Greentech Energy

The Renewable Energy Sector in India: an overview of research and activity
INDEX
ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION ....................................................................................................................................... 3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 3
PREFACE . .................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1. RENEWABLE ENERGY IN INDIA .................................................................................................................... 5
1. OVERALL SCENARIO AND GROWTH ...................................................................................................... 5
2. R&D AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT . ...................................................................... 7
1. SOLAR ENERGY ............................................................................................................................... 7
2. BIOMASS . ....................................................................................................................................... 8
3. WIND ............................................................................................................................................ 10
4. SMALL HYDROPOWER .................................................................................................................. 10
5. NEW TECHNOLOGIES . .................................................................................................................. 11
1. Geothermal ............................................................................................................................ 11
2. Tidal Energy . .......................................................................................................................... 11
3. Wave Energy .......................................................................................................................... 11
2. COMPANIES AND RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY ........................ 12

1. OVERVIEW OF THE REPORT ................................................................................................................ 12
2. LIST OF COMPANIES, RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS and NGOs . ........................................................... 12
A. SOLAR ........................................................................................................................................... 14
i. National Physics Laboratory (NPL) ................................................................................... 14
ii. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) .......................................................................... 14
iii. Department of Science and Technology (DST) ................................................................ 15
iv. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) .................................................. 16
v. Centre for Renewable Energy and Environment Development (CREED) ......................... 16
vi. National Centre for PV Research and Education (NCPRE) ............................................... 17
vii. NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) ...................................................... 18
viii. Solar Energy Centre (SEC) ................................................................................................ 18
ix. Solar Energy Society of India (SESI) ................................................................................. 19
B. WIND ............................................................................................................................................ 20
i. Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) .................................................................. 20
ii. Suzlon .............................................................................................................................. 20
iii. RRB Energy Limited (RRBEL) ............................................................................................ 21
iv. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) .......................................................................... 22
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C. SMALL HYDRO .............................................................................................................................. 23

i. National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) . ................................................................... 23
ii. Alternate Hydro Energy Centre (AHEC) ........................................................................... 23
iii. Jyoti Ltd . .......................................................................................................................... 24
D. BIOMASS POWER ......................................................................................................................... 25
i. Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) . ......................................... 25
ii. National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) .................................................................. 25
iii. Combustion gasification and Propulsion Laboratory (CGPL) ........................................... 26
iv. Radhe Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. .................................................................................. 27
3. APPENDIX .................................................................................................................................................. 28
1. Thrust areas for R&D support in solar photo-voltaic technology
by the Ministry of New & Renewable ................................................................................................ 28
2
About this publication

This publication is presented to you as a companion to the EU – India Greentech Matchmaking Event 2011, an event
organized by the European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC) and its partners, the Indo-Italian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (IICCI), the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Innovhub and CEIPIEMONTE.
Within the framework of the first edition of the Indo-Italian Business Conference (IIBC), this event aims to create
connections and foster an exchange of technologies, patents and knowledge between European and Indian
companies in the energy, environment and sustainable transport sectors.
On 27th and 29th September 2011, a European and Indian delegation of companies and research organizations is
meeting in two Indian cities, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Their agenda is rich with business-to-business partnering
sessions, panel and round table discussions with key government officials and top players of the Indian industry,
networking events and site visits.
This publication aims to offer you an overview of the five sectors that are relevant to the event: environmental
biotech, renewable energy, sustainable transport, water management, and solid waste management. In order
to introduce you to these fields, each volume offers a summary of relevant research, as well as a representative
collection of organizations active in this space.
We hope this will be a valuable tool in the productive exchange of knowledge and experience, and the creation of
business opportunities during the event.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Mr. Sauro Mezzetti of EUTECNE for coordinating the efforts that made it possible to publish this
paper. We also give thanks to Energy Alternatives India for contributing their research.
For any queries related to this paper, please contact Mr. Gianpaolo Sarolli at the Chamber of Commerce Milan -
Innovhub (gianpaolo.sarolli@mi.camcom.it).

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PREFACE
India is one of the largest and fastest growing markets for renewable energy in the world. At the same time, due to
the size of the population and the growth of the economy, the increase in absolute terms of energy produced by
conventional fossil fuel is going to be very high.
It is therefore very critical to reverse this trend in order to achieve effective results in the global efforts against
climate change. Improving the efficiency and the technology for renewable energy is one of the key answers.
After an overview of the present scenario and the projected growth in the next decade, this report aims to highlight
some of the priorities identified in India for R&D and technology transfer in this direction.
This survey has a limited scope and it is concentrated only on the initiatives stimulated at the central level. There are
25 regional States in India with their own policy for energy and renewable energy, and various other institutional
and local initiatives that are not covered here. We are also providing a sample overview of key agencies operating
in the renewables sector sector, selecting among those that have national relevance. But it is far from being
exhaustive.
India is a large country with many public and private institutions and many local decentralized initiatives. Many
activities in this field are also originating through community-based actions, and we did not aim to give a full
extensive presentation. Our purpose is mainly to give a first indication to European companies, organizations, and
research institutions about new field of opportunities for Transfer of Technology, and to make a small step toward
widening the knowledge and scope for cooperation between Europe and India.
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1. THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR IN INDIA
1. SCENARIO AND GROWTH

At present India has a share of 10% of installed power capacity that is generated by renewable sources, of
which 2/3 are originated from wind. In the early nineties an ambitious program was started to promote wind
energy in the private sector, offering an accelerated depreciation rate for investments in wind turbines, and
allowing power purchasing by the State Electrical Board from Private parties at higher-than-market rates. As
a result, India has become the 4th largest country in the world in terms of installed capacity of wind turbines,
with more than 14,100 MW.
The Indian Government is trying to diversify sources of renewable power, especially in small hydro, biomass
and solar energy. Currently mini-hydro has an installed grid-connected capacity exceeding 3000 MW, biomass
more than 2600 MW, whereas the installed grid capacity in solar is less than 100 MW. However, solar power is
at the center of the core strategy of the Indian Government to invest an additional 34 billion USD in order to
add 17 GW of renewable energy generation.
Growth in the renewable energy sector is driven by several factors:

