Green energy project in India gains funding

Increasing the use of practical low carbon techniques in planning of Indian cities is a core focus of the project, which looks to deliver energy saving solutions and lower co2 emissions.

The scheme in Delhi, funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Prosperity Fund Programme, builds on the achievements of the previous Low Carbon High Growth Strategic Programme Fund, a fund set up to lower carbon emissions in India’s transport sector. India’s current fund will also promote sustainable global growth in line with the UK’s development objectives.

As a result of rapid urbanisation in Indian cities between 2010 and 2030, CO2 emissions per – capita CO2 emissions have been projected to increase from 1.0-1.2 tonnes to 3.0-3.5 tonnes.

Despite this, the FCO said it is still early enough in the process to build-in low carbon planning techniques, which will reduce emissions, as well as providing economic, social and environmental benefits.

FCO Prosperity Fund programme manager, Ankur Garg, said: “There is currently a huge opportunity to lock a low carbon approach into integrated urban development in India. This project is all about ensuring that this opportunity is realised.”

As part of the project, Atkins and the All India Institute of Local Self Governance (AIILSG) will be working closely with India’s Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry for New and Renewable Energy and the Municipal Commissioners of Mysore and Madurai to develop sustainable technologies.

AIILSG will be responsible for the city level coordination of the project, while technical expertise will be provided by the Atkins team. The team will identify best practice and consider how techniques can be mainstreamed through the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) process.

Carys Matthews