Sustainability Outlook Headlines

25-yr old power plants to be turned into super critical plants

All power plants, which are over 25 years old, will be phased out and converted into 'super critical plants' to augment generation capacity and reduce pollution, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said today.

Goyal told Lok Sabha that these old power plants of NTPC, which together produced around 11,000 MW power, will be phased out gradually and converted into 'super critical plant'.

Date : Mar 17

Source: The Economic Times

Solar Powered CO2 Scrubbing Molecule Revealed

Chemical engineers from Indiana University in the U.S. have created a molecule that utilises solar energy to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into greenhouse-neutral fuels, which can then be stored or used for power generation.

The molecule works by using light or electricity to trigger a reaction that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide, a carbon-neutral fuel source. Because burning fuels... Read more..

Date : Mar 17

Source: Energy Matters

Cordura partners with DuPont Tate and Lyle for sustainable textile solutions

Invista’s Cordura brand has announced partnership with DuPont Tate and Lyle Bio Products as part of its continuous effort to develop innovative sustainable textile solutions for durable performance fabrics.

It may be mentioned here that in 2017, DuPont Tate and Lyle Bio Products is marking a decade of developing sustainable and renewable source based on leveraging the tools of modern biotechnology whereas,... Read more..

Date : Mar 17

Source: Apparel Resources

London, Wales Launch Ambitious New Circular Economy Schemes

More and more, circular economic models are providing ways for governments and businesses to increase efficiency, reduce waste and create new jobs. Two new initiatives in the UK reinforce that adopting circular principles presents significant economic opportunities for businesses.

The London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) has approved a new £50 million business plan for the period of 2017–2020 to help... Read more..

Date : Mar 17

Source: Sustainable Brands

NASA Study Confirms Biofuels Reduce Jet Engine Pollution

Using biofuels to help power jet engines reduces particle emissions in their exhaust by as much as 50 to 70 percent, in a new study conclusion that bodes well for airline economics and Earth’s environment.

The findings are the result of a cooperative international research program led by NASA and involving agencies from Germany and Canada, and are detailed in a study published in the journal Nature.... Read more..

Date : Mar 17

Source: NASA

Centre approves 20 projects worth Rs 1,900 crore under ‘Clean Ganga’ mission

As part of its ongoing 'Clean Ganga' mission, the Centre has approved 20 additional projects worth nearly Rs 1,900 crore for Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi.

Most of the projects are related to setting up new sewage treatment plants (STPs), upgradation of existing STPs and laying of sewage network in cities in the river basin.

Date : Mar 16

Source: The Economic Times

Centre sets ball rolling to ensure power for all in Uttar Pradesh

After the Bharatiya Janata Party's thumping victory in Uttar Pradesh, the central government has started work on improving electricity supply in the state. The Union power ministry has started addressing issues that plagued the state's power sector including rationalising tariffs for the poor to encourage installation of power connections and ensuring affordable power for all.

Senior officials of the central... Read more..

Date : Mar 16

Source: The Economic Times

Karnataka set to add more green power in 2017-18

Karnataka’s energy sector appears to be going green as the State is set to add more quantum of renewable energy to its grid during 2017-18 than conventional power. Of the total quantum of 3,975 MW of power to be added to the grid in 2017-18, renewable energy accounts for 2,375 MW.

The proposed capacity addition of 2,375 MW of renewable energy includes 1,000 MW of solar power from the Solar Energy Park in... Read more..

Date : Mar 16

Source: The Hindu

McNally Bharat secures Rs415 crore solar project order in Andhra Pradesh

McNally Bharat Engineering on Wednesday said it has bagged Rs415 crore solar power project order in Andhra Pradesh.

“The company has received an order for design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, commissioning and operation and maintenance of 500 MW grid connected solar PV power project, including civil works in Andhra Pradesh, on EPC basis for Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Ltd for a value... Read more..

Date : Mar 16

Source: livemint

Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL) to collect e-waste

Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL) is preparing to collect e-waste from the government, quasi-government, and public undertakings in the district under the Haritha Keralam project.

A meeting of officials of the company and senior officials of various departments here on Wednesday decided to collect e-waste from offices on the collectorate premises in the first phase. The company would collect e-waste from block... Read more..

Date : Mar 16

Source: The Hindu

Scientists use solar power to produce hydrogen from biomass

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a technique that uses solar power to produce clean hydrogen from biomass.

In a news release on Tuesday the university said that up until now lignocellulose – the main component of plant biomass – had only been converted into hydrogen via a gasification process that uses high temperatures to "decompose it fully."

Date : Mar 16

Source: CNBC

Solar module maker Waaree Energies looks to raise $100 million

Waaree Energies Ltd, one of India’s largest solar module manufacturers, has appointed consulting firm EY to raise around $100 million.

The fundraising effort comes in the backdrop of falling solar power tariffs because of plunging prices of solar modules. Module prices are expected to extend their drop in 2017 as global supply exceeds demand.

Date : Mar 16

Source: livemint

Ford’s Supply Chain Environmental Management Program On Track to Save 550M Gallons of Water, 500,000 MT Carbon Emissions

Ford is expanding its program that helps suppliers improve their environmental management, growing the Partnership for A Cleaner Environment (PACE) program company participants to more than 40 in two years.

PACE, which originally focused on water and energy conservation, now also offers best practices for reducing waste, carbon dioxide and air emissions.

Date : Mar 16

Source: Environmental Leader

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board: Rivers bear alarming water quality index

The rivers flowing through the city are extremely polluted. This has been revealed in Maharashtra Pollution Control Board's water quality index (WQI) for December 2016.

The WQI takes into account various factors, including PH levels and dissolved oxygen, based on which a category colour is assigned to a particular measurement point (the area from where a sample is taken for testing).

Date : Mar 16

Source: The Times of India

Sweetwater Tech Resources to use produced water for reuse in industrial, agricultural processes

Treated produced water from oil and gas operations could help satisfy water demand from agricultural and industrial water consumers while conserving limited freshwater supplies.

To this end, Sweetwater Tech Resources, a California water treatment plant, will begin operations of the state’s first facility set up to convert billions of gallons of produced water annually into clean water streams for reuse.... Read more..

Date : Mar 16

Source: Environmental Leader

NGT seeks Gurugram air quality report

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday instructed the Haryana government and the state pollution control board (HSPCB) to submit a report on Gurgaon's ambient air quality.

The tribunal gave the order after residents of sectors 65 and 67 filed a petition in the green court to look into increasing dust and air pollution levels in the city.

Date : Mar 16

Source: The Times of India

Renault accused of emission fraud

Dust hasn't even begun settling on the massive Volkswagen emission scandal and Renault is already under the radar for following in the footsteps of its German competitor. French newspaper Libération, today in a report published excerpts from an investigation report. The investigation was carried out by investigators from the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF). The blame on Renault is plain and simple – it used methods and technology to pass through emission... Read more..

Date : Mar 16

Source: The Financial Express

Upcoming Rewa solar plant to receive loan from World Bank

The World Bank has agreed to provide loan to develop internal transmission arrangements of the upcoming Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS) project in Madhya Pradesh, a state government official said today.

“The World Bank has agreed to provide loan to develop internal transmission arrangements of the Rewa project. It will provide 25 per cent of the loan amount under its Clean Technology Fund (CTF), where the money... Read more..

Date : Mar 15

Source: India.com

Tata Power Solar doubles manufacturing capacity in Bengaluru

Tata Power Solar on Tuesday announced that it had doubled its capacity for module manufacturing in Bengaluru. The company launched a fully automated manufacturing unit with capacity for module manufacturing increasing from 200 MW to 400 MW and 65 per cent increase in capacity of cell manufacturing from 180 MW to 300 MW.

Ashish Khanna, executive director and CEO of Tata Power Solar, said that for the... Read more..

Date : Mar 15

Source: Business Standard

Canadian Solar Signs PPAs with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to Develop 80 MWac Solar Power Projects in Maharashtra, India

Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company", or "Canadian Solar") (CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar power companies, today announced that it has secured Power Purchase Agreements for an aggregate 80 MWac of solar power projects with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a public sector undertaking of the Government of India. Canadian Solar was awarded these projects under a 450 MWac solar capacity tender in the state of Maharashtra, through a competitive auction process. These projects are scheduled to... Read more..

Date : Mar 15

Source: Broadway World

Trump poised to issue sweeping roll back of Obama's climate change policies: Reports

US President Donald Trump is poised to sign a new executive order that would roll back his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama's climate policies, according to reports in American publications Bloomberg and the Washington Post.

The order, which could be signed this week, would be aimed at reversing Obama's wide approach to dealing with climate change.

Date : Mar 15

Source: India Today In

Inox Wind looks to sell its stake in new project

Inox Wind Infrastructure Services Ltd., one of the four winners of the first wind power auction held in October, is already looking to sell a stake in the 250 MW project it was awarded, people familiar with the development said. Several buyers have shown interest, with ReNew Power, which lost out in the auction, close to clinching a deal.

Neither ReNew Power nor Inox Wind was willing to comment on the matter... Read more..

Date : Mar 15

Source: The Economic Times

Manage your plastic waste responsibly: Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to companies

Amazon, Britannia Industries and Indo Nissin Foods are among many companies that have been directed to put in place a system to collect plastic generated by their products.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has decided to get cracking on the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which includes imposing the Extended Producers' Responsibility (EPR) on manufacturers, sellers and importers.... Read more..

Date : Mar 15

Source: The Economic Times

Lindex launches upcycled collection ‘Re:Design’

Lindex, a European fashion chain, has took a latest step in exploring new innovative more circular ways of working with the launch of Re:Design – a collection of exclusive upcycled products that have been redesigned and remade locally in Borås, Sweden.

Re:Design is a pilot that Lindex has done in collaboration with Re:textile at The Swedish School of Textiles in Borås. The collection consists of six pieces... Read more..

Date : Mar 15

Source: Apparel Resources

Tata Chemicals Haldia plant gets shutdown notice

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed Tata Chemicals to shut down its fertilizer plant in Haldia (West Bengal) for violating liquid waste discharge rules. The CPCB directive follows an analysis of the company's samples, which showed a non-compliance in effluent discharge norms.

Tata Chemicals made this disclosure to stock exchanges on Tuesday. The company said that it has written to the... Read more..

Date : Mar 15

Source: The Economic Times