• An increasingly wide gap between supply and demand
• The need to reduce the pressure on the balance of payments for imports of fossil fuels (80% of domestic
crude consumption is imported and 30% of total imports goes for oil imports)
• The need for viable solutions for rural electrification
• The pressure to abate GHG emissions
The estimated existing capacity and potential for growth in key segments in Renewable Energy is shown in Table
1 below.
Table 1: capacity and expected growth in renewable energy in India
SOLAR PV and CSP WIND BIOMASS SMALL HYDRO
Total potential 5,000 trillion kWh per year 48,000 MW 23,700 MW 15,000 MW
Installed capacity (june 2011) < 150 MW 14,000 MW 2,670 MW 3,000 MW
Projected capacity in 2022 20,000 MW 50,000 MW 10,000 MW 5,500 MW in 2015
The estimates of growth and future potential are a function of a few variables. The share of Solar PV and Solar
CSP still has to be determined and properly predicted, as the latter is a relatively new technology for India.
At the moment, the installed capacity in CSP is negligible, although 500 MW has been allocated under the
Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission and there are expectations to have at least 1,000 MW installed in the next 2-3
years. A certain attention is being paid to the CSP technology because, theoretically, it is more efficienct under
Indian conditions and is lower in price. One of the constraints is currently the big size of the plants. European
technology that can offer CSP plants on a smaller scale is therefore particularly relevant for the Indian market.
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The potential for wind is estimated on the basis of existing technology. With technological improvements in the
turbines the potential for on-shore wind energy could be doubled. The total capacity for biomass is estimated
based on the current availability of raw materials, but the potential can increase with the production of feed-stock
and energy crop plantations.
Small hydro is a sector that has witnessed a relevant change of trend and a big growth in investment from 6.17
billion of rupees in 2007 to 26.45 billion 2010, representing 15% of the total investment in renewable energy. At
current growth rates, the installed capacity could be in the range of 5,500 MW by 2015.
In the next decade India is projected to be the third country in the world, after the USA and China, in terms of
investment in renewable energy, just ahead of Germany and the UK. Financial Incentives play a relevant role in
the development of the sector. The different types of financial mechanisms vary according to the specific needs
of each segment and the cost of generation. The different types of incentives provided by the Central Government
are accelerated depreciation rate, tax benefits, exemptions from customs duty, excise and sales tax, feed-in tariff
at a premium and capital subsidies. In addition to the incentives provided by the Central Government there might
be incentives provided at the regional level by the State Government.
Table 2 shows the categories of incentives applicable to the different segments of renewables, compared with cost
of generation.
Table 2: categories of central government incentives
Source of energy Cost of generation Incentives (June 2011)
SOLAR PV 10-12 Rs per kWh Feed-in tariff 12-18 Rs per kWh
SOLAR CSP 9-11 Rs per kWh Feed-in tariff 12-18 Rs per kWh
WIND 2.75-3.5 Rs per kWh Feed-in tariff 3.39 5.0 Rs per kWh
BIOMASS 3-4 Rs per kWh • Customs duty exemptions on import of machines and
components
• Exemptions of excise and central sales tax
• 100% depreciation rate
• Income tax holidays for 10 years
SMALL HYDRO 2.5-3 Rs per kWh • Capital subsidies

• Duty exemptions
• Tax exemptions
• Special policy announced by 15 States
• Negotiated Feed-in tariff at advantage rate according to
the State
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2. Need for R&D and transfer of technology

A dedicated ministry, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) was established in India in 1992 with the
aim to coordinate policy and incentives for non-conventional energy sources, and to promote R&D in the sector.
The R&D strategy of the MNRE is based on the involvement of industry and research institutions on four levels:
• Development of innovations
• Improvement of existing and indigenous technology
• Transfer of technology for technological development
• Assignment of specific R&D tasks to recognized institutions or industry
2.1 Solar energy

Solar energy has been identified by the MNRE as a thrust area for India, given that India has an exteremely high
solar reception capacity (600 TW per year). The grid connected capacity is still minimal, but there are many big
projects in the pipeline since the launch in 2009 of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).
The JNNSM has a strong emphasis on increasing manufacturing capabilities inside the country. Transfer of
technology is actively sought for:
- Solar collectors for medium and high temperature applications
- Thermal devices and systems (including thermodinamic)
- Thin film modules in silicon
Special Incentive Packages (SIPs) are provided to set up manufacturing units in the sectors of solar components and
devices, using technology not yet available in the country. SIPs might provide fiscal and customs benefits as well as
infrastructure facilites if the unit is located into a recognised technology park.
Priorities in the R&D sector are given to:

- Improvement of efficiency in existing materials, devices and applications
- Reducing costs of balance of systems
- Integration and optimization
- Cost-effective storage technologies targeting space-intensity through the use of better concentrators and
nano-technology
R&D strategies are oriented toward multiple directions:

