E-BICYCLE

Maharashtra Engineering a Kolhapur based company is all set to sell its battery-operated e-bicycle in a big way in Pune. It will be marketed by the city based Institute for Studies in Technology (IST) .The e-bicycle can be a boon for the city, as it is fuel free and therefore emission free. It works on a set of three batteries of 12 volts each, which once charged can give the rider a 50 km tension free ride. All that he needs to do is charge the battery for four hours. And it costs just R.s 4 per charge which is far cheaper compared to petrol.The bicycle is powered by 3 sets of 12 volt lead acid storage batteries housed under the footboard which takes around 4-6 hours charge completely according to its developers. It also comes with a set of paddles for extra human power which is a must while negotiating a climb. It also offers decent storage under the seat besides the rear carrier and glovebox.Besides being pollution free, it does not require registration, insurance, license number plate or any tax. Since the vehicle is below 35 cc (after electrical conversion) it does not require the usual formalities of the RTO.The load carrying capacity of the e-bicycle is between 70-100 kg and its speed limit is just 30 kmph. It is an ideal option for women, senior citizens and children.Already a hit in cities like Nashik, Sangli, Aurangabad and Mumbai, the e-bicycle however has its own drawbacks like its low speed limit and load intake and high price. However the IST feels that compared to the bicycle, the e-bicycle is a clear winner as far as speed and load are concerned. Courtesy The Maharashtra Herald

BIO_GAS TO REPLACE LPG ECONOMICALLY

Appropriate Rural Technology Initiative ARTI Pune, has developed a compact bio-gas unit that is made of plastic and is as big as a refrigerator. It comes in two variants of 500 litres and 750 litres and costs between Rs. 6000 and Rs. 7000. Unlike cow dung, starch bio-waste can be had from rotten fruits, potato peels or even spoilt milk, and produces far more methane. A family spend Rs. 10 per day for LPG fuel, this can be made cheaper by bio-gas. If a nuclear family cannot produce enough bio-waste, it can be easily bought from the market from a vegetable or fruit vendor at the cost of not more than Rs. 2 to Rs.3 a kilo.
Space is the only major hitch when it comes to erecting a bio-gas plant for a housing society of 200 families. Other NGOs in Pune like Jnana Prabhodini and BAIF are also working on the concept.
Courtesy Maharashtra Herald Pune

INSTITUTE PREPARES DRAFT LAW TO EXPLOIT RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

Pune based World Institute of Sustainable Energy WISE, has prepared the draft ‘Renewable Energy Law for India’. The draft makes provision for important measures like making solar water heating mandatory in urban areas, solar rooftop lighting system in government buildings, conversion of captive diesel power plants to bio-fuel and constitution of a national renewable energy council.
The draft proposes that state governments buy 10 percent of their energy needs from renewable sources by 2010 and 20 percent by 2020. States that do not have renewable energy sources can buy renewable energy certificates from other states.
Among other things, the draft recommends, making it mandatory for automobile manufacturers to introduce hybrid vehicles, ultra-efficient engines for aircraft and 50 percent reduction in emissions at the time of landing and take-off in the next 5 years, improved aviation fuel , and imposing a ‘green cess’.
A seminar held by Wise in New Delhi in August05 initiates an action plan to adopt the draft into an act of Parliament and establish a special working group for its implementation.
Courtesy Times of India Pune