, to reduce the energy consumption to less than 125 kWh/kg of poly silicon material produced, with the combined trace impurities of heavy metals, carbon and boron limited to ppb level. 

1.      To reduce the direct consumption of silicon wafer (3 gm per Wp) in commercial production by reducing the wafer thickness and increasing the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cell to average 18% and more. 

2.      To develop and produce multi crystalline silicon ingots / wafers and produce solar cells with conversion efficiency of 17% and more in commercial production.

3.      To undertake R&D on alternative device structures to make crystalline silicon solar cells to demonstrate very high efficiency (22-24% on small size laboratory devices)

4.      Improving the effective PV module life to 25 years and more, with total degradation within 10% of the initial rating under STC.

5.      Design and development of low cost, low weight, non-glass type PV modules with effective module life of 10 years of more, with total degradation within 10% of the initial rating under STC.

6.      Study and evaluate new materials for use in PV modules.

7.      To develop low resistance metal contact deposition materials and processes. 

Thin film solar cell modules have potential to reduce the cost of solar modules due to consumption of less material and energy in the fabrication processes.  Amorphous silicon thin film solar cells were the first to be developed. In the recent years pilot plants and a few commercial plants based on other thin film solar cell modules  (CdTe, CIGS, silicon) have been set up. It is proposed to take up R&D and pilot plant demonstration of thin film based modules in the country during the 11^th plan, with the following objectives. 

1.      To undertake R&D on different processes and device structures to make laboratory scale small area (2cm x 2cm) devices of efficiency >10% using CdTe, CIGS and silicon thin films. 

2.      Development of poly crystalline thin film integrated modules (1 sq ft or more) at pilot plant scale using different materials (CdTe, CIGS, silicon films) to achieve efficiency of >8% and life of integrated module > 15 years) 

In the recent years worldwide R&D efforts are being made to study new materials, which are easy to deposit and consume significantly less energy. Thin film modules based on organic materials, dye sensitized and doped with nano materials have potential to produce solar cells. However, these device structures are in the early stages of development. It is proposed to established R&D centers in the country to study these concepts and pursue research in these emerging PV devices. 

1.      To study and characterize new materials to determine their suitability for fabrication of solar cells. 

2.      Design and development of new thin film device structures based on dye sensitized (liquid and solid state) organic, carbon nano tubes, quantum dots etc. materials. The laboratory scale efficiency of 5 – 10% to be achieved. 

Apart from the improvements in the performance of flat plate PV modules, it is possible to reduce the material consumption and lower the cost through use of concentrating PV systems. In order to gain experience on performance of the concentrating system and develop systems suitable for use in India, the following activities are proposed during the 11^th plan. 

1.      Design and development of concentrator solar cells (concentration ratio of 200 sun and more) and modules (efficiency ~ 25 – 30%) and testing of concentrating PV system in Indian conditions.

2.      Development of two axis tracking system suitable for high concentration PV system.

3.      Design and development of heat-sink for mounting of solar cells under high concentration

4.      Design and development of optical systems to achieve concentration ratio of 200 suns and more, with minimum optical aberration.

5.      Development of silicon and GaAs based solar cells suitable for use under high concentration (200 sun or more) 

At present stand-alone systems use lead acid batteries. However, with low power consuming LED based systems use of NiMH batteries is also coming up. One of the major constraints in battery storage system is the limited life of storage batteries. There is an urgent need to enhance the battery cycle life to get at least 1o years of operating life. Further, it is also necessary to develop non-lead acid batteries. In addition, alternative methods of storage, especially to store large quantity of power for a few hours would substantially improve the viability of grid interactive PV systems. Therefore, the following tasks have been identified for the 11^th Plan. 

1.      Development of long life (5000 cycles or more) storage batteries suitable for use in PV systems /applications. 

2.      Development and testing of new storage systems up to MW scale. It should be possible to store electricity for about 8-10 hours, with storage losses limited to about 10%. 

1.      Design and development of high efficiency (>50%) motor pump set of output power of 2 hp, 3 hp and 5 hp to lift water from depth of about 30 – 60 metres.

2.      Design and development of small capacity inverter cum charge controller, with efficiency of 90% or more, suitable for use in solar lighting systems including LED based lighting systems.