1) Long term research for new materials and processes
2) Improvement of existing processes and technologies
3) Pilot and demonstration projects
4) Development of R&D infrastructure in PPP modes
5) Support for incubation and start-up
A National Center of Excellence (NCE) will provide a national platform to network the various R&D initiatives,
including foreign collaboration and transfer of technology and to operate as a funding agency. In the pipeline there
also are funds to incubate the creation of at least 50 start-ups in solar related technologies in the next five years.
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The overall strategy of the MNRE in the solar PV sector is to reduce the consumption of silicon and other materials
and improve the efficiency of solar cells and modules to achieve cost reduction. The following key areas of research
have been identified:1
• Polysilicon and other materials
• Efficent silicon solar cells
• Thin film materials and solar cells modules
• Concentrating PV systems
• PV system design reducing the ratio of capital cost to conversion efficiency
For Solar Thermal Power generation the area of researches are related to:
• Parabolic technology with provision to connect to the grid, for a plant of at least 1 MW
• Central receiver technology to install plants with molten salt as heat transfer and storage medium, heliostats
tracking mechanism, tower structure receiver and storage medium
• Dish/Engine technology for solar dish with Stirling engines and for thermal power plant in the range of 100
Kwh and above
• Development of Stirling engines suitable for families, community and distributed power generation
Beyond power generation, R&D in the Solar Thermal segment are undertaken for Solar Heat to be employed in
industrial processes (250°C) and low temperature applications like distillation and water purification, solar cooling,
solar thermal devie and waste detoxification.
2.2 BIOMASS
In addition to solar energy, biomass power generation is the target of another dedicated national mission. In the
nineties India undertook an important program for biomass for bagasse co-generation in the sugar sector, which
has constituted its main end-use until now.
Priority is now given to energy and heat generation from other biomass sources, which include mainly wood
masses such as Jatropa, Bamboo, Melia Dubia, Casuarina equisetifolia and other raw materials such as rice husk.
Biomass from algae is a new avenue for research.
Biomass is one of the main sources of energy in rural India and contributes to about 27% of total primary energy
consumption in the country. Most of the biomass is still used mainly in the traditional way, and only a small
share is converted in energy and heat through a technological process. However, as the potential in this sector is
significantly high, the Government of India has identified development of biomass as one of the priority areas for
its rural electrification programme.
According to the Indian MNRE the present trend of investment in biomass in India is in the range of 100 million
euros per year, with a total number of people employed around 10 million2.
In India the total installed capacity for biomass energy generation is of 2,650 MW (as of the end of June 2010,)
out which approx 1,100 MW are generated from agro residues and the balance from bagasse. There is a total
1
See Appendix 1 for full details of R & D Thrust area of the MNRE
2
Source: www.mnre.gov.in/prog-biomasspower.htm
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number of 160 biomass plants generating greed connected power and about 70 plants for co-generation. The total
estimated potential for biomass in India is 23-25 GW. In India there are four types of technologies adopted for
Biomass energy generation:
- Combustion
- Anaerobic digestion
- Gasification
- Pyrolysis
Combustion is used for over 85 % of power production plants, using rice husk, bagasse, groundnut shells, jute
waste and cotton stalks either for co-firing with coal or for co-generation, especially in the sugar sector.
Anaerobic digestion is not yet diffused as it is a technology mainly applicable to the treatment of municipal or
industrial waste for which there is not yet a properly organized supply-chain in India.
Gasification and Pyrolysis are new technologies which have a strong priority for research in India. Especially in
gasification India is establishing itself as country leader in this segment. The reason is that Gasification is particularly
suitable and economically convenient for small plants below 2 MW, which can be adapted for captive industrial
purpose or rural electrification in the villages.
The development of gasification technology is the joint target of the Ministry of Non Conventional Energy Sources
and the Ministry of Agriculture.
A network of R&D centers has been created throughout the country to implement a programme on biomass
gasification and gasifier system designed for a variety of locally available biomass.
These institutions are located at IISc (Indian Institute of Science) Bangalore, IIT Chennai, IICT Hyderabad and BHEL
Triuchirapalli for the advancement of technology for generation of power from biomass. Gasifier action research
projects are also being supported by IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Delhi and Mumbai, IIS Bangalore, MKU
Madurai and SPRERI (Sardar Patel Energy Research Institute) Vallabh Vidyanagar.
India has the largest number in the world of gasifier installations and a few manufacturers of gasifiers.
Gasifying is a sensitive technology. The performance of raw materials depends a lot from the fuel and different raw
material might require different machines or suppliers. Also the quality of gas produced is a critical point to verify
gas composition, energy content, impurity and other chemical and physical parameters can change a lot depending
on the equipment and the type and condition of the raw material.
India uses both downdraft and updraft technology, although downdraft technology is the most commonly used.
The main demand of R&D or TT in the biomass sector is in the following segments:
- Long stick biomass gasifier
- Huge density and high moisture acceptability biomass gasifier
- Multi-fuel acceptable biomass gasifier
- Advanced biomass gasifier based power plant
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- Activated carbon reactor

- Producer gas synthesis for transportation fuel
- Pyrolysis reactor for thermal and power
- Pyro-oil with Bio-char for sustainable agriculture
2.3 WIND
Wind is likely to remain for years one of the largest sources of renewable energy in India. The potential capacity
can be further expanded with improvement of turbines. In this segment there could be an important TT demand
for technologies to support installation in lower wind regime and Storage Solutions.
The R&D priorities set by the MNRE are:

• Indigenous design, development and manufacturing capability for MW-scale Wind Electric generators
(WEGs)
• Design, development and manufacturing of small WEGs up to 10 kW capacity, that can start generating
power at very low cut in speeds (~ 2 to 2.5 m/sec).
• Design, development and manufacture of submersible direct drive wind pumps in different capacity ranges
(up to 10 HP) for low wind regimes.
• R&D on carbon fiber and other new generation composites etc.
• R&D on high efficiency electronics for protecting, controlling, optimizing performance, power management
& conversion and establishing connectivity with the grid to export or import power.
2.4 SMALL HYDRO-POWER

Like Wind, the development of Small Hydro-Power is a program that was launched in India in the nineties and the
12th five years plan has envisaged a target of 6,000 MW installed. The total estimated potential for this segment is
beyond 15,000 MW. Initially Small Hydro-Power projects (below 25 MW) were promoted mainly from the public
sector, but now they are increasingly being implemented through private initiatives. Manufacturers of equipments
and components for this segment are based in the country.
The priorities identified by the MNRE are related to Engineering & Manufacturing, civil works and design.
E&M Works
• Adaptation of high pole permanent magnet excitation generators to small hydro
• Development of low speed generators (direct-drive low-speed generators for low heads)
• Development of submersible turbo-generators
• Development of high efficiency turbines in kW range
• Flexible small hydro turbines for low head (<5 m)
• Development of screening systems for downstream and upstream migrating aquatic life
• Development of standardized control and monitoring systems
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• R&D for development of technology packages for Mini/ Micro hydrosystems fitted with suitable electronics
and optional maintenance-free-rechargeable batteries for their use for lighting and other small power
applications in capacity range of 200 W to 5 kW for highly decentralized and dispersed applications.
Civil Works
• Development of software that allows a fast and efficient civil work design
• Development of standardized and systemized hydraulic structures
• Development of efficient desilters with high head intakes, of self-cleaning water intakes, and of trash racks
• Guide on the design of power houses
Others
• Development of good-practice design guidelines for developers and engineers
• Development of standards and control procedures dedicated to small hydro
• Guidelines for improved methods for in-stream flow and hydrological assessment methods and improved
sedimentation management
• Standards for small, mini and macro hydro power projects and systems
2.5 NEW TECHNOLOGIES

