MNRE to begin test set ups for CSP technologies in two cities in India

The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is planning to establish test set ups for concentrated solar power technologies (CSP) in two cities in the BRIC country. The MNRE is looking to establish the test set ups at the Solar Energy Centre in Gurgaon, Haryana and the University of Pune, Maharashtra.

The MNRE has floated request for proposals (RFP) for procurement and supply of radiation and performance measuring instruments/equipment for CSP set ups. According to the RFP, the bidder should have good knowledge of instruments/equipment to be procured for establishment of test set ups for CSP based systems. Preference will be given to those who have past experience in taking up such work.

The MNRE, which needs the equipment by 30 June 2014, expects bidders to submit their proposal by 4 December 2013.

The MNRE is implementing a UNDP and GEF supported project on market development and promotion of solar concentrator based process heat applications in the BRIC country. The objective of this project is to promote and commercialise CSP for industrial process heat applications. Additionally, the project also aims to facilitate the installation of a 45,000 sqm solar collector area by March 2017 through demonstration and replicated projects.

A World Bank report has revealed local manufacturing of components can reduce CSP costs by up to 30 per cent. According to CSP World, Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary of MNRE, said: "Project implementation until now has been held back by a lack of experience with the technology. However, if we can overcome this, there is great potential for CSP in India."