Tamil Nadu is now a leader in renewable energy, with one of the largest regional installation of wind farms. The state has excellent solar energy potential. It is also blessed with abundant biomass resources.

Being one of the most industrialised states in the country, and known for its excellence in technology, research and academia, the state has the potential to become a global leader in renewable energy.

Major energy savings in the steel re-rolling sector and in the small tea processing enterprise, initiated by the UNDP, has seen a substantive increase in energy efficiency in these industries.

UNDP, India, country director Caitlin Wiesen, told this newspaper, “Intervention in the steel re-rolling industry has seen efficiency levels go up between 30-40 per cent.”

Industry unhappy over unremunerative tariff in a scenario of rising biomass prices

Amid growing regulatory and administrative uncertainties the biomass-based power producers have sought the intervention of Forum of Regulators (FoR) for early resolution of issues relating to open access, cross subsidy, CDM sharing, penalty clause imposed by certain distribution companies for maintaining plant load factor and the tariff structure.

A microfinance provider in Karnataka has been selected alongside seven other organisations from Peru, Indonesia, Cambodia and Afghanistan as a finalist for the Ashden Awards, the world’s leading green energy prize.

The finalists will compete for over £120,000 pound prize, with the winners to be announced at a prestigious ceremony in London on May 30. Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project in Karnataka is a prime example of the vital role a well-run microfinance organisation can play in meeting the poor’s energy needs.