2.5.1 Geothermal
Geothermal generation has a potential of 10,000 MW but there are no plants presently installed. The main factors
restricting the development of this sector are the long gestation period and the lack of record for this technology in
India. Few companies however are making a move in this field like LNJ Bhilwara, Tata Power and Thermax. In India
there is a demand of expertise for R&D in this field and scope also for Transfer of Technology.
2.5.2 Tidal Energy

Tidal energy has a potential of 9,000 MW, with site identified mainly in Gujarat and in the Ganges delta in West
Bengal. There is no significant installation but the government of Gujerat has announced, in January 2011, a project
of 50 MW that will be eventually the first commercial tidal project in Asia.
2.5.3 Wave Energy

Wave energy has a potential of 40,000 MW but there are neither installations nor plans announced.
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2. COMPANIES AND RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH

RENEWABLE ENERGY
1. OVERVIEW OF THE REPORT
Mapping of public and private research and business players in the following sectors:
• Solar (PV and CSP)
• Wind
• Biomass Power
• Small Hydro Power
Summary
Sector No of Companies
/ Research
Organisations and
Institutes
Solar 9
Wind 4
Biomass 4
Small Hydro 3
Total 20
2. List of Companies, Research Organisations and NGO’s
Company/Research Institute/NGO Main-line of activity Website
A) Solar
National Physics Laboratory (NPL) Physical sciences http://www.nplindia.org/
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Heavy electrical http://www.bhel.com/

(BHEL) equipment industry
Department of Science and Science & technology http://www.dst.gov.in/scientificprogramme/

Technology (DST) t-d-solar-energy.htm
Indian Association for the Basic sciences research http://www.iacs.res.in/eru/

Cultivation of Science (IACS)
National Centre for PV Research PhotoVoltaic (PV) http://www.ncpre.iitb.ac.in/

and Education (NCPRE) research
NTPC Energy Technology Research Power generation http://www.ntpc.co.in/

Alliance (NETRA)
Solar Energy Centre (SEC) Solar energy technologies http://www.mnre.gov.in/sec/sec-objective. htm
Solar Energy Society of India (SESI) Renewable energy http://www.sesi.in/
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B) Wind
Centre for Wind Energy Wind energy http://www.cwet.tn.nic.in

Technology (C-WET)
Suzlon Wind turbine http://www.suzlon.com

manufacturing
RRB Energy Limited (RRBEL) Wind power generation http://www.rrbenergy.com/
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Heavy electrical http://www.bhel.com/

(BHEL) equipment industry
C) Small Hydro
National Hydro Power Corporation Hydroelectric power http://www.nhpc.co.in

(NHPC)
Alternate Hydro Energy Centre Small hydropower http://ahec.org.in

(AHEC) development
Jyoti Ltd. Hydraulic engineering http://www.jyoti.com/

equipment
D) Biomass Power
Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research and http://www.spreri.org/

Research Institute (SPRERI) development of
renewable energy
National Botanical Research Plant sciences http://www.nbri.res.in/

Institute (NBRI)
Combustion gasification and Research and http://www.nbri.res.in/

Propulsion aboratory (CGPL) developmental activity
in the field of bio-
resource
Radhe Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. Biomass power http://www.radheenergy.com/
production
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A) Solar
i. National Physics Laboratory (NPL)

The National Physical Laboratory is one of the leading research laboratories in India in the field of physical sciences.
Established in 1947, it is one of the oldest laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
It has developed core competencies in standards, apex level calibration, engineering materials, electronic materials,
materials characterization, radio and space physics, global change and environmental studies, low temperature
physics, and instrumentation.
Key research topics include:

• Development of a mechanical load test system for PV modules
• Determination of front surface recombination velocity of silicon solar cells using the short-wavelength spectral
response
• Dynamic and static characteristics of n+-pp+ structure based silicon solar cells
• An improved process for the preparation of semiconducting thin films useful for fabricating solar cells and
other semiconducting devices
Contact Information
Address National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110012
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-11-45609212
Fax - +91-11-45609310
Email root@nplindia.org
Website http://www.nplindia.org/
ii. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

BHEL is the largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in India in the energy-related/infrastructure sector,
today. BHEL was established more than 40 years ago, ushering in the indigenous Heavy Electrical Equipment
industry in India - a dream that has been more than realized with a well-recognized track record of performance.
The company has been earning profits continuously since 1971-72 and paying dividends since 1976-77.
BHEL’s operations are organised around Power, Industry - including Transmission, Transportation and Renewable
Energy. BHEL has installed equipment for over 100 GW of power generation - for utilities, captive consumption and
industrial users.
Key research topics/areas include:

• Performance Estimation Facility for Solar Geysers
• Single chamber deposition based on simple process for large-area double-junction a-Si modules
• Development of silicon nitride anti-reflection coating for crystalline and multi-crystalline silicon solar cells by PECVD
14
• Development of low-cost encapsulants for double-junction a-Si modules

• Field evaluation of double-junction a-Si modules
• Process development for efficiency improvement of double-junction a-Si modules
Contact Information
Address BHEL House Siri Fort, New Delhi – 110049
Phone/Fax Phone - +91 11 66337000
Fax - +91 11 26493021
Email query@bhel.com
Website http://www.bhel.com/
iii. Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Department of science & technology (DST) was established in May 1971, with the objective of promoting new areas
of science & technology and to play the role of a nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting
science & technology activities in the country.
Department of Science and Technology (DST) is primarily mandated with promotion of R&D activities. Accordingly,
DST’s initiative on Solar Energy aims to enable knowledge based R&D activities for entire gamut of solar technologies,
including balance of systems. This is expected to be achieved through nurturing of R&D groups, formation of
consortia and setting up of State-of-art facilities. Solar Energy utilization for applications both for power as well
as other than power generation with a view to provide convergent technology solutions under real-life conditions
are being explored and assessed. DST in recent times has made foray in the area of solar energy through various
parallel independent initiatives with distinct objectives.
• Fields of operation include
• Precompetitive research and technology upgradation
• Basic research and disruptive technologies
• Enabling R&D for solar technology
Contact Information
Address Department of Science & Technology
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110016
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-11-26567373,26862418
Fax - +91-11-26864570, 26862418
Email dstinfo@nic.in
Website http://www.dst.gov.in/scientific-programme/t-d-solar-energy.htm
15
iv. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS)