3.      Design and development of LED based PV systems for indoor and outdoor lighting applications

4.      Design, development and field-testing of inverters and grid synchronizing system components (peak efficiency >96% and part load @ 30% efficiency >88%,) used in residential grid interactive roof top PV systems.

5.      Field-testing and performance evaluation of grid interactive rooftop residential PV systems.

6.      Design, development and testing of inverters and grid synchronizing system components (peak efficiency >96% and part load @ 30% efficiency >88%) for large size (> 500 kWp capacity) grid connected PV systems.

7.      Field-testing and performance evaluation of grid interactive large size PV power plant. 

1.      Upgrading the testing and characterization facilities for PV materials, devices, components, modules and systems

2.      Setting up of testing facilities for concentrating PV systems

3.      Study and evaluate new material, device structures and module designs etc. 

4.         Solar Thermal Energy  

Activities on research, design and development in the area of solar thermal energy have been proposed with a view to lead deployment and commercialization of technologies for power generation, industrial process heat systems, and solar cooling.  It is also envisaged to continue efforts to develop technologies for improvements in the performance of various low temperature applications with an aim to achieve reduced cost for the energy delivery.  In order to provide a focus to achieve objectives, it is proposed to solicit project proposals in the following areas:  

(A)       Solar thermal power generation 

Electricity generation through solar thermal route involving technology of parabolic trough collectors, dish engine systems and central receiver systems has been demonstrated successfully in different parts of the world.  India being one of the countries blessed with substantial amount of direct solar radiation, electricity generation through solar thermal route is viewed as one of the important applications.  Besides R&DD projects aiming to pursue activities related to development of various aspects of the technology, it is proposed to undertake R&D projects in the following areas: 

i)                  Parabolic Trough technology

§        Design, development and installation of a solar thermal power plant of 1 MW capacity with a provision to feed the electricity to the grid.  Adequate provision of thermal storage to enhance solar capacity factor during periods of intermittency of solar radiation will be built in the project configuration.  The target value for levelized electricity cost is Rs.12.0/kWh. 

§        Design and development of parabolic trough collectors for operating temperature range of about 400 C with performance characteristics comparable to internationally available technology.  The target cost for industrial production of such solar collector assemblies is less than Rs. 15,000 per square meter of collector area. 

ii)                   Central Receiver Technology

§        Design, development and installation of 1 - 2 MW capacity solar thermal power plant with molten salt as the heat transfer and storage medium.

§        Design and development of heliostats, tracking mechanism, tower structure, receiver and storage medium, etc. 

iii)                  Dish/ Engine Technology

§        Design and development of large area solar dish with Stirling and other engines to produce power in kW-range. 

§        Design and development of dish / engine solar thermal power plants for distributed generation in the capacity range of 100 kW and above.  The target for levelized cost of electricity generation is less than Rs.15/kWh. 

§        Design and development of Stirling engines, having capacity in the kW-range (suitable for family, community and distributed power generation).  

General:       

§        Quality of mirrors (for use as reflectors), solar receivers (to capture solar radiation), and other components of the plant will be designed to have life span of 20 years or more.  

(B)       Solar Heat (upto 250^oC) for Industrial Processes 

            A large amount of liquid fossil fuels as well as electricity is being used in industry to meet heat requirements for various process applications. As per estimates, the aggregate requirements of fossil oils in industries for producing heat in a temperature range of above 150^oC makes a significant part of the total oil consumption in the country.  Use of solar thermal energy is a potential application in this sector.  It is proposed to undertake R&DD projects in the following areas:

§         Design and development of parabolic trough collectors for industrial process heat applications with optical efficiency of greater than 70% and heat loss co-efficient lower than 1.0 W/m²K.  

§         Development of advanced solar flat plate collectors with optical efficiency greater than 75% and overall heat loss coefficient lower than 3.0 W/m²K (or lower).  

