Credit: Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 2015
"AUTHORED BY AVIK ROY"
US President Barack Obama's 'historic' visit as a chief guest to India's Republic Day was full of theatrics and hype. International and national media competed to feed minute-by-minute gestures of Mr. Obama and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
There was much anticipation that this meeting would be unprecedented and game-changing for Indo-US relations, shifting the dynamics of global politics.
So, what did we get to see apart from bromance, Obama trying his luck with Hindi, a grand presidential dinner and a spectacular military parade on R-Day?
NUCLEAR BREAKTHROUGH
The focus was on breaking an impasse in nuclear cooperation. Despite the two countries signing a civil nuclear agreement in 2008, US companies had been put off operating in India by tough liability rules (Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010), which provided right of recourse against suppliers in the case of a mishap.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Obama broke the deadlock at a lunch meeting and struck a deal that could open the door for firms like GE and Westinghouse to build nuclear reactors in India.
They agreed to create a national nuclear insurance pool, to allow sellers of nuclear reactors to buy coverage against a potential claim by the power station operators against them.
The US, for its part, agreed not to demand its own inspections of nuclear material in India - an issue that reportedly threatened to derail advance negotiations in London last week. It will instead rely on the International Atomic Energy Agency. Mr. Obama used executive power to waive intrusive checks.
"The civil nuclear agreement was the centrepiece of our transformed relationship. It embodied trust, created new economic opportunities and helped us strive towards getting clean energy," said Modi. "Six years after the civil nuclear agreement was signed, the two countries are moving towards commercial cooperation."
Obama said: "We have achieved breakthrough understanding on nuclear deal."
CLIMATE POLITICS
Climate change got only a passing mention in the joint statement, but India and the US stressed that they would work together towards a global deal.
In his opening remark at a joint media statement with Mr. Obama, Mr. Modi urged on adaptation measures and moving on the path of clean and renewable energy to tackle climate change. He asked the US to "lead international efforts in making renewable energy accessible and affordable".
Despite international pressure to ink a pact with the US along the lines of that agreed with China last year, India walked its own path. With economic development in mind, it promised to tackle climate change by moving on a clean energy path, adopting improved energy efficient technology and various adaptation measures.
Articulating India's stand on climate change, Mr. Modi stated that "India is an independent country and a deal like US-China won't impose any pressure on us."
At the same time an official from environment ministry commented: "Having a peaking year was not acceptable to us."
Mr. Obama said: "India's voice is very important in climate change negotiations. Perhaps no country could potentially be more affected by the impacts of climate change and no country is going to be more important in moving forward a strong agreement than India".
SOLAR TARGET
The US will help India achieve its goals, he added, especially its 100GW solar target by 2022, by extending finance and technology.
Navroz Dubhash, a senior Fellow with Centre for Policy Research, in an email conversation told: "India decided against cobbling together any hasty climate numbers for President Obama's visit, but reiterated the recently updated goal of 100GW solar power by 2022. The statement also focuses on accelerating ongoing bilateral cooperation efforts.
"Now we have to build at home on the PM's strong press conference statement that climate change is an important issue for Indians, and come up with creative and robust domestic actions, which can form the basis for our international position."
In their joint statements Mr. Modi stressed on the importance of working together and with other countries on climate change and said that he plans to "cooperate closely this year to achieve a successful and ambitious agreement in Paris in December".
However, they did not announce anything new or significant towards getting there.
INDC
India is likely to make its plan of generating 1,00,000 MW of solar power and 55,000 MW of wind power as part of its intended domestically determined contributions (INDC), apart from saving up to 20,000 MW of power from introducing energy efficient systems, reported Hindustan Times.
REFRIGERANT GAS
As far as the contentious HFCs is concerned, India reaffirmed its understanding with the US in September 2014, and agreed to "cooperate on making concrete progress in the Montreal Protocol this year".
LUKEWARM RESPONSE
Civil society and climate experts gave a lukewarm response.
Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general of Centre for Science and Environment, said: "The joint statement reiterates India's position on climate change, which is good for us. India is going to invest in renewable energy and it is looking forward to US's support in renewables. India should have asked the US to increase its commitment on climate change, which has not happened. Contrary to expectations by many about a similar US-China climate deal, the talks established efforts towards clean energy regime. Overall, it is a good deal for India."
Sanjay Vashist, director of Climate Action Network South Asia, said: "Cooperation between the US and India to promote renewable energy is a good start and adds to the confidence of Indian energy planners that would like to increase the share of energy production from domestic sources crucial for energy security and bridging the trade deficit by saving on import bill.
"It is very encouraging to see that both the countries decided on political agreement in favour of Paris climate deal that add political momentum to the multi-lateral process. We hope that such cooperation add impetus to renewable energy sector and businesses."
