The Hindu : Business : Solar energy projects in the pipeline

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Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008
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Solar energy projects in the pipeline

Special Correspondent

Renewable energy gaining attention

KOCHI: The petrol prices that zoomed in the past had an inherent message for the alternative energy sector to move away from fossil fuels.

The renewable energy segment is responding with a host of programmes designed to consume lesser petrol and more of non-conventional energy sources.

Kerala, known to have a laidback approach to novel projects of technology, is waking up from its slumber. New proposals on utilisation of renewable energy are getting their due.

A few of the novel schemes are to be unveiled soon. One among them is the floating supermarket to be launched by Consumerfed in November.

The sale of grocery will take place in a boat which will be powered by solar energy. The work on fitting the boat with solar panels is being carried out in Kochi, according to the managing director of Consumerfed, Riji G. Nair.

The project aims at minimising the use of diesel which powers boats, leading to pollution of the pristine backwaters apart from the woes on more petroleum consumption.

A boat, powered by solar panels, has already been introduced by the Kochi-based Casino group in the Alappuzha backwaters.

With increasing demand in the western countries, the solar panels are in short supply. The Kerala government, on its part, has already allowed private players to generate power from wind.

According to official sources, new measures to encourage the sector are being taken.

The government is planning to execute programmes in association with REEEP (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership), a Vienna-based international organisation.

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