Season's Greetings 2019
To look back at 2018, we’ve rounded up the CSTEP initiatives that had the greatest impact in policy circles.
Integration of BMRCL and BMTC
CSTEP conducted a study for the Government of Karnataka with the broad goal of exploring the potential of integrating the operations of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies for Cities in Karnataka
Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies for Cities in Karnataka
CSTEP undertook several studies towards enabling sustainable urban planning strategies for Karnataka.
Volume I: A Proof-of-Concept Urban Observatory Platform for Karnataka
Energy-Efficient Irrigation Pumps
The study assessed the feasibility of replacing 5 lakh inefficient irrigation pumpsets (IPs) with energy-efficient IP sets across five Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) in Karnataka. Pilot studies revealed that the efficiency of existing IP sets was less than 30%. The efficiency of current energy-efficient IP sets range from 35%-55%, providing huge potential for energy-savings on replacement. By replacing 5 lakh IP sets, GoK could save about INR 900 crore from subsidy outlays every year.
Air quality, emissions, and source contributions analysis for the Greater Bengaluru region of India
•Review of the air quality data and studies for the city of Bengaluru, India.
Karnataka's Energy Mix: Computational Model for Energy Planning
The Government of India has ambitious targets of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022. As of March 2017, Karnataka's renewable energy capacity share stood at around 35% (out of 20 GW of the installed generation capacity mix). This is expected to increase as the state (KREDL) aims to have 6.86 GW of solar and 4.9 GW of wind generation capacity by FY19.
Feasibility of Supplying Dedicated Agricultural Feeders with Solar Power in Karnataka
The agricultural sector in Karnataka accounts for 39% of the state’s electricity (~21,344 MU). This is provided for free, or at heavily subsidised rates, to farmers. Moreover, electricity is not metered. This has led to an estimated revenue loss of INR 9,295 crore for state DISCOMs. The Government has attempted several initiatives to reduce this loss, one of them being segregation of domestic and agricultural feeders.
Using AI to Achieve Development Goals
The developmental challenges faced by India are too big to be solved by the conventional linear approach. Artificial intelligence (AI) is seen as the next disruptive technology. The increase in computation power and development of innovative algorithms have made possible hitherto unthinkable applications such as self-driving cars and humanoid robots - as well as daily life applications such as the predictive prompt of search engines, and purchase recommendations provided by e-commerce sites.
Studies for the Government of Karnataka
1. Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies for Cities in Karnataka
Source Apportionment Study for the City of Bengaluru
CSTEP has initiated a source apportionment (SA) study for Bengaluru as per the request of the Government of Karnataka.
The main goal of the study is to provide evidence towards creating a Clean Air Action Plan for Bengaluru and implementing strategies for improving air quality.