Husk Power Systems [West Champaran] to raise $ 5 m: targeting 2,000 plants by 2014!   Patna-based renewable energy startup Husk Power Systems (HPS) is in the final stages of closing a Series A round of funding from existing and new investors. The company aims to raise about $5 million in this round, top-level sources in the company told the press. Existing investors Acumen Fund, Bamboo Finance (Oasis Capital) and LGT Venture Philanthropy are among the existing investors who are expected to participate in the round. Other existing investors, notably Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), International... 

‘Bihar to be power surplus by 2016-17′: but how well are we managing it today?   Patna: if Bihar is changing, it must reflect in the daily lives of the common people and there should be no need to remind them time and again that indeed things have changed. The present power management in the state, despite attempts at computerization etc has caused much hardship among the consumers by hiking rates frequently. If indeed, the personnel at BSEB are not able to efficiently handle problems today, one may only wonder how they will respond to the big changes in the offing announced... 

After husk power, it’s time for Makai [maize] power in Bihar! New Delhi: according to a recent report, with rice husk already in use in many projects for electricity generation, it may now be the turn for corn cobs and stalks. By the end of August this year the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) is planning to start a few gasifier systems for electricity generation in the corn belts of Bihar. The technology used would be similar to the one used for rice husk in parts of West Champaran by Gyanesh Pandey. These projects would be highly useful for making up for power deficit for... 

Bihar State Electricity Board decides to privatize power supply and distribution in 14 districts: tenders invited! Patna: according to the latest reports, The Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) has decided to privatize power supply and distribution in 14 districts of the state and has already invited tenders for the appointment of franchisees. The categories of people who qualify for submitting tenders are – NGOs, electricity consumers’ associations, women self-help groups, entrepreneurs, panchayati raj institutions and registered companies. The tasks of the franchisees would include...