Company: INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR APPLICATION OF SOLAR ENERGY

State: PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Sector: SERVICES

The International Centre for Application of Solar Energy, CASE, was
established in 1994 as a joint initiative of the United Nations and
Commonwealth and Western Australian governments. Its primary objective is
to promote the application of renewable energy technologies to developing
countries.

CASE has participated in Indian development projects since the mid
1990s, providing education, training and equipment for the World Spiritual
University and researching opportunities for solar energy technologies in
Rajasthan. The Centre is currently involved in assisting a nodal agency
develop a large scale project for UNDP funding in Uttar Pradesh, involving
supplying many hybrid, solar-battery energy systems to over 500 villages.

CASE sees India as a very prospective market for renewable energy
projects, particularly given its low incomes and poor electricity
infrastructure. CASE notes layers of bureaucracy and agencies can play a
significant part in such projects. According to CASE, good contacts and
considerable patience are essential. CASE also suggests a representative
'on the ground' is required. The sector has strong competition from
many foreign competitors, but CASE is looking forward to expanding its
portfolio of Indian projects.

Source: International Centre for Application of Solar Energy, 2001.