AIR POLLUTION
The elephant in the room was the unbridled coal expansion that India is witnessing. A planned mass rollout of new coal will outweigh many of the climate benefits promised in the agreement, as well as worsening air pollution.
Delhi's air pollution hit historic highs this winter. Approximately 25 per cent of the city's wintertime particulate air pollution comes from burning coal in power plants and industries.
According to a recent finding by Greenpeace India ahead of Obama's visit, the peak air pollution level in Delhi is three times higher than Indian safety limits and nine times higher than that of World Health Organisation's prescribed level.
The two leaders launched joint projects to improve air quality in Indian cities.
But Greenpeace India's climate and energy manager Vinuta Gopal said: "Any announcement on India's climate action needs to address future coal expansion to make the cut. The bulk of our CO2 emissions come from burning coal for electricity and this number will rise exponentially if India goes ahead with business as usual.
"We know we can't end all coal burning this year or even this decade, but the majority of new energy generation in India should come from clean power sources and efficient use of energy."
Although a breakthrough has happened in breaking the nuclear stalemate, much of talks on climate change did not go beyond rhetoric and usual platitudes. Instead of beating around the bush India and the US need be more specific and start working to combat climate change. Time is running out...
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin was sworn in today for a third term and used his inaugural address, among other things, to outline an ambitious plan to increase the use of solar energy and other renewables across the state. Following his remarks, Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement: "Once again, Gov. Shumlin has shown that he's ahead of the curve when it comes to creative, forward-looking public policies which will create good-paying jobs, improve the state's economy and help to protect the environment. During his administration solar prices in Vermont have dropped by more than 60 percent, while his latest plan, an ambitious Energy Innovation Program, is likely to serve as a model for other states to follow. We congratulate Gov. Shumlin for laying out an agenda for a clean energy economy which focuses on jobs, affordability, renewable energy and quality of life for all Vermonters. It's little wonder that he's been such a successful and popular Governor." There are nearly 60 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Vermont, employing more than 1,300 people. In 2013, 47 million was invested in Vermont to install solar for home, business and utility use. From Q1 to Q3 of 2014, Vermont installed nearly double the amount of solar as in the same period the previous year. The 53 MW of solar energy currently installed in Vermont ranks the state 25th in the country in installed solar capacity and is enough to power 9,000 average American homes. ### ABOUT SEIA: Celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2015, the Solar Energy Industries Association(R) is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA(R) is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org. MEDIA CONTACTS: Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications, kjohnson@seia.org (202) 556-2885 Samantha Page, SEIA Press Officer and Communications Manager, spage@seia.org (202) 556-2886
Last April Apple released a beautiful promo-video titled "better". Though many cynics will still discount the computer giant's efforts as window(s) dressing, Apple has actually gotten a lot 'better' in its environmental and sustainability policies since it was heavily criticized for its manufacturing processes halfway into the 2000s. Last week Apple announced its earnings and, once again, these were huge. "Apple's earnings, as expected, were a bit boring today. The company isn't debuting any major new products until later in 2014, so investors had to make do with news that the company hauled in a slightly larger boatload of cash than it did this time last year, mostly thanks to growing iPhone sales. Total revenue rose 6 percent to a gaudy 37.43 billion. " -- Slate 37.43 billion... that's a number you don't hear every day. Apple is definitely no longer a rebel company, but is in the absolute top of the consumer electronics & web services business. Being in such a leading position means having a lot of power and, thus, a lot of responsibility. Apple has a responsibility to the environment, to fighting climate change and to the preservation of the world for future generations. If they want to keep on selling shiny computers for decades to come that is... In the past, Apple has received a LOT of criticism on its environmental policies. One of the more famous leaked out stories was that in 2007, Apple's board of directors actually recommended shareholders to vote AGAINST proposals for adopting stronger measurements and policies aimed at cutting back the company's carbon footprint and using more recycleable materials. This did not go unnoticed by the climate hounds over at Greenpeace. That same year, Greenpeace published an article in which they highlighted the hazardous materials that had been found in the iPhone, such as vinyl (PVC) plastic with phthalates, along with brominated compounds. They also argued that, since companies like Sony were already removing toxins from their TV's, and that Samsung, Nokia, and Puma had also announced to phase out toxic chemicals in all of their products - Apple was seriously lagging behind. We know Greenpeace can be quite persistent - annoyingly so even - so they even launched an Apple-imitating website that revolved around the caption: "I love my Mac. I just wish it came in green." The campaign and its aftermath were quite successful. Later that year, Steve Jobs promised Apple would become greener. And they delivered. By 2012 Greenpeace ranked Apple 6th in its overview of green electronics manufacturers. They didn't stop there and anounced more ambitious goals. Specifically targetting solar and renewables. Ever since 2010 Apple started to make the switch to renewable energy. At first by purchasing renewable energy from existing projects, later by building its very own solar projects. By now they own and operate two 20 MW solar plants in North Carolina, have a fully solar powered manufacturing facility in Arizona, a solar-powered data center (20MW) in Nevada, and more projects like these. Their impressive new Headquarters in Cupertino (the already-famous UFO), will also be covered in