The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), US Department of Energy, is in talks with several Indian government departments for creating a bio-mass roadmap for India similar to the one being planned with China.
The US department has also begun to undertake pilot projects in West Bengal for setting up green buildings.
The US department runs a biomass programme that works with industry, academia and their national laboratory partners for research in biomass feedstocks and conversion technologies.
It is known to be in preliminary discussions with the Department of Planning, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Department of agriculture for planning initiatives to make India counted among the bio-mass economies.
EERE has been involved with Indian institutions and bodies since a few years and has funded projects to the tune of US $ 6-7 million through the Asia Pacific Partnership (APP). It has been assessing wind, thermal and geo-thermal projects for the Maharashtra government and for MNRE. The department has been conducting the assessment through satellite mapping and on-site
"By Bio-mass economy, we mean an industry that produces renewable biofuels, bioproducts and biopower, enhances energy security, reduces our dependence on oil, provides environmental benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and creates economic opportunities across the nation," said Mark Ginsberg, EERE Board of Directors, on the sidelines of a conference on 'Efficient Use of Energy and Alternative Systems'.
He added that the concept of zero-energy buildings, which does not consume any power should be looked upon by all developing countries His views were echoed by BM Singh, executive director of ONGC, Ahmedabad Asset, who stressed on sustainable development without compromising on the environment.
The conference, organised by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), had speakers including Micheal Atchia, former director EE- UNEP, PN Roy Chowdhury, principal secretary, Forests and Environment Department, government of Gujarat,and Rajendra Shende, head, OzonAction Programme, UNEP
