Heavy investments have already flown into the state through both public and private sector channels; and large projects have already been commissioned or are currently in the process of implementation. While a lot is being accomplished, some chaff needs to be separated from the grain in the state. Th is forms the core of our cover story for this issue.
Green Ahead is a fairly large section in this issue, reaffi rming the sector’s as well as the magazine’s stance on supporting the renewable energy industry. Split into two, the first part focuses on the country’s geothermal energy potential and private sector initiatives in this direction, from both within the country and overseas. Th e second segment focuses on small hydro and what ails this sector.
Interesting things are also happening in the foreign direct investment (FDI) arena. Th is time from Singapore! In the fi rst major FDI in India’s power sector in over four years, Singapore-based energy, water and marine group Sembcorp Industries, has signed a joint venture agreement with Gayatri Energy Ventures to set up a 1,320 MW power plant in Andhra Pradesh. Th e Money Matters section sheds more light on this. Nuclear Watch in this issue analyzes what the GE Energy-Hitachi combine could contribute to the Indian nuclear program byway of two new and safer reactor technologies.
Th e state in focus this time is Meghalaya. While the energy potential in the state is promising, slack regulatory control and lack of initiative on the state government’s part refl ect amply on what a state has failed to do for its people.
As a final word, we would like to thank our readers for writing in to us with their valuable comments. We have attempted to incorporate changes suggested by you. We hope that this issue proves to more informative and above all, a pleasurable read!