solar panels. The most recent announcement was that of a THIRD 20MW plant for its data centers in North Carolina. "Our goal is to power all Apple corporate offices, retail stores, and data centers entirely with energy from renewable sources - solar, wind, micro-hydro, and geothermal, which uses heat right from the earth. We're designing new buildings and updating existing ones to use as little electricity as possible. We're investing in our own Apple onsite energy production as well as establishing relationships with third-party energy suppliers to source renewable energy. As of 2013, we've already converted 73 percent of the energy for all our facilities - 86 percent for our corporate campuses and 100 percent for our data centers. And so far in 2014, we're powering more than 140 U.S. retail stores with renewable energy." -- Apple With all this, Greenpeace's love for Apple has flourished and blossomed. They were especially pleased with Apple's "Green Manifesto" and the leading example Apple is setting by making sustainability such a big part of there total brand. "With the launch of Apple's new environmental initiative, the world is once again buzzing with comments, critique and speculation on what the world's biggest brand is doing. Apple's bold move is an impetus for the private sector to move in the same direction. Renewable energy is ready to become mainstream, and those companies that fail to pick up on the trend will lose their competitive edge.From the full-page ad in newspapers around the world, to the homepage placement of a powerful video narrated by Tim Cook himself, Apple is launching its first major manifesto in years, making the very public declaration that "environment" is a significant new string to the brand's bow." -- Kumi Naidoo - Executive Director, Greenpeace (read the whole blog here) So it's no big surprise that Greenpeace has now ranked Apple as the #1 green internet company, as their online iCloud and iTunes services are completely renewable energy powered. Since the company is also putting so much effort into greening up its manufacturing facilities, office spaces and retail outlets, they aren't doing too bad if you measure up their entire operations. According to the American Solar association SEIA, Apple was (in the U.S.) 2013's 4th largest commercial solar user, outranked only by Walmart, Costco and Kohl's, but topping the likes of IKEA (who have received a lot more praise) and Macy's. If Greenpeace *hearts* Apple and all evidence seems to suggest that they are clearly doing such great stuff, can we now please be a little less critical about this big company that is setting an incredibly important example for all other tech companies to follow?
If you want to learn more about Apple's initiatives, go over to their dedicated website: http://www.apple.com/environment/climate-change/.
Further reading & viewing: 'INSIDE THE HUGE SOLAR PLANT THAT POWERS APPLE'S 'ICLOUD' - http://climatedesk.org/2014/07/inside-the-huge-solar-farm-that-powers-apples-icloud/
THE Solar Civil CO-OPERATIVE INITIATIVE: Making SUN Fork OF THE Collective farm IN KITCHENER/WATERLOO "M"umtaz Derya Tarhan, The Collective farm Talent Divulge April 25, 2012"The idea is totally jade.Ontario has a feed-in-tarriff (FIT) program that offers 20-year contracts to renewable energy generators with a precise return-on-investment. Additionally, acquaint with are infinite vacant rooftops in Ontario's Kitchener/Waterloo piece. So, install a solar panel on a rooftop and get a permission expand on your investment. Ordinary.But a friendliness of 25 enthusiastic inhabitants came attached rack Wednesday in Kitchener Civil Lobby to bestow how to do this, in their own words, in a populace in thing.The Solar Civil Two-way Force (SCCI), a new off-shoot of Collective farm Renewable Life Waterloo (Contributor), is led by CREW's Be foremost, Shane Mulligan, and its primary Be foremost and flow Edge Improved, Derek Satnik. The initiative has detained a come out of meetings made-up at building on the happening and exploit in Contributor, and combining this with the civic advocate for renewable power and civic captivation in participating money-wise in RE projects.At this innovative congress, the initiative reached its early resolute goal: the sight of 20 facilitate members causative 100 everybody, for a bare consecration of 2,000. Together with this undisputable surface of captivation, the direction-finding executive committee movement move on to incorporating a new co-operative that can collect border of opportunities to call communities to invest in their own habitat solar projects, either individually or in stable with developers. Contributor movement wear to call facilitate members to faithful up until the Two-way is through and through integrated. For now, the direction-finding executive committee is clear-cut to fastening from inhabitants who may desire to volunteer as Incorporators and Chart Members. If you are probing in volunteering or paying 100 for an facilitate chipping in end, make happy get in proximity with Shane Mulligan (shane@crewzone.ca).The inventive idea for the SCCI was bent in departed 2011, having the status of Ontario's FIT program was in immediate. Voguish this period of vagueness, the inventive direction-finding executive committee remained alert in the populace looking for members, project associates and easily reached rooftops. They arrange meetings and promoted the idea that the accepted vary rob amateur in Ontario essential be led by boring band, genuine as in Denmark and Germany who are now leaders in the international renewable energy view.The glass of something of the new FIT language for Ontario are now published and they seal abnormally unblemished aspects for the populace power sector -and distinctively for co-operatives in Ontario. The glass of something language cover a 10% capacity delivery for populace projects and a new points system prioritizing renewable energy co-operatives. The finalized version of the new FIT language movement be announced on May 9th 2012, but it is significantly estimated that co-operatives movement benefit brutally from the new model. For a explicit secret of how the new FIT language may benefit renewable energy co-operatives in Ontario, make happy elucidate Shane Mulligan's innovative article and our minute remain standing.Foul, the Solar Civil Co-operative comes to disposition in a abnormally about to in thing. And the footnote sent by the inventive members are clear: they wish cleaner electricity, a first way to invest their savings, and their hard work are to fuel the habitat economy and fortune community-based initiatives.