(C)       Low Temperature Applications  

            Various low temperature applications of solar thermal energy, like, solar hot water systems, sole cookers, solar air-heating systems and solar dryers are already being deployed in the field.  Solar architecture is also being practiced in the country.  RD &D activities are envisaged to improve efficiency of these technologies and to reduce cost.  In addition to this, the following RD&D projects are proposed:    

i)                  Solar Distillation/ Water Purification Systems

§        Design and development of a solar distillation unit of 1000 LPD capacity having daily yield greater than 4 litre per sq. m. of solar collector to provide drinking water with brackish or saline water as the feed.   

ii)                  Solar cooling

§        Design and development of a solar air conditioning system for residential applications.  The target cooling capacity is 5-10 kW with a COP of 0.6 or higher. 

§        Design and development of a double effect absorption chiller driven by high efficiency concentrating solar collectors for institutional applications.  The capacity of these systems could be 15 kW and higher. The target COP is 1.2 or higher.   

iii)                  Solar Detoxification of Wastes

§        Design and development of appropriate catalysts and processes for solar detoxification of industrial wastes for reducing the costs and obtain acceptable quality of regenerated water for re-use and safe disposal of left-over residues. 

iv)                  Solar thermal materials/ devices 

§        Development of advanced glazings for windows for industrial production in the country.

§        Development of advanced selective coatings suitable for applications in the temperature range of 300 – 600 deg C.

§        Development of polymer based low cost materials for various solar thermal applications.

5.         Wind Energy  

a)            Indigenous design, development and manufacturing capability for MW-scale Wind Electric generators (WEGs)

b)            Design, development  and manufacture of small WEGs upto 10 kW capacity, that can start generating power at very low cut in speeds ( ~ 2 to 2.5 m/sec).

c)            Design, development  and manufacture of submersible direct drive wind pumps in different capacity ranges ( up to 10 HP) for low wind regimes.

d)            RD&D on  carbon fiber and other new generation composites etc.

e)            RD&D on high efficiency  electronics for protecting, controlling, optimizing performance, power management & conversion and establishing connectivity with the grid to export or import power.

6.  Small Hydropower Development 

It is proposed to launch a coordinated research and development programme led by industry and in conjunction with universities and research institutions addressing the following areas:  

6.1       E&M Works            

a)      Adaptation of high pole permanent magnet excitation generators to small hydro.

b)      Development of low speed generators (direct-drive low-speed generators for low heads).

c)      Development of submersible turbo-generators.

d)      Development of high efficiency turbines in kW range.

e)      Flexible small hydro turbines for low head (<5 m).

f)        Development of screening systems for downstream and upstream migrating aquatic life.

g)      Development of standardized control and monitoring systems.

h)      RD&D for development of technology packages for Mini/ Micro hydro systems fitted with suitable electronics and optional maintenance-free-rechargeable batteries for their use for lighting and other small power applications in capacity range of 200W to 5 kW for highly decentralized and dispersed applications.  

6.2       Civil Works           

a)      Development of software that allow a fast and efficient civil work design.

b)      Development of standardized/ systemized hydraulic structures.

c)      Development of efficient desilters with high head intakes, of self-cleaning water intakes, and of trash racks.

d)      Guide on the design of power houses. 

6.3       Others  

a)      Development of good-practice design guidelines for developers and engineers.

b)      Development of standards and control procedures dedicated to small hydro.

c)      Guidelines for improved methods for in-stream flow and hydrological assessment methods and improved sedimentation management.

d)      Standards for small/ mini/ micro hydro power projects and systems.   

7.            Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cells

A broad based research and development programme covering different aspects of hydrogen energy, including its production, storage, transportation, delivery, applications and safety aspects needs to undertaken through industry in conjunction with national laboratories, universities, IITs, NITs and other research organizations.  The focus of RD&D efforts in this area will  be directed towards development of new materials, processes, components, sub-systems and systems.

7.1       It is proposed to set up a Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Facility in the premises of Solar Energy Centre of the Ministry. This facility will undertake and co-ordinate RD&D on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies with other R&D groups and industry

7.2          Hydrogen Production/ Supply

a)     Tapping by-product/ spare hydrogen.

b)    Design and Development of skid-mounted small scale steam methane reformers (SMR) for distributed generation of hydrogen.

c)     Design and Development of high efficiency water electrolysers, including solid polymer electrolyte water electrolyser (SPEWE), for distributed hydrogen production.

d)    Purification, pressurization and storage.

e)     Design & Development of small reformers for on-site and on-board reformation.

f)      Pilot scale generation of hydrogen by biological processes.

g)    Pilot scale demonstration of hydrogen production from carbohydrate bioorganic waste by different processes.

h)    Pilot plant for low temperature water splitting by biological route.

i)      Pilot plant for production of hydrogen and synthetic fluid fuel by adopting IGCC technology for Indian coal as well as biomass.

j)      RD&D on high temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE).

k)     Design and development of 1 Nm³/hr HTSE and 5 Nm³/hr indigenously developed SPEWE.

l)      Design and development of solar based water splitting processes.

