Solar Energy for mega food parks and cold chain to save electricity

The ministry of food processing Industry is discussing with their industries like four mega food parks, cold chain for maximum use of solar energy to save the electricity, said Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India at an ASSOCHAM event.

Food Processing Industries is an integral part of the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the minister said. The goal of growth can be achieved through agriculture dependent processing industries, said Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti while inaugurating ‘5th Sustainable Environment Forum 2016,’ organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Mr. Y S Chowdary, Minister of State for Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences said while addressing the ASSOCHAM event that with each passing day & increasing urbanization, cities as major energy consumers, are contributing heavily to climate change. Thus cities should essentially be partners of the solution to reduce carbon emissions, produce greener energy, promote sustainable lifestyles and also protect local communities from related environmental and social impacts such as natural disasters.As a whole, policy-makers, leaders & governments should come forward for ambitious and innovative actions led by cities, regions and local communities to respond effectively to the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by humanity, said Mr. Chowdary.

It is also pertinent to note that individual nations have also launched new joint initiatives for mitigating climate change.  India and France led nearly 120 countries in announcing an International Solar Alliance supporting solar energy initiatives in developing countries, said Mr. Chowdary.

Mr. Chowdary further stated that more than 20 developed and developing countries launched Mission Innovations, pledging to double public investment in clean energy research and development over the next five years. New and strengthened initiatives have also come from “non-state actors”, including cities, regions, companies and investors.

Mr. K M Singh, CMD, NHPC Ltd said, at present total installed capacity in India is about 288,000 MW. India power sector is dominated by thermal which contributes about 70% of all electricity generation in country, followed by hydro which contributes about 15% and remaining 15% comes from the renewable sources and nuclear power. Currently to meet our country’s energy demand, there is an urgent need to shift our dependence on hydro power which is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

Mr. Singh said developmental activity cannot be viewed in isolation; rather, it calls for greater empathy towards issues relating to conservation of nature and natural resources and public concerns. Tapping the unutilized water potential of the country at an accelerated pace is essential to meet the country’s ever increasing demand of power and also meet India’s commitments made in COP-21 at Paris.

“To make a humble request to this fraternity to help facilitate development of hydro projects and get these included under renewable energy sources, irrespective of their installed capacities, in line with other countries, said Mr. Singh.”Many CEOs realise that there are crucial business reasons for integrating climate change strategies into their planning – from supply chain to marketplace, both from a revenue growth and risk management perspective – and are taking action to do so. Making these benefits clear and measurable, and communicating them widely, will be important to build deeper confidence in the business community, with government and with the public. We are already witnessing a change in decision making from governments, businesses and other stakeholders that are thinking ahead of the curve”, said Mr. Sudhir Singh Dungarpur, Partner, PwC India.

Others who also spoke during the conference were Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, the Energy and Resource Institute (TERI), H.E Dr. Linus von Castelmur, ambassador of Switzerland to India and Mr. D S Rawat, Secretary General ASSOCHAM.