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, established in July 1876, is a national institution for higher learning
whose primary purpose is to foster high quality fundamental research in frontier disciplines of the basic sciences.
IACS is an autonomous institution controlled by a General Body and Governing Council. IACS receives funds from the
Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Government of West Bengal, many Public
agencies (DST, CSIR, DAE, MNRE, etc.), Private Companies as well as Foreign sources (NSF, UNDP, Japan, European
Union, Sweden etc.). A number of specific projects raised by individual scientists or groups of scientists are being
supported by different funding agencies such as CSIR, DAE, DNES, DST, DOS, DSIR, ICMR, INSA, NSF, UGC and UNDP.
The main thrust of the Energy Research Unit is in the areas of development of materials and fabrication technology
for Thin Film Silicon Solar Cells. Highlights of the activities and results achieved are given below:
• Fabrication of a-Si solar cells
• Development of a-Si and related materials
• Development of polycrystalline silicon films for application in solar cells
• Transparent conducting oxide
• Computer modelling of a-Si based semiconductor devices
• Establishment of spectral response measurement system
Contact Information
Address 2A & 2B, Raja S C Mullick Road,
Kolkata – 700032, West Bengal
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-33-24734971,24735374
Fax - +91-33-24732805
Email helpdesk@iacs.res.in
Website http://www.iacs.res.in/eru/
v. Centre for Renewable Energy and Environment Development (CREED)

CREED is an umbrella agency setup under the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani. The
primary objectives of the centre are to:
• Conceive, develop, and implement renewable energy applications and environment protection projects
• Develop courses and organize awareness creation programs
• Collaborate with national and international organizations and institutions in the areas of renewable energy
education, training and technology development. The Centre is presently collaborating with MNRE, IREDA,
REDA, ARTES Institute, of Flensburg University, Germany, and CEER of SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai
The centre is actively involved in:

• Setting up performance evaluation of parabolic solar cookers
• Solar hot water system
• Solar still and fuel cells
• Setting up of an Energy Park
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Contact Information
Address Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS, Pilani)
Vidya Vihar Campus, Pilani
Rajasthan – 333031
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-1596-515492 Ext. 417/225
Email mssoni@bits-pilani.ac.in
Website http://www.iacs.res.in/eru/
vi. National Centre for PV Research and Education (NCPRE)

The National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay was launched in 2010 and is
a part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission of the Government of India.
The objective of the centre is to be the one of the leading PhotoVoltaic (PV) research and education centres in the
world within the next decade. NCPRE aims to create and execute the blueprint for human resource development
for PV in India.
The centre envisages both basic and applied research activities. The basic research activities include silicon solar
cell fabrication, characterization, energy storage, new materials and novel PV structures. Development of power
electronic interfaces for solar PV systems, new product designs, technology assessment and broader issues like
sociological and environmental impact are an important part of the activities of the centre.
Eventually, NCPRE aims to make solar PV a cost-effective and relevant technology for meeting a significant part of
the energy needs of India.
The chief areas of research include:

• Fabrication of c-Si solar cells with more than 20% cell efficiency
• Enhanced efficiency on semiconductor sensitized solar cells
• Near unity power factor grid connected solar PV system with MPPT
• Development of innovative concepts in thin film PV technology for production cost reduction and enhanced
reliability
• Increasing yield
• Increasing life of PV product
Contact Information
Address Department of Energy Science & Engineering
Room No. 311A Mechanical Engg.
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Powai
Mumbai - 400076
Maharashtra
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-22-25767895
Email ncpre@iitb.ac.in
Website http://www.ncpre.iitb.ac.in/
17
vii. NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA)

NTPC, India’s largest power company, was set up in 1975 to accelerate power development in India. It is emerging as
an ‘Integrated Power Major’, with a significant presence in the entire value chain of power generation business.
The company ranked 341st in the ‘2010, Forbes Global 2000’ ranking of the world’s biggest companies. With a current
generating capacity of 34,854 MW, NTPC has embarked on plans to become a 75,000 MW company by 2017.
Being a technology-driven company, it is fully aligned to the needs of adapting to emerging technologies and
upgrading the technologies through R&D. Towards this, the company has a multi-pronged approach. NETRA has
come into existence in 2009 after merging of the R&D centre (established in 1981) and Energy Technologies.
Some of the key initiatives taken by NETRA include:

• Setting up of a solar energy research facility at Greater Noida
• Establishment of solar radiation measurement centre
• Prototype evaluation facility for solar thermal HVAC system
• Design & engineering centre for solar thermal energy utilization
Contact Information
Address Program Office (NETRA)
NTPC Limited
E 3, Ecotech II, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida -201308, Uttar Pradesh.
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-120-2356593
Fax - +91-120-2356504
Email ashwiniksinha@ntpceoc.co.in
Website http://www.ntpc.co.in/
viii. Solar Energy Centre (SEC)

The Solar Energy Centre (SEC), established in 1982, is a dedicated unit of the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy, Government of India for development of solar energy technologies and to promote its applications through
product development.
Key areas of activity include:

• Solar resource assessment
• Technology assessment
• Testing and standardization of solar devices
• Development of national standards for solar energy products
• Establishment of testing protocol for solar thermal and solar PV devices
• R&D activity related to development of solar thermal systems and design software
• Interactive Research and Development for establishing solar passive architecture concepts into the building
architecture
The Solar Energy Centre invites individual professionals working in solar energy or institutions having an interest
in similar activities to build-up a mutually beneficial relationship through joint projects which could exploit each
18
other’s strengths. The Centre has been working jointly on a number of projects with National Institutions such
as the IITs, the NPL, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the Energy & Resources Institute, etc. It is also
collaborating with reputed international institutions such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL)
of USA in the photovoltaic area; University of Stuttgart, Germany in the area of solar thermal testing; and with
Inter-solar Centre of Moscow in the area of solar energy.
Contact Information
Address Solar Energy Centre
MNRE, B-14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-11-24360331
Email sec@nic.in
Website http://www.mnre.gov.in/sec/sec-objective.htm
ix. Solar Energy Society of India (SESI)