7.3          Hydrogen Storage

a)      Development of inter-metallic hydrides with storage efficiency: 5 wt% & cycle life of 1,000 Cycles.

b)      Development of high pressure (~500 bar) gaseous cylinder.

c)      Development of Nano-materials, including carbon nano-tubes/ nano- fibres.

d)      Development of alanates, including Na and Mg alanates.

e)      Exploration of unusual storage modes like depleted mines.

7.4          Hydrogen Delivery

a)      Decentralized distribution through high pressure (>200 bar)  gaseous cylinders employing trucks.

b)      Decentralized distribution through hydrides canisters.

c)      Decentralized distribution through high pressure (500 bar)  gaseous cylinders employing trucks.

d)      Pipeline network.

e)      Decentralized distribution through hydrides canisters.

7.5            Hydrogen Application in Transport,  Power Generation & Other Applications  

a)      Design & Development of hydrogen IC engines and components for transport, portable and stationery applications. 

(i)  Design and development of PEMFC and AFC.

(ii) PEMFC:  

a)      Low-cost ‘proton exchange’ membranes as a substitute to costly imported membrane.

b)     Low-cost bipolar plates (graphite based, high conductivity, impervious) preferably with flow grooves incorporated during molding itself.

c)      Higher CO tolerant anode catalyst.

d)     Cheaper cathode catalyst.

e)      Electrode support substrate (graphite paper).

(iii) AFC: 

a)      Compact, low-power electrolyte re-circulating system.

b)     Low cost CO₂ scrubber & alkali-water heat exchanger.

c)      Low-cost catalysts (Ni-Co spinel, MnO₂/ C).

d)     Low-cost, resin based mono-polar plates/ cell enclosures.

e)      Regenerative CO₂ scrubbing system.

(iv)   Optimize design of various components (bipolar plates, MEAs etc for PEMFC and electrode frames, seals, CO₂ scrubbing/ electrolyte re-circulating systems for AFC).

(v)     Assemble and test the stacks.

(vi)    Integrate the AFC and PEMFC stacks with other subsystems.

(vii)       Design & development micro power rating/ size Fuel Cells (like pencil cells/ batteries) for small/ micro power applications for laptops, mobile phones and other small power requiring gadgets/ systems.

(i)     Design and development of SOFC stacks (5 kW) and of MCFC stacks (10 kW) :

a)      Decide which SOFC technology is to be pursued (Planar or Tubular);

b)     Develop and optimize component and stack design for SOFC and MCFC. Identify fuel to be  used.

(ii)    Design and development of SOFC stacks and of MCFC stacks:

a)      Develop various components (electrodes, electrolyte, seals) including identifying the materials to be used & processing techniques to be adopted. Design inter-connects (between adjacent cells) and overall current collectors.

b)      Design mechanical systems (clamping / stacking arrangements, flow field design etc.) Finalize stack assembly & testing procedures. Integrate the complete system and test.

c)      Design C&I and inverter systems and incorporate safety systems.

d)      Design skid mounted sub-assemblies/ systems for ease of transportation to site.

e)      Install, Commission & test the integrated system.

8.             Battery Operated and Hybrid Vehicles  

a)      Development of high power, energy density batteries for BOVs and HEVs.

b)      Design and development of ultra capacitors.

c)      Design and development of control systems, power electronics and electric drive systems.

d)      Design and development of chassis.

e)      Development of BOVs with long operating range

f)        Development of HEVs, based on IC engine and storage  batteries to significantly reduce the emissions and improve the performance range of the vehicles 

g)      Development of HEVs, based on IC engine and fuel cells  to significantly reduce the emissions and improve the performance range of the vehicles 

9.             Geothermal Energy 

In India, 340 hot spring sites have been identified with a maximum temperature recorded at the surface being 92⁰C.    A 5 kW binary cycle power plant which was set up at Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh was damaged on account of a land slide.  Magnetotelluric studies are being conducted through a National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad to assess the potential at Puga Valley in Jammu & Kashmir. 

