Program for acceleration of commercial energy research

The project, to be implemented by the Ministry of Energy"s Department of Non-Conventional Energy Resources with help from the Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India, will support market driven technology R&D, a research awards program, and supporting analyses and outreach. The project will support 4-6 consortia (consisting of manufacturers collaborating with research institutes and/or end-users) working on specific goal-oriented technology development problems, with emphasis on technologies that can mitigate India"s serious electricity shortages. Consortia participants (either all Indian or a mix of Indian and U.S. firms) will be required (if they are profit-making) to have a significant financial stake in the venture and a sound business plan. Kinds of activities to be supported include: analysis and design of new/improved systems; manufacture and laboratory testing of experimental hardware and field testing of prototypes in cooperation with end-users; and short-term training (including visits to U.S. energy centers) for key personnel directly associated with the project. The project will grant 10-25 competitive awards for longer-term research by Indian research organizations, manufacturers, or end-users (collaboration will not be necessary under this component). To ensure that the research is market-driven and to increase interaction among interested entities, the research will mainly be in the areas supported by component one. Illustrative areas include commercially attractive technologies to tap biomass and solar energy, convert low-grade Indian coal, improve the efficiency of major end-use electrical equipment, and make better use of generating capacity. Support activities include formulation of an energy R&D strategy, policy analyses, and information dissemination, including training and promotional activities. Among specific outputs are Indian participation in international workshops and a series of studies on R&D strategies, commercialization of technology, and innovative policy approaches.