The Solar Energy of India (SESI), established in 1976, and having its Secretariat in New Delhi, is the Indian Section
of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES). Its interests cover all aspects of renewable energy, including
characteristics, effects and methods of use, and it provides a common ground to all those concerned with the
nature and utilization of this renewable non-polluting resource.
The Society is interdisciplinary in nature, with most of the leading energy researchers and manufacturers of
renewable energy systems and devices of the country as its members. High academic attainments are not a
prerequisite for membership and any person engaged in research, development or utilization of renewable energy
or in fields related to renewable energy and interested in the promotion of renewable energy utilization can
become a member of the society.
The chief objectives and activities include:

• Collecting, compiling, and disseminating information relating to renewable energy
• Organizing seminars and conferences, by publishing books, memoirs, journals and proceedings in the field of
renewable energy
• Establishing formal education curriculum in collaboration with other institutions
• Establishing renewable energy centres in collaboration with Corporates, NGOs, Foundations, individuals and
government bodies
• Collaborating and co-operating with other scientific societies, institutions, and academies in the country and
abroad for research, development, and furtherance of renewable energy utilization
Contact Information
Address Solar Energy Society of India
A-14, Mohan Cooperative, Industrial Estate, Mathura Road, New Delhi – 110044
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-11-65649864, 26959759
Email info@sesi.in
Website http://www.sesi.in/
19
B) Wind
i. Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET)

Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) has been established in Chennai in the year 1998, as an autonomous
R&D institution by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. It is a knowledge-based
institution of high quality and dedication, offers services and seeks to find complete solutions for the kinds of difficulties
and improvements in the entire spectrum of the wind energy sector by carrying out further research. It has a Wind
Turbine Test Station (WTTS) at Kayathar with the technical & partial financial support by DANIDA, Govt. of Denmark.
The R&D unit of C-WET focuses on the innovations in development of components as well as sub-systems of wind
turbines in association with other R&D Institutions and Industry. The R&D activities are classified into five generic
areas, namely:
• Improvement in performance of existing wind turbine installations
• Research support for wind resource assessment
• Manpower Training and HRD
• Technology support to wind power industry
• Research and advanced technology development
Some of the projects currently being executed by C-WET are:

• Development and validation of design methodologies and design tools for low and moderate wind regimes
• Testing of small wind turbines
• Modelling of Interconnection of wind turbines with the grid
• Parameterization of flow distortion around the wind turbine nacelle
Contact Information
Address Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET)
Velachery - Tambaram Main Road
Pallikaranai, Chennai - 600 100
Tamil Nadu
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-44-22463982, 22463983, 22463984
Email info@cwet.res.in
Website http://www.cwet.tn.nic.in
ii. Suzlon
Conceived in 1995 with, Suzlon is now a leading wind power company with over 13,000 people in 32 countries. It
has operations across the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. The company has a fully integrated supply chain
with manufacturing facilities in three continents. In addition to this, it has sophisticated R&D capabilities in Belgium,
Denmark, Germany, India and The Netherlands.
20
Suzlon is the market leader in Asia with a market share (combined with Repower) of 6.9% thereby making it one of
the leading wind turbine manufacturing groups in the world.
Some of the key areas of R&D include:

• Composite wind turbine technology
• Aerodynamic development
• Engineering in India
• Development of advanced gearbox technology
Contact Information
Address Suzlon Energy Limited
One Earth, Opp. Magarpatta City,
Hadapsar, Pune – 411028
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-20-40122000
Fax - +91-20-40122100, 40122200
Email suzloncorpcomm@suzlon.com
Website http://www.suzlon.com
iii. RRB Energy Limited (RRBEL)

RRBEL was founded in 1987 with a view to become a pioneer in the field of wind power generation. It’s USP has
been using well-known and world proven technology to produce WEG that are well suited for Indian climatic
conditions while delivering high PLF even in low/medium wind regimes. It has the distinction of setting up the first
of its kind facility for manufacturing of WEG blades outside of Europe. With expertise in maintaining and managing
energy flow, the company offers turnkey solutions for power generation from wind energy.
RRBEL is presently pursuing an expansion plan, which would enable it to deliver a diversified range of WEGs. The
Company is soon going to commence manufacture of WEGs of 1.8 MW capacity and is also presently evaluating
the possibility of development of further higher capacity WEGs.
Contact Information
Address RRB Energy Limited
No.182/2, Bypass Road,
Poonamallee,
Chennai - 600056
Tamil Nadu
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-44-26491891, 26492411
Fax - +91-44-26491890
Email pnml@rrbenergy.com
Website http://www.rrbenergy.com/
21
iv. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

BHEL is the largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in India in the energy-related/infrastructure sector,
today. BHEL was established more than 40 years ago, ushering in the indigenous heavy electrical equipment
industry in India - a dream that has been more than realized with a well-recognized track record of performance.
The company has been earning profits continuously since 1971-72 and paying dividends since 1976-77.
BHEL’s operations are organised around Power, Industry - including Transmission, Transportation and Renewable
Energy. BHEL has installed equipment for over 100 GW of power generation - for utilities, captive consumption and
industrial users.
In addition to the R&D done in solar power related technologies, BHEL is also actively involved in R&D in the field
of wind energy. Some of the activities of BHEL in the field of wind energy include:
• Energy estimation and micro siting of wind farms
• Wind-Diesel hybrid project development
Contact Information
Address BHEL House
Siri Fort,
New Delhi – 110049
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-11-66337000
Fax - +91-11-26493021
Email query@bhel.com
Website http://www.bhel.com/
22
C) Small Hydro
i. National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC)

