The need of the hour is to drive the Indian renewable sector, optimizing its potential with support of public-private interplay. The event witnessed an overwhelming industry response with a 30% increase in attendance over last year. The event witnessed an industry congregation of the renewable energy sector, both with national and international representation. The initiatives taken by the new government towards expansion and growth in the renewable sector have led to a growing interest in the Indian market, attracting global attention and investment. The increasing international interest in the Indian market was highlighted by the presence of 35 countries at the exhibition.
Japan, China, Canada, US, Italy and the European conglomeration were represented by key industry players like Refex Energy, Borg Energy, Enerparc Energy, Proinso, Zeversolar, Dupont, DNV GL, C Sun, Bonfiglioli, Phocos, Waaree, Emmvee Solar, Juwi India, Inox Wind, LTi REEnergy, Kosol Hiramrut, Sova Power, Harsha Abakus Solar, ABB, SAPA Group, Schneider Electric India, Fronius, Canadian Solar, Delta Energy, Moser Baer, JA Solar, Premier Solar, Yingli Solar Centrotherm.
The government's participation was represented by the presence of Mr. Anil K Jain, IAS, Adviser (Energy), Mr. Upendra Tripathy, IAS Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt of India , Mr. BN Sharma, Joint Secretary (Distribution) Ministry of Power, Mr. GM Rao, Director IREDA and Mr. SK Bhargava, Director IREDA.
The platform proved to be a catalyst of dialogue and action amongst the industry players and policy makers, thus facilitating a productive partnership between the private and public sector. The various sessions on one hand, highlighted the potential in the wind sector which is growing exponentially and on the other hand, demonstrated innovative technologies in energy conservation efficiency along with geothermal energy as a realistic option for energy security. Up streaming renewable energy, balance of systems, scaling up of the solar program at the state level, bioenergy, an unexploited opportunity of India, were some of the key themes discussed and presented by international experts.
Mr. Joji George, MD, UBM India, on the concluding day of REI 2014 said, "The green market in India, today, has ignited interest in investors globally. The potential of the country to translate technology and innovation in renewable energy sector into viable business opportunities has been the prime area of interest for global investors. The government has acknowledged this very fact and has opened dialogue and investment in the renewable energy sector. The renewable energy sector in India can certainly prove itself to be a viable investment opportunity with public and private investments in innovation, technology, research, regulatory clarity and robust infrastructure. We at UBM India, have well met our objective for REI 2014 by providing the platform to the stakeholders of the industry to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities that are present in India's Renewable Energy sector."
Mr. R Sivakumar COO, BORG Energy said, "We are happy to participate at the 8th edition of REI 2014. Our commitment to the expo is evident with us being the platinum sponsors. Being a participant, year after year, the response at the expo has been tremendous, similar to its past editions. The show has proven to be a great platform for us to showcase our technology and launch our product here."
Ajay Goel, CEO, Tata Power Solar while sharing his experience said, "We are showcasing 25 years of solar modules which are most effective in India at REI 2014. Our off grid solutions i.e. solar and water pump solutions are most effective in India. REI is a great forum for bringing customers and partners together. It's always good to reconnect with them."
Mr. K. N. Suresh Kumar, Director & Country Manager, Bonfiglioli Renewable Power Conversion India Pvt Ltd. said, "Things look really nice with India. We foresee 2 GW capacity projections for the coming year. The market for renewable energy is growing more competitive with players venturing into this industry. Speaking of technology, we have new container which has a capacity of 1.54 MW with a direct current controlled cabinet which suits to any geographical condition."
Sarvesh Kumar, Deputy Managing Director, RRB Energy Limited said, "Being a manufacturer, we wish for more conducive policies. As we are a wind turbine manufacturer, we want more of government and state electricity boards support. With the recent surge in the market, we believe that it should grow to 5,000 MW from a present size of 2,000 MW in a short period of 1 to 2 years. If the government supports the industry adequately, India will become a major hub of renewable energy."
