Since 2006, South Africa

Recently the fuel ethanol production from crops has attracted much attention not only in the US, EU and Brazil, but also in Japan because the bio-ethanol is perceived as being "carbon neutral" and useful as a countermeasure against global warming.

In the context of India

The State is seeking a Rs1,200-crore ADB loan for power sector reforms, which is a good development. Given the doldrums the power sector has been in for decades, substantial funds are a must for putting the ailing sector back on the rails. Earlier in 2005, the much-needed power sector reforms had started with an ADB loan of Rs 1,200 crore, and the reforms are said to be still in progress.

Compared to other global small wind turbine (SWT) markets, India has a minuscule installed capacity of SWT/PV-wind hybrid energy systems of about 890 kW (as on January 2009) and hence there is ample scope for SWT or renewable energy hybrid systems sector to grow.

Slumbering in Indonesia is the world's biggest geothermal energy potential. Improved promotion policy and high fuel prices might help it to make a breakthrough.

Owners of stock in German biogas companies haven't got much joy out of them. Given the industry's business conditions that's no surprise. Now it's all about how companies can weather the year ahead.

Austria is considered a European leader in the use of solid biomass for heat and power generation. But a new environmental policy could jeopardize the success of the past few years.

Arnab Pratim Dutta When the kerosene supply went down sharply in Nagpur four years ago, Bharat Parihar

Government schemes induced growth The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, state electricity boards and electricity supply companies are responsible for popularizing cfls in India.

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