NHPC Limited (Formerly known as National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd.), a government of India Enterprise,
was incorporated in the year 1975 with an objective to plan, promote and organise an integrated and efficient
development of hydroelectric power in all aspects. Later on NHPC expanded its objectives to include development
of power in all its aspects through conventional and non-conventional sources in India and abroad.
Initially, on incorporation, NHPC took over the execution of Salal Stage-I, Bairasiul and Loktak Hydro-electric
Projects from Central Hydroelectric Project Construction and Control Board. Since then, it has executed 14 projects
with an installed capacity of 5295 MW on ownership basis including projects taken up in joint venture. NHPC has
also executed 5 projects with an installed capacity of 89.35 MW on turnkey basis. Two of these projects have been
commissioned in neighbouring countries i.e. Nepal and Bhutan.
The R&D division of NHPC was established in May 1997 with a vision to tackle the chronic problems being faced by power
stations & also to implement the latest technological advances in execution & operation of hydroelectric projects.
Some of the thrust areas of their R&D activity include:
• Development of hydro suction
• Research on preventive measures against silt erosion of underwater components
• Use of advanced CFD techniques to analyse flow pattern in water conduction system. CFD analysis of penstock
of Baira-Siul and Lotak power stations
Contact Information
Address N.H.P.C Office Complex
Sector-33, Faridabad – 121003, Haryana
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-129-2278421
Fax - +91-129-2277941
Email webmaster@nhpc.nic.in
Website http://www.nhpc.co.in
ii. Alternate Hydro Energy Centre (AHEC)

Alternate Hydro Energy Centre, an academic centre of Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee was established in
the year 1982.
AHEC has been providing professional supports in the field of small hydropower development covering planning,
detailed project reports, detailed engineering designs and construction drawings, technical specifications of turnkey
execution/equipment supply, refurbishment, renovation and modernisation of SHP stations, techno-economic
appraisal, R&D/monitoring of projects, remote sensing and GIS based applications. Furthermore, it has provided
technical support to over 25 different state and central government organizations for SHP development.
AHEC has developed two new designs of water mill for grain grinding namely:
• A horizontal open-cross flow turbine
• A water mill used for grinding grains (Patent no. 231697)
23
Some of the key activities of AHEC include:

• Development of a real time simulator for SHP for training
• In the process of establishing an international level hydro turbine laboratory with a view to conduct research
on hydro turbines and other hydro mechanical equipment
• Preparing the standards, guidelines for SHP through consultative process
Contact Information
Address Alternate Hydro Energy Centre
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Roorkee-247667, Uttarakhanda
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-1332-274254, 285213
Fax - +91-1332-273517, 273560
Email ahec@iitr.ernet.in
Website attp://ahec.org.in
iii. Jyoti Ltd.

The Jyoti Group of Companies is a conglomeration of industrial units involved in manufacturing and marketing a
wide range of electrical and hydraulic engineering equipment used extensively in the vital sectors of national and
international economy.
The company’s first project was a 4x50 kW project based on Francis turbines with a design head of 23m at Himachal
Pradesh in 1961. The company offers a full range of hydro turbines and other auxiliary equipment. Furthermore,
it also offers complete concept to commissioning services like designing, manufacture, supply erection and
commissioning of hydro projects for different heads and outputs with wide range of turbines including Kaplan,
Francis, Pelton, Turgo impulse turbines.
The R&D Centre, a first of its kind in India, to be set up in Private Sector in 1964, has enabled Jyoti to offer technology
products to the market. The R&D centre has enabled the company to:
• Develop various hydraulic models
• Upgrade the product range
• Obtain self-sustainability and become a pioneer in design, manufacture, supply and installation of various
types of hydro turbines
Contact Information
Address Nanubhai Amin Marg
Industrial Area, P.O. Chemical Industries,
Vadodara – 390003, Gujarat
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-265-3054631
Fax - +91-265-2281871, 2280671
Email jyotiltd@jyoti.com
Website http://www.jyoti.com/
24
D. Biomass Power
i. Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI)

Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) was established in January 1979. SPRERI is a non-profit
autonomous organization and is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the
Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India.
The goals of the institution are:
• Research and development of renewable energy systems and practices which are technically and
economically sound and that can reduce the dependence of industry and rural sector on fossil fuels
• Demonstration of renewable energy technology successfully integrated into the user systems
• The development and demonstration of techniques to reduce energy losses and energy intensity in
processes and plants
• To act as an independent agency for high quality testing of energy and environment protection systems
• To develop and maintain effective arrangements to transfer RE technology for commercialization
• To develop cooperative/joint R&D programmes with reputed R&D organizations in the country and
outside
Some of the key technologies to emerge from the R&D unit include:
• Conversion of kitchen residues to biogas and manure
• Open core down draft gasifier systems
• Biomass combustor-cum-hot air generator
• Inverted down draft gasifier type biomass cook stoves
• Movable platform type wood cutter for preparing feedstock for gasifier
Contact Information
Address Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute
Post Box No: 2
Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat - 388 120
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-2692-235011, 231332
Fax - +91-2692-237982
Email info@spreri.org
Website http://www.spreri.org/
ii. National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI)

The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) - is amongst one of the constituent national research laboratories
and institutes of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. Originally set up as the
National Botanic Gardens (NBG) by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), it was taken over by the CSIR in
1953. Though, initially engaged in research work in the classical botanical disciplines, the NBG went on laying an
increasing emphasis, in keeping with the national needs and priorities in the field of plant sciences, on its applied
and developmental research activities.
25
The scopes of work of the institute are:

• Basic and Applied Botanical, Horticultural and related Phyto-chemical research on Plants and Plant
Products
• Development of Production Technologies for New Plant Sources of commercial importance
• Building up Germ Plasm Collections of Economic Plants
• Providing Expertise and Assistance for Identification, Supply and Exchange of Plants and Propagules, Garden
Layout and Landscaping
• Collection and Dissemination of Scientific and Technical Information on Economic Plants as well as on the R
& D Activities of the Institute, through publication of scientific and popular literature
Key research areas include:

• Energy plantation for production of biomass for power generation. Currently being implemented in two
phases – I & II
• Technology for creation of renewable energy sources on sub - standard soil sites
• Bamboo production on wastelands
Contact Information
Address National Botanical Research Institute
Rana Pratap Marg
Lucknow – 226001
Uttar Pradesh
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-522-2205848
Email director@nbri.res.in
Website http://www.nbri.res.in/
iii. Combustion gasification and Propulsion Laboratory (CGPL)

