PA/22/11 18 May 2011
Australia-India Report on “Concentrating Solar Power in India”
A groundbreaking report on Concentrating Solar Power has concluded that India has sufficient land to allow solar power to make a major contribution to its energy mix. “India’s strong track record of technical success in every field that it has seriously engaged in, from wind turbines to car manufacturing, make it clear that a major player position in concentrating Solar Power is feasible”, states the Report.
Jointly commissioned by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Resources (MNRE) and the Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the report was prepared by the UK based IT Power Group, a specialist engineering consultancy focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“This Report is an excellent example of how India and Australia can work together to address our shared need for solar power,” said Acting High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan. “Both our countries have good solar resources and we can benefit by sharing technology and expertise in solar energy. We will now look for practical ways to work with MNRE in considering the ideas in the Report.”
A formal launch of the Report will occur on Wednesday 18 May at a workshop on Concentrated Solar Power Plants to be held at Claridges Hotel, Surajkund, Delhi, from 9.30am. Special guest for the launch of the Report will be Dr Ashvini Kumar, Director, MNRE.
The Report was presented to the Secretary of MNRE, Mr Deepak Gupta on Friday 13 May by the principal author of the Report, Professor Keith Lovegrove, Head of Solar Thermal with IT Power and Solar Thermal leader at the Australian National University. Mr Gupta welcomed the Report and its recommendations, many of which he said the Ministry could endorse.
Funding for the Report came from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) under its program to link government agencies and universities in Australia with their counterparts in India.
Contact details:
Dr Ashwini Kumar Director, MNRE Tele: 24363546
Professor Keith Lovegrove Mobile : +91 98911 72648
Russell Rollason Australian High Commission Mobile: +91 98104 08111