Workshop to promote Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) Technologies for industrial sectors

Ludhiana, September 27, 2017: The Chambers of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) in association with UNIDO organized a workshop aiming to promote Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) Technologies for the industrial sectors. The workshop was organized with close cooperation with Punjab Energy Development of Agency (PEDA) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India

Sh.Upkar Singh Ahuja, General Secretary, CICU while welcoming emphasized the importance of such workshops to learn about the innovation in the renewable energy sector and to interact with experts who to propose and plan a transition to solar energy. In his presentation, Mr.Ahuja highlighted that CICU holds several national and state level activities in the form of seminars, training programs, exhibitions and interactive discussion with the main aim of encouraging innovations in industries.

Dr. Anil Misra, National Project Manager, United Nation Industrial Development Organization demystified the barriers associated with technology adoption, and also shared details on the most suitable solar thermal technologies namely, Parabolic Troughs, Dish Collectors and Linear Fresnel systems. He informed that UNIDO has partnered with Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) to develop a financial package bundling the subsidy from MNRE and soft loan to support the installation of CST projects for industrial applications of heating and cooling.

Mr. Anupam Nanda, District Manager, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) remarked that lack of reliable supply of energy is a major problem being faced by the industries in Ludhiana. CST technologies will help make balance sheets of organisations greener as it makes perfect business sense by helping save energy, thereby costs incurred on conventional power sources.

He added that Ludhiana with its dynamic industrial sector is a suitable place not only for application of CST technology but is also suitable for CST manufacturing. It could be hub where all components of CST systems can be manufactured. In his address, Mr. Nanda informed that a few CST systems have been adopted by NGOs, institutions and religious places.

Ms Pratibha Rialch, National Energy Expert, UNIDO presented vote of thanks by appreciating CICU management along with Mr. Shasheesh Saini, Senior Manager CICU & Staff for taking Initiatives for the upgrading MSME sector by conducting such successful workshop.
The workshop focusing on promotion of “CST technologies for Industries” provided a platform to a large number of senior industrial representatives in/ around Ludhiana with open discussions among beneficiaries, manufacturers, CICU members and government officials.

More than 180 Industrialists participated in this workshop and got benefitted by presentations from CST manufacturers showcasing the different CST technologies present in the market and their wide range of thermal energy applications. The manufacturers included Quadsun Solar Pvt. Ltd., Luit Renewables Pvt. Ltd., Softech Renewable Energies and V-Care Global.

Next day CICU organised Factory visit to these project sites like Verka Milk Plant Ludhiana, Asian Bikes Ludhiana and B. S. Paper Mills were around 25 Industrialists visited the existing CST systems.