CLEAN ENERGY

  DECARBONISING THE HEAVY INDUSTRIES Steel, cement, and chemicals are the top three heavy industries and stand out as particularly challenging to decarbonize. This difficulty arises from technical constraints, such as their reliance on extremely high temperatures and the release of carbon dioxide during their processes. Economic factors further compound the challenge, including narrow profit margins, high capital requirements, long asset lifespans, and susceptibility to international trade dynamics. The heavy industry sector plays a pivotal role in bolstering job security and propelling economic growth, making it a linchpin of some of the world's most rapidly advancing economies. Its substantial contributions extend to fostering socio-economic development and urbanization. India, as a case in point, emits a significant annual volume of greenhouse gases, totaling 2.9 GtCO2e. Globally, the power and heat sectors connected to heavy industries contribute approximately 60% of the world...

Energy transition to achieve a Trillion dollar economy- Karnataka‘s Vision   Energy is the cornerstone of current economic development programs, with sustainability as the primary focus area. The energy transition plays a pivotal role in this context. The Government of Karnataka, along with FICCI, McKinsey, has crafted a strategic report titled "ONE TRILLION $ ECONOMY: THE KARNATAKA STATE'S VISION." Notabaly Ramesh Shivanna, a member in this committee, made significant contributions to the vision for energy transition and Renewable energy within this report as below.   Karnataka is the leading state for renewable energy in India, reaching 15.8 gigawatts (GW) of total installed capacity as of October 2022 ( Wind:5.2 GW, Solar :7.9GW, Small Hydro: 0.9 GW, Co-gen: 1.7 GW, Biomass: 0.14 GW) and appx an other 15 GW Solar and Wind plants is under construction. Karnataka constructed the  2GW of largest solar park in single place in Pawgada with a land area of about 13000 Ac...

  Unprecedented Heatwave Shatters Records - Climate Crisis Escalates We are facing an alarming situation that demands immediate attention. ERA5, the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), has issued a dire warning: the world is undergoing an unprecedented climate crisis. The first three weeks of July have shattered all records, emerging as the hottest three-week period in history. But this alarming trend doesn't stop there – the entire month is set to become the hottest July and the hottest month ever recorded.  These extreme temperatures have plunged vast regions into the throes of heatwaves, wreaking havoc across North America, Asia (including China and India), and Europe. Wildfires have ravaged countries like Canada and Greece, causing severe damage to our environment, economies, and the health of millions. For North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, this summer has turned cruel, and for our planet, it's an unfolding disaster. What's more, this crisis is ...

  A Transformative Journey Exploring the Rotary Environment Foundation's Remarkable Afforestation Project in Karnataka    Introduction   Embarking on a journey of environmental discovery, I recently had the privilege of joining a group of enthusiastic Rotarians from RID 3191 & RID 3192  on a visit to the awe-inspiring afforestation project initiated by the Rotary Environment Foundation. This ambitious endeavor, aimed at aforesting 1500 acres of land, stands as a testament to the collective dedication of Rotary clubs across Karnataka in their mission to safeguard our planet's future.    It is a significant step towards combatting climate change and reducing carbon footprints,  This pioneering initiative aims to afforest 1500 acres of single land parcel near Challakere in the Chitradurga District of Karnataka. The project, executed with the collaborative efforts and financial support of Rotary Environment foundation lead by PP Rtn. Ravishan...

  Decarbonise the Power sector by 2050  -  Crucial to limit  the temperature less than  1.5 ° C  above pre industrial level The power sector is one of the largest contributors to global green house gas emissions and accounted for 30% of CO 2  emissions and mobility industry accounts 30% as on 2022. De-Carbonization  of this sector by 2050 is an ambitious yet crucial goal in combatting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. Electrification is a key enabler of power sector decarbonisation, which, along with achievement of limiting  1.5 ° C target above pre industrial level, requires a transition from fossil fuels to renewables to generate electricity.    Under stand the 1.5 ° C Target  The  1.5 ° C  target refers to the international objective of limiting the increase in global average temperature to no more than 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This target was est...