During the 11^th Plan resource assessment for estimating potential of geothermal for power generation will be continued using magnotelluric techniques.  Chemical analysis of hot springs where power generation is feasible will also be carried out.  Power plants utilizing low grade steam and water need to be developed indigenously.  Drilling at a few selected sites will also be carried out for power generation.  Hot waters could be used for space heating, industrial, poultry, green houses and other applications. 

10.       Tidal Energy 

RD&D for the design, development and testing of 3.65 MW tidal power project at Durgaduani Greek in Sunderbans in West Bengal is proposed. In addition, other potential sites will be identified. 

11.       RD&D in Hybrid Renewable Energy Technologies  

The nature of the renewable energy sources are such that many a time one renewable energy source is not able to address the need for ensuring electricity supply round the clock and round the year. At some times surplus electricity is generated by the same plant and some other time of the year electricity is required from the grid. This has necessitated RD&D activities to be taken up for the development of a suitable electronics, software and power management systems for automatic inter-connections of various renewable energy systems. Further, in order that renewable electricity supply becomes dependable from the consumers perspective this area of RD&D activity is to be provided a serious impetus and accordingly for the 11^th Plan a separate budget provision has been recommended. 

12.       Energy Storage Systems 

At present storage batteries are widely being used to store energy generated by various renewable energy systems, when used in decentralized manner. In addition, capacitors are also being used to store energy, specially in fuel cell vehicles. However, batteries require periodic replacement. Therefore, it is necessary to focus R&D efforts on development of improved storage techniques and develop alternate / additional methods of storage such as super conducting bearing based fly wheel etc. It is proposed to study the prospects of new and improved methods of storage of energy from renewable energy sources. Collaborative research will be taken up in co-ordination with specialized R&D centres working in the country on different storage methods.

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Annexure-II

File No.1/1/2005-R&D

Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources

(R&D Division)

                                                                                              Dated: 12^th December, 2006

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Research, Design & Development and Manufacture of New and Renewable Energy:      Aims, Focus, Manufacturing Areas, Activity, Deployment Aims & Needs, Partners,    Monitoring, Committee Composition, Procedure an Guidelines

The R&D Advisory Committee of MNES had been set up in 1994 for the purpose of giving      guidance on the overall direction and quantum of R&D in New and Renewable Energy Sector to be supported in consonance with the aim of “energy self sufficiency”.  This Committee appraised and recommended over 500 R&D projects to be supported in different institutions across the country. 

2.1       The need to refocus attention on Research, Design & Development (RD&D) has arisen.  The underlying purpose of RD&D effort is to make industry competitive.  A comprehensive statistic that measures competitiveness is net foreign exchange earning.  Accordingly, RD&D effort has to make the    country a net foreign exchange earner in the New and Renewable Energy Sector.  In addition, the      share of indigenously designed, developed and manufactured new and renewable energy systems/   devices has also to be taken into account and consequently monitored for its eventual growth to a dominant position.

3.0       Role 

3.1       Research, Design & Development and Manufacture of new and renewable energy systems/  devices for transportation, portable and stationary applications for rural, urban, industrial and   commercial sectors through:  

(i)                  Technology Mapping and Benchmarking;

(ii)                Research, Design, Development and Manufacture needs and facilitate implementation of the    same;

(iii)             Laying down standards, specifications and performance parameters at par with international    levels and facilitate industry in attaining the same;

(iv)              Aligning costs of new and renewable energy products and services with international levels        and facilitate industry in attaining the same;

(v)                Appropriate international level quality assurance accreditation and facilitate industry in      obtaining the same;

(vi)              Facilitation of industry in becoming internationally competitive and a net foreign exchange     earner especially through (ii) to (v) above and related measures; 

(vii)             Carrying out Renewable Energy Resource Survey, Assessment and Mapping.

(viii)