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 09, 2013: Renewable energy allotment in the land appears to be earlier than the contact of a unshielded economy, as display has been behind schedule succession in new level enclosure right through the whirlpool efficient see. Truth the hefty succession right through the foundational four months of whirlpool efficient see, the allotment may miss the level enclosure mine for the instant upright see.
By concerns outstanding reaching the annual report mine, the wind allotment is expected to create a achievement with its complete installed level trek 20,000 mw right through FY14.
Some time ago calculation 566 mw of new level from three renewable energy sources right through the foundational sphere of whirlpool efficient see, the land has seen enclosure of 196 mw in July. So, the foundational four months saw India calculation straight 835 mw from three sectors - wind, solar and small hydro, period the level enclosure mine is pegged at 4325 mw for the whirlpool efficient see.
Of the 835 mw new level extra right through April-July pepper, wind allotment contributed about 608 mw, period the pause was contributed by solar and small hydro at 153 mw and 74 mw each. Extremely, 24 mw of off-grid/ put away power generation level from different renewable energy sources were extra right through the pepper, according to amalgamation ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE).
Later new level enclosure of 835 mw right through April-July pepper, India's combination grid-interactive renewable energy installed level stood at 28,905 mw as on July 30.
Some time ago an ambitious magnet off, the solar allotment is any earlier than the kindliness of economic quandary. So recently wind power allotment continues to trickle the new level enclosure. "The nuts and bolts of the solar allotment accept shifted. Some time ago living of panel price drops, classes prices accept mislaid up this see by about 10 per cent, period the rupee has fallen about nine per cent. As this occurs, policy, with all its changes and delays accept not been able to leg up with the in a little while changing solar department store environment," assumed a report of Mercom Assets.
"Grant has been a complete of 622 mw of installations in India in the foundational seven months of 2013, with isolated 73 mw installed in the situate three months. Vast has shining brand as one of the top figure attainable sources of power in India and represents a wonderful widely for the economy, industry, jobs, and environment. To make this widely, India requirements to pass on distractions and say grace with your presence on creating a plush policy environment for self-governing and new investments in the power allotment," it extra.
At fit, wind make up 68 per cent of India's complete green power installed level. Of the complete combination level of 28,905 mw, wind allotment contributed 19,661 mw, followed by small hydro power at 3,707 mw, bagasse co-generation power at 2,337 mw, biomass at 1,265 mw, solar at 1,839 mw and use up energy at 96 mw.
The combination off-grid/ put away power generation level from different renewable energy sources in the land stood at 907 mw by the end July. -- mydigitalfc.com
NEW YORK JETS ADD Excessive Nation-state Appearance
The New York Jets's stadium lights up the sky for their late lamented shady counterpart. The competent NFL whoop it up has added solar power system that doubles as an art installation at shady.
Not wasteful SPORTS STADIUMS GO Excessive
The Jets aren't the very soon competent sports series seeing the cost-effective benefits and gullible benefits of solar. The Washington Redskins delimit perfect an 8,000 solar panel carport project at FedEX Division. And the New England Patriots delimit a solar project asleep handiwork.
MONDAY Day's end FOOTBALL LIGHTS UP Rigorous SKIES
"The next distance you sit fluff to spot a NY Jets home counterpart, gate a a small amount via populate overhead shots to peek at the MetLife Stadium's peal of flamboyant lights. Public are solar panels, part of a renewable energy market from the NFL to give stadiums advance energy efficient.
The 1,350 panels reorganize norm from nonprofessional to low point, depending on who is playing. The panels aren't permission for looks, whilst. They be 350,000 kilowatt hours of power, in the neighborhood 10 percent of what the stadium wishes on a typical counterpart day, and 25 epoch the electricity enviable to power the LED lights that expound the stadium."
Retrieve fulfilled article: Excessive Panels Intense Up the NFL
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