India contributes $10 million to U.S. FutureGen energy project

Energy Dialogue, launched in May 2005, aimed at increasing trade and investment in the Indian energy sector. It details cooperation across oil and natural gas, coal, power efficiency, renewable energy, and civil nuclear energy.

Who it concerns: India and the United States; specific entities include the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), U.S. Trade Development Agency (USTDA), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), and the private sectors of both countries.

What was agreed

• India accepted invitation to participate in the FutureGen project, contributing $10 million to a billion-dollar initiative for a zero-emissions fossil fuel plant.
• India sought membership in the Integrated Ocean Development Program (IODP) for deep-sea research on gas hydrates, with potential commercial exploitation estimated for 2015-2020.
• India joined the ITER fusion energy project as a full partner following an invitation in December 2005.
• A Natural Gas Conference focused on coal-bed methane and gas infrastructure was scheduled for early May 2006 in New Delhi.
• MOUs were ready for offshore drilling for gas hydrates and safety standards; an MOU on hydrocarbon information exchange was signed.
• A Business Advisory Council for coal was to be established by March 31, 2006.
• A 'clearing house' for Coal Bed Methane (CBM) and Coal-mine Methane (CMM) in India was being finalized with joint funding from USEPA, USTDA, and the Government of India.
• A U.S.-India Energy Efficiency Technology Cooperation Conference was scheduled for May 2-3, 2006, in New Delhi.
• A delegation from India was to visit the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in spring 2006 to explore cooperation in solar thermal, photovoltaic systems, and energy-efficient buildings.

Also in the document

• India is contributing $10 million to the FutureGen project, a billion-dollar initiative for the world's first integrated sequestration and hydrogen production research power plant.
• The document identifies a potential timeline for commercial exploitation of gas hydrates between 2015 and 2020.
• A new 'clearing house' for Coal Bed Methane and Coal-mine Methane is being established in India with joint funding from U.S. agencies and the Indian government.
• India's participation in the ITER project is linked to the nuclear understanding of July 18, 2005.