The Combustion, Gasification and Propulsion Laboratory (CGPL) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), is involved
in innovative research and developmental activity in the field of Bio-resource in addition to frontier work in
Aerospace propulsion. Besides fundamental studies, this laboratory has developed techniques of gasifying a wide
range of biomass including agro-residues. These techniques have been perfected into small independent power
plants, which could serve thermal or electricity needs of industry or rural society.
The primary areas of research include:

• Biomass gasification
• Biomass stoves
• Biomass gasification (for heat and power)
• Biomass resource assessment
• Precipitated silica
26
Emerging research currently being carried out at the facility includes:

• Torrefaction of bamboo
• Precipitated silica from rice husk ash – IPSIT process
• Optimization studies of turbocharger for producer gas engines
• Adaptation and testing of various models and make of gas engines
• Oxygen gasification
• Development of improved biomass stoves
Contact Details
Address Department of Aerospace Engineering
Indian Institute of Science
Bangalore – 560012
Karnataka
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-522-2205848
Email office@aero.iisc.ernet.in
Website http://www.nbri.res.in/
iv. Radhe Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd.

Radhe Renewable Energy Development Pvt. Ltd. is a flagship company of the Radhe Group of Energy founded
in 1998 with their headquarters in Rajkot, Gujarat, India. The company is engaged in development, designing,
supplying, installing and serving turnkey energy projects mainly based on biomass power production.
RREDPL has an in-house R&D centre recognized by Government of India which is developing new applications.
The R&D centre has facilities to undergo testing of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. The centre primarily carries out
research in the following fields:
• Fluidized bed gasifier
• Solid fuel to liquid
• Algae to liquid fuel
• Efficient dryers
Contact Information
Address Plot No: 2621 / 2622
Road No. - D/2
Gate No. 1, Lodhika G.I.D.C.
Metoda, Kalavad Road
Rajkot
Phone/Fax Phone - +91-2827-287888, 287889
Fax - +91-2827-287887
Email info@radheenergy.com
Website http://www.radheenergy.com/
27
3. APPENDIX
APPENDIX 1
THRUST AREAS FOR R&D SUPPORT IN SOLAR PHOTO-VOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY by

THE MINISTRY of NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY
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 polysilicon 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 l imited 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.
Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells & Modules

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

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 11th plan, with the following objectives.
28
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)
New Materials based Solar Cells

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
Concentrating Solar Cells & Modules

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 11th 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)
Storage System
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 11th Plan:
29
1. Development of long life (5,000 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%.
Balance of System & PV Systems

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
Testing & Characterization Facilities

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.
30
31
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The Renewable Energy Sector in India: an overview of research and activity

2. COMPANIES AND RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY ........................ 12

C. SMALL HYDRO .............................................................................................................................. 23

About this publication

1. THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR IN INDIA

1. SCENARIO AND GROWTH

Growth in the renewable energy sector is driven by several factors:

Table 1: capacity and expected growth in renewable energy in India

SOLAR PV and CSP WIND BIOMASS SMALL HYDRO

Installed capacity (june 2011) < 150 MW 14,000 MW 2,670 MW 3,000 MW

Projected capacity in 2022 20,000 MW 50,000 MW 10,000 MW 5,500 MW in 2015

Table 2: categories of central government incentives

Source of energy Cost of generation Incentives (June 2011)

SOLAR PV 10-12 Rs per kWh Feed-in tariff 12-18 Rs per kWh

SMALL HYDRO 2.5-3 Rs per kWh • Capital subsidies

2. Need for R&D and transfer of technology

2.1 Solar energy

Priorities in the R&D sector are given to:

R&D strategies are oriented toward multiple directions:

- Activated carbon reactor

The R&D priorities set by the MNRE are:

2.4 SMALL HYDRO-POWER

2.5 NEW TECHNOLOGIES

2.5.2 Tidal Energy

2.5.3 Wave Energy

2. COMPANIES AND RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH

2. List of Companies, Research Organisations and NGO’s

Company/Research Institute/NGO Main-line of activity Website

National Physics Laboratory (NPL) Physical sciences http://www.nplindia.org/

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Heavy electrical http://www.bhel.com/

Department of Science and Science & technology http://www.dst.gov.in/scientificprogramme/

Indian Association for the Basic sciences research http://www.iacs.res.in/eru/

National Centre for PV Research PhotoVoltaic (PV) http://www.ncpre.iitb.ac.in/

NTPC Energy Technology Research Power generation http://www.ntpc.co.in/

Solar Energy Centre (SEC) Solar energy technologies http://www.mnre.gov.in/sec/sec-objective. htm

Solar Energy Society of India (SESI) Renewable energy http://www.sesi.in/

Centre for Wind Energy Wind energy http://www.cwet.tn.nic.in

Suzlon Wind turbine http://www.suzlon.com

RRB Energy Limited (RRBEL) Wind power generation http://www.rrbenergy.com/

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Heavy electrical http://www.bhel.com/

National Hydro Power Corporation Hydroelectric power http://www.nhpc.co.in

Alternate Hydro Energy Centre Small hydropower http://ahec.org.in

Jyoti Ltd. Hydraulic engineering http://www.jyoti.com/

Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research and http://www.spreri.org/

National Botanical Research Plant sciences http://www.nbri.res.in/

Combustion gasification and Research and http://www.nbri.res.in/

i. National Physics Laboratory (NPL)

Key research topics include:

ii. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

Key research topics/areas include:

• Development of low-cost encapsulants for double-junction a-Si modules

iii. Department of Science and Technology (DST)

iv. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS)

v. Centre for Renewable Energy and Environment Development (CREED)

The centre is actively involved in:

vi. National Centre for PV Research and Education (NCPRE)

The chief areas of research include:

vii. NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA)

Some of the key initiatives taken by NETRA include:

viii. Solar Energy Centre (SEC)

Key areas of activity include:

ix. Solar Energy Society of India (SESI)

The chief objectives and activities include:

i. Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET)