As I stand in the middle of a farmland somewhere in Baramati with a farmer who owns more than 40 acres of land there and see him smiling as his fortunes are changing, I wonder how much aware we are about this quiet revolution happening in agriculture in India. It is interesting to see that his land is today valued at close to one crore (10 million) rupees, his annual income per acre is more than fifty thousand rupees, his yield has increased by 2-3 times because of better seeds and drip irrigation, and his quality of life is much better than that of those in the so called plush urban dwellings. I have a strong inclination and urge to become a farmer as I stand there under the cool breeze and bright sun. Well, I cannot become a farmer now so I have decided to put more attention to agriculture investing and help the farming ecosystem in India in order that all farmers in India can smile like the one I met in Baramati.
Agriculture can be very distinctly divided into pre and post harvest spaces. The pre-harvest space includes inputs like seed, fertilizer, and pesticide from companies and the post harvest space includes procurement, processing, and marketing of agricultural produce. Both these spaces, especially the pre-harvest one is seeing a lot of activity principally in the seed and drip irrigation spaces. The post harvest space is still evolving but has the highest potential to grow as the warehousing, agriculture-logistics, and food-processing activities pick up. Also players like National Spot Exchange are creating platforms that will enable farmers get better price for agriculture commodities.
Agriculture in India is a more than 100 billion dollar market, which can easily double since our average yields are less than half of global averages. India has the highest arable land area next to the US, and therefore has a huge potential to become a global farm basket. Also with better irrigation and seeds, you can rotate crops multiple times in a year rather than 1-2 times, which can again increase the farm output of India.
But the fact is that agriculture in India is growing at a dismal annual average of 1-2 percent. There is lot of government involvement in agriculture, which hinders the growth of this sector. The farmers in India are among the least educated about different crop technologies and have limited access to capital. The farmer today gets only a minuscule share of the price of the farm produce. The subterranean water table in India is going down every year; 80 percent of the lands in Punjab and Rajasthan are already in a critical condition.
All these problems are also interesting opportunities if you sit down and think. Jain Irrigation captured it in drip irrigation, Monsanto in BT cotton, and players like Sohanlal in post harvest crop management. As a budding cleantech entrepreneur, this may be a space that could yield you more money and more satisfaction in the long run.
Manoj Gupta
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
CleanTech Mentoring Workshop on 19th March 2010 - Mumbai
TiE Mumbai in association with New Ventures India (NVI) and CII are pleased to announce a CleanTech Mentoring Workshop aimed at creating robust CleanTech businesses that combine entrepreneurial energy, professional expertise and sagacious advice to have serious growth and revenue potential.
Workshop Objectives
• Mentor CleanTech businesses and enable frank conversations on business
models, risks and collaboration
• Connect CleanTech entrepreneurs with investors and talent
Who is this workshop for?
• CleanTech Entrepreneurs – to engage for your Investment and Talent needs
• Larger CleanTech Companies to engage with Entrepreneurs and Talent
• Seasoned Entrepreneurs & Mentors – to join Advisory Boards
• Experienced Managers – to understand opportunities in this space
• Inventors, Researchers and Incubators – to collaborate with business
professionals
Target Sectors
Renewable Energy, Smart Grid & Energy Efficiency, Water, Waste Management/Recycling, Other Clean Technologies, Sustainable Agriculture and Eco Tourism
Workshop format
Pre – workshop:
CleanTech companies send in a brief profile, that will be vetted by a select group of seasoned entrepreneurs and mentors, by 11th March
At the workshop:
• Each company makes a 5 – 7 minute presentation
• Managers/Consultants/Mentors make 2 – 3 minute presentations on the services
they can provide to companies
• Post lunch, each company spends 30 minutes with a select group of mentors
(of your choice) on a focussed discussion
To Register:
Please drop a mail with a brief profile of your business to:
Shabnam : shabnam@tiemumbai.org
Phone : 022 – 42200106
Last date for registrations: 11th March ‘10
Manoj Gupta
Workshop Objectives
• Mentor CleanTech businesses and enable frank conversations on business
models, risks and collaboration
• Connect CleanTech entrepreneurs with investors and talent
Who is this workshop for?
• CleanTech Entrepreneurs – to engage for your Investment and Talent needs
• Larger CleanTech Companies to engage with Entrepreneurs and Talent
• Seasoned Entrepreneurs & Mentors – to join Advisory Boards
• Experienced Managers – to understand opportunities in this space
• Inventors, Researchers and Incubators – to collaborate with business
professionals
Target Sectors
Renewable Energy, Smart Grid & Energy Efficiency, Water, Waste Management/Recycling, Other Clean Technologies, Sustainable Agriculture and Eco Tourism
Workshop format
Pre – workshop:
CleanTech companies send in a brief profile, that will be vetted by a select group of seasoned entrepreneurs and mentors, by 11th March
At the workshop:
• Each company makes a 5 – 7 minute presentation
• Managers/Consultants/Mentors make 2 – 3 minute presentations on the services
they can provide to companies
• Post lunch, each company spends 30 minutes with a select group of mentors
(of your choice) on a focussed discussion
To Register:
Please drop a mail with a brief profile of your business to:
Shabnam : shabnam@tiemumbai.org
Phone : 022 – 42200106
Last date for registrations: 11th March ‘10
Manoj Gupta
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
CleanTech Agri - A framework
If you are interested in how cleantech impacts Agri in India, please see this ppt which I presented at CleanTech Forum in Delhi last year:
http://cleantech.com/documents/forums/2009/xxiv_delhi/presentations/speakers/Manoj_Gupta.pdf
Cheers
Manoj Gupta
http://cleantech.com/documents/forums/2009/xxiv_delhi/presentations/speakers/Manoj_Gupta.pdf
Cheers
Manoj Gupta
Monday, January 11, 2010
City Meet - Bangalore - Manoj Gupta - Nexus Venture Partners
Hi all,
I will be in Bangalore on Friday and would like to meet entrepreneurs and professionals in Agri, Rural, Cleantech and Financial services sector. If you are interested in having coffee with me for half an hour, please drop me an email for a slot.
Date: Jan 15, 2010, Friday
Time: 2PM-5PM
Location: Barista Coffee - Leela Palace Hotel, Airport Road, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008, India - 080 41265329
RSVP: manoj@nexusvp.com
Let me know as soon as possible as slots fill fast!
Manoj Gupta
Nexus Venture Partners
+91-22-6626-0000
http://www.nexusvp.com
I will be in Bangalore on Friday and would like to meet entrepreneurs and professionals in Agri, Rural, Cleantech and Financial services sector. If you are interested in having coffee with me for half an hour, please drop me an email for a slot.
Date: Jan 15, 2010, Friday
Time: 2PM-5PM
Location: Barista Coffee - Leela Palace Hotel, Airport Road, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008, India - 080 41265329
RSVP: manoj@nexusvp.com
Let me know as soon as possible as slots fill fast!
Manoj Gupta
Nexus Venture Partners
+91-22-6626-0000
http://www.nexusvp.com
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Largest Gathering of Cleantech Companies in India - Notes
TiE Hyderabad organized the ‘Largest Gathering of Cleantech Companies in India’. The conference was held in partnership with Nexus, SONG and New Ventures India. The event was a focused “no-frills” networking event of investors and entrepreneurs. The day was divided into 4 sections: Smart Grid, Energy Efficiency, Recycling and Renewable Energy. Companies operating in each area presented their business story in a small presentation to the audience and investors also talked about their investing interests.
Acumen Fund, Applied Materials, Atlas Advisory, Breathe Ventures, GEF, IDG, IFC(W), Lightspeed, Mumbai Angels, Nereus Capital, Siemens Venture Capital, SIDBI and YES Bank were the investors who attended apart, of course, from Nexus and SONG. That’s 15 investors all seriously interested in cleantech in India.
The morning sessions on Smart Grid and Energy Efficiency merged into each other as is the nature of business in this end of the Cleantech spectrum. Satyam, CEO of NeoSilica, who also played a key role in organizing the conference in his role as the TiE SIG head, presented the overall picture. The remote data collection and control idea was found in:
• Connect M, a IDG and Sasken company, develops applications that collect data remotely targeted at a broad set of businesses but also to utilities
• Autoboxx provides remote monitoring with respect to energy usage in air conditioned areas.
• Neureol which provides remote monitoring of infrastructure in telecom towers and power utilities.
The smart metering idea found resonance in:
• PowerMax Global which develops communication products that enable smart metering.
• Analogics which focuses on efficient metering and communication solutions.
The energy efficient theme was found in:
• Kakatiya Energy Systems develops lighting controls for energy efficient lighting.
• Unidyne which manufactures energy efficient air conditioning systems.
• NEST which manufacturers efficient solar lanterns.
The recycling section had the following highlights:
• E waste recycling by Ekoreco which has been one of the pioneers in this field and Greenscape. Inspite of the lack of mandatory regulation there is a market for several players in this field.
• Plastic waste to oil up-cycling by Samki Teck
The transportation sector was held up India’s pioneer in the area of electric bikes: Eko Vehicles.
The renewable energy section had several flavors. First among them was Biomass Gasification. The two presenters in this were Ankur Scientific, one of the technology pioneers in India and AllGreen Energy, which is using the technology for rural electrification.
The Biofuels section was led by Nandan, India’s leader in jethropa R&D and Indian Bio- Diesel Corporation, Baramati which is building local communities that will manufacture bio-diesel.
The hydro section had SCG India as the lone participant who is trying to develop micro hydro sites in Himachal Pradesh.
The solar section had representation from Nuetech Solar, the 4th largest player in the solar thermal area, Sharada with a broad range of products in solar and SuRe which is innovating in the solar PV area.
A presentation that was not enterprise or investor related was that of Ashok Das, representing World Bank InfoDev which explored the possibility of setting up a Innovation Center to foster and support the cleantech ecosystem.
We also had an interesting presentation from Higgs Advertising – building cleantech markets is a critical challenge.
The closing presentation of the day was made by Razvan Maximiuc of the Cleantech Group, who made the really sobering point that the pace of Cleantech in India did not match up either to the size of the opportunity or the requirements from a climate change standpoint.
Incidentally, that was probably the only time “Copenhagen” was mentioned in the conference. The challenges to cleantech entrepreneurship are closer to home.
Manoj/Sanjoy/Kartik/Satyam
Acumen Fund, Applied Materials, Atlas Advisory, Breathe Ventures, GEF, IDG, IFC(W), Lightspeed, Mumbai Angels, Nereus Capital, Siemens Venture Capital, SIDBI and YES Bank were the investors who attended apart, of course, from Nexus and SONG. That’s 15 investors all seriously interested in cleantech in India.
The morning sessions on Smart Grid and Energy Efficiency merged into each other as is the nature of business in this end of the Cleantech spectrum. Satyam, CEO of NeoSilica, who also played a key role in organizing the conference in his role as the TiE SIG head, presented the overall picture. The remote data collection and control idea was found in:
• Connect M, a IDG and Sasken company, develops applications that collect data remotely targeted at a broad set of businesses but also to utilities
• Autoboxx provides remote monitoring with respect to energy usage in air conditioned areas.
• Neureol which provides remote monitoring of infrastructure in telecom towers and power utilities.
The smart metering idea found resonance in:
• PowerMax Global which develops communication products that enable smart metering.
• Analogics which focuses on efficient metering and communication solutions.
The energy efficient theme was found in:
• Kakatiya Energy Systems develops lighting controls for energy efficient lighting.
• Unidyne which manufactures energy efficient air conditioning systems.
• NEST which manufacturers efficient solar lanterns.
The recycling section had the following highlights:
• E waste recycling by Ekoreco which has been one of the pioneers in this field and Greenscape. Inspite of the lack of mandatory regulation there is a market for several players in this field.
• Plastic waste to oil up-cycling by Samki Teck
The transportation sector was held up India’s pioneer in the area of electric bikes: Eko Vehicles.
The renewable energy section had several flavors. First among them was Biomass Gasification. The two presenters in this were Ankur Scientific, one of the technology pioneers in India and AllGreen Energy, which is using the technology for rural electrification.
The Biofuels section was led by Nandan, India’s leader in jethropa R&D and Indian Bio- Diesel Corporation, Baramati which is building local communities that will manufacture bio-diesel.
The hydro section had SCG India as the lone participant who is trying to develop micro hydro sites in Himachal Pradesh.
The solar section had representation from Nuetech Solar, the 4th largest player in the solar thermal area, Sharada with a broad range of products in solar and SuRe which is innovating in the solar PV area.
A presentation that was not enterprise or investor related was that of Ashok Das, representing World Bank InfoDev which explored the possibility of setting up a Innovation Center to foster and support the cleantech ecosystem.
We also had an interesting presentation from Higgs Advertising – building cleantech markets is a critical challenge.
The closing presentation of the day was made by Razvan Maximiuc of the Cleantech Group, who made the really sobering point that the pace of Cleantech in India did not match up either to the size of the opportunity or the requirements from a climate change standpoint.
Incidentally, that was probably the only time “Copenhagen” was mentioned in the conference. The challenges to cleantech entrepreneurship are closer to home.
Manoj/Sanjoy/Kartik/Satyam
Monday, December 7, 2009
Biggest gathering of CleanTech companies in India - Hyderabad - Dec. 17, 2009
TIE Hyderabad along with New Ventures India, Nexus Venture Partners and SONG Advisors are organizing the biggest gathering of Cleantech companies in India. Here Cleantech companies will get a chance to meet and pitch to leading CleanTech investors and also meet other fellow Cleantech companies. You are cordially invited to attend this. Please register yourself as soon as possible. Also please see attached mailer.
Series: "TIE CleanTech SIG - India"
Event title: "Biggest Gathering of CleanTech Companies in India"
Date: Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009
Time: 9AM-6PM
Location: Marriot Convention Center
Opposite Hussain Sagar Lake,Tank Bund Road
Hyderabad, 500080 India
Phone: +91 40 27522999
Fees: Rs. 500 (TIE members), Rs. 1000 (Non-TIE members)
Website: http://www.tie-isbconnect.com/cleantech/
Registration: http://www.meraevents.com/event/tie_cleantech_hyderabad
Agenda:
9:00AM-1:00PM :: Renewable Energy Session – Presentation by 20 Renewable energy companies
1:00PM-2:00PM :: Lunch Break
2:00PM-4:00PM :: Energy Efficiency and Services – Presentation by 10 Energy Efficiency companies
4:00PM-5:00PM :: Recycling and Transportation Session – Presentation by 5 Recycling companies
5:00PM-6:00PM :: Smart Grid and M2M Session – Presentation by 5 Smart Grid Companies
Series: "TIE CleanTech SIG - India"
Event title: "Biggest Gathering of CleanTech Companies in India"
Date: Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009
Time: 9AM-6PM
Location: Marriot Convention Center
Opposite Hussain Sagar Lake,Tank Bund Road
Hyderabad, 500080 India
Phone: +91 40 27522999
Fees: Rs. 500 (TIE members), Rs. 1000 (Non-TIE members)
Website: http://www.tie-isbconnect.com/cleantech/
Registration: http://www.meraevents.com/event/tie_cleantech_hyderabad
Agenda:
9:00AM-1:00PM :: Renewable Energy Session – Presentation by 20 Renewable energy companies
1:00PM-2:00PM :: Lunch Break
2:00PM-4:00PM :: Energy Efficiency and Services – Presentation by 10 Energy Efficiency companies
4:00PM-5:00PM :: Recycling and Transportation Session – Presentation by 5 Recycling companies
5:00PM-6:00PM :: Smart Grid and M2M Session – Presentation by 5 Smart Grid Companies
Monday, November 30, 2009
National Solar Mission - Key Highlights
Government of India approved last week National Solar mission under which following targets and policy changes will happen:
• Create an enabling policy framework for the deployment of 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022.
• Ramp up capacity of grid-connected solar power generation to 1000 MW within three years – by 2013;
• Achieve 15 million sq. meters solar thermal collector area by 2017 and 20 million by 2022 (about 10 GWth).
• Deploy 20 million solar lighting systems for rural areas by 2022. MNRE will give 90% subsidy for solar lights distributed to off grid villages.
• Key thing in this is that NTPC will now be the power trader for solar power projects and sell the aggregated power to utilities. This will help power project developers to deal with only a single entity rather than multiple entities to get feed-in tariff.
• PPA will be 25 years rather than 10 years now.
• Setting up of a National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education at IIT, Mumbai drawing upon its Department of Energy Science and Engineering and its Centre for Excellence in Nano-Electronics.
Manoj
• Create an enabling policy framework for the deployment of 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022.
• Ramp up capacity of grid-connected solar power generation to 1000 MW within three years – by 2013;
• Achieve 15 million sq. meters solar thermal collector area by 2017 and 20 million by 2022 (about 10 GWth).
• Deploy 20 million solar lighting systems for rural areas by 2022. MNRE will give 90% subsidy for solar lights distributed to off grid villages.
• Key thing in this is that NTPC will now be the power trader for solar power projects and sell the aggregated power to utilities. This will help power project developers to deal with only a single entity rather than multiple entities to get feed-in tariff.
• PPA will be 25 years rather than 10 years now.
• Setting up of a National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education at IIT, Mumbai drawing upon its Department of Energy Science and Engineering and its Centre for Excellence in Nano-Electronics.
Manoj
Monday, November 16, 2009
Ajanta eyes China firm for Rs 1lakh electric car
The $325 million (Rs 1,500-crore) company, which also makes electric bikes, vitrified tiles and CFL lamps, has made a layout of Rs 100 crore to acquire an existing assembly unit of an undisclosed carmaker, which can roll out 5,000 units a year. The deal is likely to be inked within this year as valuations are currently low.
An executive in the company, who did not want to be named, also said that the group would come out with its own brand ‘Oreva’ for the cars and indigenise the design so that it suits the urban population that it intends to target. Oreva, derived from the names of Ajanta’s founder OR Patel and his wife Revaben, is an existing brand for its tiles.
Ajanta group director Jaysukh Patel refused to comment on his plans on the acquisition. He, however, said, “We have not yet decided on it but are seeking government support so that we can develop cheaper vehicles for the Indian market.” VAT and excise duty put together make almost a fourth of the total manufacturing costs of the vehicle. “If the costs are lowered, we are capable of manufacturing batterypowered cars at Rs 1 lakh or less,” he said. The acquisition will help the company acquire technologies for moulding, designs and battery production among others. Also, it would help in creating and establishing a new market for electric cars in India.
Two years ago, the group ventured into two-wheeler electric vehicles two years back with an investment of around Rs 300 crore. It manufactures close to 10,000 bikes every year at its Kutch facility.
Mr Patel, who along with his father and uncle Manubhai Patel (who now runs the Samay group), had launched Ajanta clocks in the early 1980s and stunned the market with sub-Rs 100 clocks, has already designed a prototype of the vehicle and is personally driving it around on his 400-acres manufacturing facility near Morbi, near Rajkot. The prototype runs 120 kms per charge of 7 units of electricity, costing nearly Rs 35 per charge.
“We have designed more than 10 battery powered cars of 4-seater and 6-seater capacity and are testing them now,” Mr Patel said. He also claimed that the 6-seater would cost nearly Rs 1.5 lakh while 4-seater can be available at Rs 1 lakh. Ajanta was planning to set up a battery production unit near Morbi so that it can bring down costs further, but it dropped such plans owing to raw material issues. The group has a strong distribution network already with a diversified product portfolio and claims it can modify some distribution centres across the country into charging-cum-maintenance stations.
Manoj
An executive in the company, who did not want to be named, also said that the group would come out with its own brand ‘Oreva’ for the cars and indigenise the design so that it suits the urban population that it intends to target. Oreva, derived from the names of Ajanta’s founder OR Patel and his wife Revaben, is an existing brand for its tiles.
Ajanta group director Jaysukh Patel refused to comment on his plans on the acquisition. He, however, said, “We have not yet decided on it but are seeking government support so that we can develop cheaper vehicles for the Indian market.” VAT and excise duty put together make almost a fourth of the total manufacturing costs of the vehicle. “If the costs are lowered, we are capable of manufacturing batterypowered cars at Rs 1 lakh or less,” he said. The acquisition will help the company acquire technologies for moulding, designs and battery production among others. Also, it would help in creating and establishing a new market for electric cars in India.
Two years ago, the group ventured into two-wheeler electric vehicles two years back with an investment of around Rs 300 crore. It manufactures close to 10,000 bikes every year at its Kutch facility.
Mr Patel, who along with his father and uncle Manubhai Patel (who now runs the Samay group), had launched Ajanta clocks in the early 1980s and stunned the market with sub-Rs 100 clocks, has already designed a prototype of the vehicle and is personally driving it around on his 400-acres manufacturing facility near Morbi, near Rajkot. The prototype runs 120 kms per charge of 7 units of electricity, costing nearly Rs 35 per charge.
“We have designed more than 10 battery powered cars of 4-seater and 6-seater capacity and are testing them now,” Mr Patel said. He also claimed that the 6-seater would cost nearly Rs 1.5 lakh while 4-seater can be available at Rs 1 lakh. Ajanta was planning to set up a battery production unit near Morbi so that it can bring down costs further, but it dropped such plans owing to raw material issues. The group has a strong distribution network already with a diversified product portfolio and claims it can modify some distribution centres across the country into charging-cum-maintenance stations.
Manoj
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Northern Lights Energy and REVA to jointly develop electric vehicles market in Iceland
Northern Lights Energy (NLE), the initiator of the 2012 project and provider of infrastructure and services for Electric Vehicles (EV) based in Iceland has signed an agreement with REVA to jointly develop the electric vehicle market in Iceland.
NLE will have exclusive distribution rights for the NXR, the new model premiered by REVA at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and consequent follow-up models, such as the sports coupé NXG, which will be launched in 2011. The sales and marketing of the car will commence in the second half of 2010 and customer deliveries at the end of 2010.
REVA today has the world’s largest test fleet of electric cars, with more than 3,000 vehicles in 24 countries and more than 85 million kms of on road data. The company recently announced a joint venture with General Motors India to provide the electric powertrain and energy management systems for the new Chevrolet Spark and a new 30,000 unit REVA assembly plant – expected to be one of the greenest in the world – is under construction in India. Iceland is also being considered by REVA as a possible site for a European assembly plant. The REVA NXR is a four-seat, three-door hatchback family car suitable for urban driving. Top speed is 104 kph with a range of 160 km per charge. If using the 90 minute fast charge (normal charging is eight hours), the REVA NXR offers an effective range of 320km a day. A fast charge for 15 minutes will provide a 40 km range.
NLE is working on developing a (re)charging infrastructure system for Electric Vehicles and vehicle exchange service to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Iceland. “Iceland is an island and with its advanced electric grid technology using 100 per cent renewable energy in electricity production is a perfect location for zero emission electric vehicles” says Gisli Gislason, the chairman of NLE. In addition to importing new EV models to Iceland, NLE is also working on developing systems to convert the current internal combustion engine (ICE) car fleet into Electric Cars. “We are working with a number of parties in Denmark and Finland to enable the conversion process of the current cars running in Iceland to support a swift development of the Electric Vehicle market. The mission is to place Iceland in the forefront of countries that uses sustainable energy sources for its personal vehicle fleet, moving away from fossil fuels, saving billions of ISKs for the society and reducing the 680.000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is annually being emitted by the personal vehicle fleet in Iceland. This is what the Project 2012 is all about.” says Sighvatur Lárusson, the chief operating officer of NLE. “
“We are very excited about the partnership with NLE. The 2012 project is one of the most ambitious yet achievable transport electrification projects in the world today and we are pleased to be able to contribute our technologies and products” said Keith Johnston, president, European Operations at REVA.
It is to be mentioned that Northern Lights Energy is an Icelandic investment company, targeting environmental friendly projects, leading in the field of environmental and renewable energy solutions. Project 2012 is an initiative of Northern Lights Energy which has committed to build in Iceland, the first nationwide charging infrastructure in the world, before the yearend 2012.
Manoj
NLE will have exclusive distribution rights for the NXR, the new model premiered by REVA at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and consequent follow-up models, such as the sports coupé NXG, which will be launched in 2011. The sales and marketing of the car will commence in the second half of 2010 and customer deliveries at the end of 2010.
REVA today has the world’s largest test fleet of electric cars, with more than 3,000 vehicles in 24 countries and more than 85 million kms of on road data. The company recently announced a joint venture with General Motors India to provide the electric powertrain and energy management systems for the new Chevrolet Spark and a new 30,000 unit REVA assembly plant – expected to be one of the greenest in the world – is under construction in India. Iceland is also being considered by REVA as a possible site for a European assembly plant. The REVA NXR is a four-seat, three-door hatchback family car suitable for urban driving. Top speed is 104 kph with a range of 160 km per charge. If using the 90 minute fast charge (normal charging is eight hours), the REVA NXR offers an effective range of 320km a day. A fast charge for 15 minutes will provide a 40 km range.
NLE is working on developing a (re)charging infrastructure system for Electric Vehicles and vehicle exchange service to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Iceland. “Iceland is an island and with its advanced electric grid technology using 100 per cent renewable energy in electricity production is a perfect location for zero emission electric vehicles” says Gisli Gislason, the chairman of NLE. In addition to importing new EV models to Iceland, NLE is also working on developing systems to convert the current internal combustion engine (ICE) car fleet into Electric Cars. “We are working with a number of parties in Denmark and Finland to enable the conversion process of the current cars running in Iceland to support a swift development of the Electric Vehicle market. The mission is to place Iceland in the forefront of countries that uses sustainable energy sources for its personal vehicle fleet, moving away from fossil fuels, saving billions of ISKs for the society and reducing the 680.000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is annually being emitted by the personal vehicle fleet in Iceland. This is what the Project 2012 is all about.” says Sighvatur Lárusson, the chief operating officer of NLE. “
“We are very excited about the partnership with NLE. The 2012 project is one of the most ambitious yet achievable transport electrification projects in the world today and we are pleased to be able to contribute our technologies and products” said Keith Johnston, president, European Operations at REVA.
It is to be mentioned that Northern Lights Energy is an Icelandic investment company, targeting environmental friendly projects, leading in the field of environmental and renewable energy solutions. Project 2012 is an initiative of Northern Lights Energy which has committed to build in Iceland, the first nationwide charging infrastructure in the world, before the yearend 2012.
Manoj
CleanTech news this week
Biogas plant moves forward in Chennai
November 6, 2009 - Best of the web - Market’s organic waste to be processed for power under new 12-year agreement between local development authority and Ramky Enviro Engineers.
India’s Avesthagen teams with Limagrain on seed tech
November 2, 2009 - by Lisa Sibley - New joint venture is expected to generate modified seeds to help farmers in India and other emerging markets combat drought, salinity and grow better quality produce.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
November 3, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Olympus Capital closes its Asian Environmental Fund, while Ind-Barath Power Infra raises $100 million in private equity funding.
Manoj
November 6, 2009 - Best of the web - Market’s organic waste to be processed for power under new 12-year agreement between local development authority and Ramky Enviro Engineers.
India’s Avesthagen teams with Limagrain on seed tech
November 2, 2009 - by Lisa Sibley - New joint venture is expected to generate modified seeds to help farmers in India and other emerging markets combat drought, salinity and grow better quality produce.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
November 3, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Olympus Capital closes its Asian Environmental Fund, while Ind-Barath Power Infra raises $100 million in private equity funding.
Manoj
Thursday, November 5, 2009
CleanTech News This Week
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
October 29, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - IPO expected to boost funds for India's planned clean city, while cleantech investments flow into Hyderabad and REVA moves forward with ‘reverse innovation’.
Making money off India's resource scarcity
October 28, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Eleven startups made their pitches to investors at The Cleantech Group's Delhi forum. Here's the cream of the crop.
Manoj Gupta
October 29, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - IPO expected to boost funds for India's planned clean city, while cleantech investments flow into Hyderabad and REVA moves forward with ‘reverse innovation’.
Making money off India's resource scarcity
October 28, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Eleven startups made their pitches to investors at The Cleantech Group's Delhi forum. Here's the cream of the crop.
Manoj Gupta
CleanTech News This Week
Indian carmaker Reva to manufacture in NY
October 23, 2009 - by Lisa Sibley - Bangalore-based EV maker to produce more than 20,000 cars a year at new facility, employing 100 people.
Three solar firms picked for Andhra Pradesh development
October 22, 2009 - Best of the web - AES, Lanco and Sunborne are the first to be selected for 5,000 of 20,000 acres deemed suitable for solar power.
Clenergen to launch new biomass power plants in India
October 21, 2009 - News brief - First 1.5 MW plant is back on because of a power purchase agreement with PTC India offering a higher tariff rate.
Manoj Gupta
October 23, 2009 - by Lisa Sibley - Bangalore-based EV maker to produce more than 20,000 cars a year at new facility, employing 100 people.
Three solar firms picked for Andhra Pradesh development
October 22, 2009 - Best of the web - AES, Lanco and Sunborne are the first to be selected for 5,000 of 20,000 acres deemed suitable for solar power.
Clenergen to launch new biomass power plants in India
October 21, 2009 - News brief - First 1.5 MW plant is back on because of a power purchase agreement with PTC India offering a higher tariff rate.
Manoj Gupta
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
D.LIGHT LAUNCHES WORLD’S MOST AFFORDABLE QUALITY SOLAR LANTERN
“Kerosene-Killing” Solar Product Retails at USD10 in Off-Grid Markets Around the World
New Delhi, India, 21 October 2009 – D.light Design today announced the launch of the Kiran, their most innovative and low-cost solar lighting solution to date, designed especially for households without access to electricity. Dubbed the “kerosene killer,” the Kiran retails at USD10, making it the most affordable quality solar lantern in the world.
“D.light continues to be at the forefront of providing innovative and affordable technology solutions for off-grid families around the world,” said D.light CEO Sam Goldman. “We believe the exceptional quality of the Kiran lantern, delivered at a low and affordable price, will make it a serious competitor to kerosene and other fuel-based lighting in every rural market.”
The Kiran is five times brighter than a kerosene lantern and can be fully charged in a day under the sun. It provides bright, 360-degree illumination for working, studying, or traveling. There are two light settings, which offer up to 8 hours of light on a full charge. With an integrated solar panel and a multiple-setting handle, the lantern is extremely flexible and easy to use. For households with access to grid electricity, the Kiran can also be AC-charged with a standard Nokia phone adapter.
“D.light’s latest innovation, the Kiran, is based on hundreds of hours of market research,” said D.light’s Head of Product Design Robin Chilton. “We know what our customers want: An attractive, durable product that provides enough hours of bright light every day at a price point they can afford. This is the solution that will effectively replace the kerosene lantern.”
Recent market tests establish the Kiran as a viable and desirable alternative to kerosene. Customer feedback consistently praised the product’s ease of use, durability, and bright light. According to Niwrtti Jawane, a welder from Miraj Village in India: “The Kiran has benefitted us in several ways: It is portable, has good brightness, and prevents the harmful effects of kerosene fumes. This purchase has been a good one-time investment. As there are no costs for recharging, it will be economical over time. We are happy with our purchase as it is a definite improvement over the emergency lights, kerosene lamps and candles previously used.”
The Kiran is currently available for purchase by end-user customers through D.light dealers and distributors in India and internationally. Distributors may also contact D.light’s Sales offices to place orders.
Additional D.light products available for sale are the Nova Series, premium solar lanterns with features including mobile phone charging capabilities, and the Solata, a high-quality solar task lamp.
Manoj Gupta
New Delhi, India, 21 October 2009 – D.light Design today announced the launch of the Kiran, their most innovative and low-cost solar lighting solution to date, designed especially for households without access to electricity. Dubbed the “kerosene killer,” the Kiran retails at USD10, making it the most affordable quality solar lantern in the world.
“D.light continues to be at the forefront of providing innovative and affordable technology solutions for off-grid families around the world,” said D.light CEO Sam Goldman. “We believe the exceptional quality of the Kiran lantern, delivered at a low and affordable price, will make it a serious competitor to kerosene and other fuel-based lighting in every rural market.”
The Kiran is five times brighter than a kerosene lantern and can be fully charged in a day under the sun. It provides bright, 360-degree illumination for working, studying, or traveling. There are two light settings, which offer up to 8 hours of light on a full charge. With an integrated solar panel and a multiple-setting handle, the lantern is extremely flexible and easy to use. For households with access to grid electricity, the Kiran can also be AC-charged with a standard Nokia phone adapter.
“D.light’s latest innovation, the Kiran, is based on hundreds of hours of market research,” said D.light’s Head of Product Design Robin Chilton. “We know what our customers want: An attractive, durable product that provides enough hours of bright light every day at a price point they can afford. This is the solution that will effectively replace the kerosene lantern.”
Recent market tests establish the Kiran as a viable and desirable alternative to kerosene. Customer feedback consistently praised the product’s ease of use, durability, and bright light. According to Niwrtti Jawane, a welder from Miraj Village in India: “The Kiran has benefitted us in several ways: It is portable, has good brightness, and prevents the harmful effects of kerosene fumes. This purchase has been a good one-time investment. As there are no costs for recharging, it will be economical over time. We are happy with our purchase as it is a definite improvement over the emergency lights, kerosene lamps and candles previously used.”
The Kiran is currently available for purchase by end-user customers through D.light dealers and distributors in India and internationally. Distributors may also contact D.light’s Sales offices to place orders.
Additional D.light products available for sale are the Nova Series, premium solar lanterns with features including mobile phone charging capabilities, and the Solata, a high-quality solar task lamp.
Manoj Gupta
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
CleanTech news this week
WaterHealth CEO calls for cleantech to meet India's water needs
October 16, 2009 - News brief - India may have to consider developing long supply chains and incentivizing farmers to shift water-intensive grain production activities offshore, Sanjay Bhatnagar says.
Resource scarcity center stage at Cleantech Forum India
October 15, 2009 - News brief - Investment in India is on the rise, driven by its growing economy and dwindling resources, cleantech leaders heard in Delhi today.
Suzlon spends $100M to fix cracked-blade problem
October 12, 2009 - by Emma Ritch - Indian wind turbine supplier announces stringent new testing protocol as it dedicates Arizona's first commercial scale wind farm.
Report: Is CCS an option for India?
October 12, 2009 - News brief - The country’s coal-powered ultra mega power plants could be retrofitted with carbon capture and sequestration tech to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, study suggests.
Plug Power, 3M team on fuel cell tech in India
October 9, 2009 - News brief - Teleservices division of the Tata Group is expected to receive 200 units to provide power at cell towers with no or extremely unreliable electric grid service.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
October 7, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - IndiaCo Ventures launches a $500M fund, Grasim invests $210M in a new VSF plant in Gujarat, and TVS forays into cleantech.
New Delhi recycles its roads
October 5, 2009 - News brief - A unit of the Tata Group starts work on project that uses one-third the aggregate and bitumen as typical paving.
October 16, 2009 - News brief - India may have to consider developing long supply chains and incentivizing farmers to shift water-intensive grain production activities offshore, Sanjay Bhatnagar says.
Resource scarcity center stage at Cleantech Forum India
October 15, 2009 - News brief - Investment in India is on the rise, driven by its growing economy and dwindling resources, cleantech leaders heard in Delhi today.
Suzlon spends $100M to fix cracked-blade problem
October 12, 2009 - by Emma Ritch - Indian wind turbine supplier announces stringent new testing protocol as it dedicates Arizona's first commercial scale wind farm.
Report: Is CCS an option for India?
October 12, 2009 - News brief - The country’s coal-powered ultra mega power plants could be retrofitted with carbon capture and sequestration tech to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, study suggests.
Plug Power, 3M team on fuel cell tech in India
October 9, 2009 - News brief - Teleservices division of the Tata Group is expected to receive 200 units to provide power at cell towers with no or extremely unreliable electric grid service.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
October 7, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - IndiaCo Ventures launches a $500M fund, Grasim invests $210M in a new VSF plant in Gujarat, and TVS forays into cleantech.
New Delhi recycles its roads
October 5, 2009 - News brief - A unit of the Tata Group starts work on project that uses one-third the aggregate and bitumen as typical paving.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
CleanTech News this week
Clean technology venture investment continued recovering in 3Q09 spurred by economic stimulus investment
Landmark IPO and new funds also signal broadening confidence in clean technology, now the leading venture investment category
PepsiCo India turns to biogas to cut costs, carbon emissions
September 29, 2009 - Best of the web - Beverage and snack food giant says new biogas plant, which uses biodegradable waste generated at the Pune-based site, is running at full capacity. Full Story »
GE brings back wind business in India with better subsidies
September 29, 2009 - Best of the web - Connecticut-based power generation equipment maker looks to decrease its dependence on the U.S. market as it revives its Indian wind turbine business. Full Story »
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
September 29, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Argonaut and NEA make Indian cleantech investments, while Suzlon sells another family stake, and PepsiCo embraces biogas.
3Q09 cleantech investment review [webinar/premium]
Cleantech venture investment continued recovering in the third quarter of 2009 spurred by global economic stimulus investment. The sector accumulated $1.59 billion across 134 companies. Join the Cleantech Group & Deloitte Tuesday, October 6th, for an analysis.
NY Times: The New Sputnik By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN : "Red China decided to become Green China" – (I personally think this article is just worth a reading from everybody..)
“If they invest in 21st-century technologies and we invest in 20th-century technologies, they’ll win,” says David Sandalow, the assistant secretar...y of energy for policy. “If we both invest in 21st-century technologies, challenging each other, we all win.” Something has changed. China realized it has no capacity to absorb all this waste. We have to grow without pollution.”
Manoj Gupta
Landmark IPO and new funds also signal broadening confidence in clean technology, now the leading venture investment category
PepsiCo India turns to biogas to cut costs, carbon emissions
September 29, 2009 - Best of the web - Beverage and snack food giant says new biogas plant, which uses biodegradable waste generated at the Pune-based site, is running at full capacity. Full Story »
GE brings back wind business in India with better subsidies
September 29, 2009 - Best of the web - Connecticut-based power generation equipment maker looks to decrease its dependence on the U.S. market as it revives its Indian wind turbine business. Full Story »
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
September 29, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Argonaut and NEA make Indian cleantech investments, while Suzlon sells another family stake, and PepsiCo embraces biogas.
3Q09 cleantech investment review [webinar/premium]
Cleantech venture investment continued recovering in the third quarter of 2009 spurred by global economic stimulus investment. The sector accumulated $1.59 billion across 134 companies. Join the Cleantech Group & Deloitte Tuesday, October 6th, for an analysis.
NY Times: The New Sputnik By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN : "Red China decided to become Green China" – (I personally think this article is just worth a reading from everybody..)
“If they invest in 21st-century technologies and we invest in 20th-century technologies, they’ll win,” says David Sandalow, the assistant secretar...y of energy for policy. “If we both invest in 21st-century technologies, challenging each other, we all win.” Something has changed. China realized it has no capacity to absorb all this waste. We have to grow without pollution.”
Manoj Gupta
Monday, September 21, 2009
CleanTech news this week
Reva eyes NY for electric vehicle factory
September 18, 2009 - Best of the web - Indian carmaker leaks word of negotiations with an economic development agency for a plant to build the recently unveiled three-door hatchback.
Solar Energy Centre to receive IITB solar thermal project
September 16, 2009 - Best of the web - Mumbai institute looks to develop a solar center and testing ground backed by the government of India and an industry-based consortium. Full Story »
Air Products signs two supply deals for Indian solar factories
September 14, 2009 - News brief - HHV Solar Technologies and Jupiter Solar Power tap Air Products' Indian JV for gases and materials at photovoltaic manufacturing facilities.
IFC eyes minor stake in Auro Mira’s 15 MW biomass facility
September 14, 2009 - Best of the web - The private investment branch of the World Bank has committed a $5.26M loan for the $16M project.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
September 16, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Aavishkaar invests in Zameen Organic, IDFC Private Equity buys out BP’s wind assets in India, and IFC eyes a stake in Auro Mira.
Manoj Gupta
September 18, 2009 - Best of the web - Indian carmaker leaks word of negotiations with an economic development agency for a plant to build the recently unveiled three-door hatchback.
Solar Energy Centre to receive IITB solar thermal project
September 16, 2009 - Best of the web - Mumbai institute looks to develop a solar center and testing ground backed by the government of India and an industry-based consortium. Full Story »
Air Products signs two supply deals for Indian solar factories
September 14, 2009 - News brief - HHV Solar Technologies and Jupiter Solar Power tap Air Products' Indian JV for gases and materials at photovoltaic manufacturing facilities.
IFC eyes minor stake in Auro Mira’s 15 MW biomass facility
September 14, 2009 - Best of the web - The private investment branch of the World Bank has committed a $5.26M loan for the $16M project.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
September 16, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Aavishkaar invests in Zameen Organic, IDFC Private Equity buys out BP’s wind assets in India, and IFC eyes a stake in Auro Mira.
Manoj Gupta
Sunday, September 20, 2009
CleanTech news this week
Global Cleantech 100 unveils most promising clean technology companies on the planet
Inaugural list from the Guardian and Cleantech Group showcases 100 clean technology companies aspiring to shape tomorrow’s world
Is India getting serious about cleantech?
September 7, 2009 by Dallas Kachan, Cleantech Group - There’ve been more indications in recent months than all the rhetoric of the last few years about the market for cleantech developing in India. Is the cleantech boom really now on, wonders Dallas Kachan of the Cleantech Group.
Two new electric cars for India this month?
September 8, 2009 - News brief - After initial successes, Reva says it plans to sell a hatchback family car in 2010, and a sporty two-seater in 2011. Full Story »
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
September 9, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Orient Green Power brings wind to the Czech Republic, while Bharat's divisions for heavy electricals and electronics look for overseas JV partners for a massive solar facility.
Manoj Gupta
Inaugural list from the Guardian and Cleantech Group showcases 100 clean technology companies aspiring to shape tomorrow’s world
Is India getting serious about cleantech?
September 7, 2009 by Dallas Kachan, Cleantech Group - There’ve been more indications in recent months than all the rhetoric of the last few years about the market for cleantech developing in India. Is the cleantech boom really now on, wonders Dallas Kachan of the Cleantech Group.
Two new electric cars for India this month?
September 8, 2009 - News brief - After initial successes, Reva says it plans to sell a hatchback family car in 2010, and a sporty two-seater in 2011. Full Story »
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal! [premium]
September 9, 2009 - by Razvan Maximiuc - Orient Green Power brings wind to the Czech Republic, while Bharat's divisions for heavy electricals and electronics look for overseas JV partners for a massive solar facility.
Manoj Gupta
Monday, September 7, 2009
Cleantech news this week
Moser Baer, SunEnergy team for 1 MW Chandrapur plant
Indian and German firms win bid for one of the world's largest thin-film amorphous-silicon solar power plants in the world, expected to be completed by January.
Seven solar makers eye Gujarat for new production facilities
Moser Baer, Solar Semiconductor, Lanco Solar and others are in talks with government officials following the recent go-ahead for 716 MW of solar power plants.
NHPC's trading day gets a dampened debut
Indian hydropower producer sees first day of trading backfire because of weak market conditions and the issue's high pricing.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
Infinity debuts a platinum LEED-rated green building in Kolkata, while China and India show early signs of collaboration on climate change issues.
Manoj
Indian and German firms win bid for one of the world's largest thin-film amorphous-silicon solar power plants in the world, expected to be completed by January.
Seven solar makers eye Gujarat for new production facilities
Moser Baer, Solar Semiconductor, Lanco Solar and others are in talks with government officials following the recent go-ahead for 716 MW of solar power plants.
NHPC's trading day gets a dampened debut
Indian hydropower producer sees first day of trading backfire because of weak market conditions and the issue's high pricing.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
Infinity debuts a platinum LEED-rated green building in Kolkata, while China and India show early signs of collaboration on climate change issues.
Manoj
Monday, August 31, 2009
CleanTech news this week
BanyanTree takes stake in GEI’s heat transfer tech
Indian company’s air-cooled heat exchangers and steam condensers offer water reduction potential that’s attracting private equity interest.
SPX, Thermax to control power plant emissions in new JV
New collaboration aimed at India and Southeast Asia’s power industry is expected to produce emissions-control equipment for power plants.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
Gujarat government approves $2.4 billion in solar projects, while Electrotherm Renewables looks to invest more than $145 million in solar thermal.
Indian company’s air-cooled heat exchangers and steam condensers offer water reduction potential that’s attracting private equity interest.
SPX, Thermax to control power plant emissions in new JV
New collaboration aimed at India and Southeast Asia’s power industry is expected to produce emissions-control equipment for power plants.
Inside cleantech India: Kal, Aaj aur Kal!
Gujarat government approves $2.4 billion in solar projects, while Electrotherm Renewables looks to invest more than $145 million in solar thermal.
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