The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) recently signed off on an agreement. The primary objective of this collaboration is to commence a skill development program specifically aimed at different levels of beneficiaries in the solar thermal energy sector.
The MNRE-GEF-UNIDO Project
This agreement forms a fundamental part of the ongoing MNRE-GEF-UNIDO project, which works towards supporting capacity building and skill development of technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies (CST). CST technologies are now replacing traditional fossil fuels such as coal, diesel, and furnace oil. Designed to supplement MNRE’s support programme, the GEF-UNIDO project helps eliminate barriers associated with CST technology, including awareness, capacity building, market, and financial barriers. Initiated in January 2015, this project is slated to run until December 2019.
Different concentrating technologies, either developed or still under development, find application in various commercial and industrial sectors. For processes requiring temperatures above 80°C, certain concentrating solar collectors are necessary. These include parabolic trough or dish collectors, non-imaging concentrators, or a Linear Fresnel system. Potential industries for implementing solar concentrators are food processing, paper and pulp, fertilizer, breweries, electroplating, pharmaceutical, textiles, refineries, rubber, and desalination sectors.
| Concentrating Technologies | Industries with Potential Implementation |
|---|---|
| Parabolic Trough or Dish Collectors | Food Processing, Paper and Pulp, Breweries |
| Non-Imaging Concentrators | Fertilizer, Electroplating, Textiles |
| Linear Fresnel System | Refineries, Rubber, Desalination Sectors |
About United Nations Industrial Development Organization
The United Nations General Assembly established UNIDO in 1966 via a resolution. This specialized agency under the umbrella of the United Nations works towards promoting industrial development with a focus on poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. As of 1st April 2019, UNIDO boasts 170 member states and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
About National Institute of Solar Energy
National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), functioning as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable (MNRE), serves as the top national R&D institution within the field of solar energy. In September 2013, the Government of India converted the 25-year-old Solar Energy Centre (SEC) under MNRE into an independent entity to assist the Ministry in executing the National Solar Mission. It also coordinates research, technology, and other related endeavors. NISE is located in Gurugram, Haryana.