Solar Power Traffic Lights Coming Soon

      With the help of a Delhi-based firm under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, officials of Allahabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have decided upon installing a solar-powered traffic system within 22 crossroads of Allahabad, India. As part of its pilot project in 2012, solar panels, signal lights and other equipment were installed at four major crossroads such as Subhash crossing and Rana Pratap crossing; however, because of Maha Kumbh's preparations, the project has not been processed yet.
       The AMC had focused on starting the project at the earliest convenience. "Once the panel and other equipment are available, the solar-powered signals are to be installed at other major crossings too," Municipal Commissioner R. Vikram Singh had told Times of India (TOI).
        Last year, the solar-power traffic lights system had started phase-wise after AMC had given a no-objection certificate to a Delhi-based firm. In perspective to the fact that the solar-powered traffic signals has been successful in Agra and Bareilly, traffic police authorities have been coordinating with AMC authorities to bring them also to the city. Traffic inspector Indra Pal Singh had remarked to TOI that solar panel rooms are already in place at major crossings and that hopefully, the lights would begin to work within three months.
        Solar traffic lights are usually equipped with photovoltaic cells as well as having a solar panel attached to the top of the pole, which helps convert sunlight into electrical power. A solar charger regulates the voltage coming out of the solar panel. As this occurs, the regulated power obtained is used to charge a battery. Lighting is produced through extra-bright LED lights, which help produce an array of light that can last up to 4 years and are extremely energy efficient.
        Under this project, the previous traffic lights have already been removed and a fresh system of solar traffic lights are to be installed. The officials have also sought public cooperation in the same regard. Legal advisor of AMC, S.L. Yadev, said, "The project would help conserve energy and ensure smooth vehicular movement as solar energy would be operating the traffic lights. While one electric traffic light costs between 4 to 5 lakh, the solar signal costs around 8 lakh. Solar power is an efficient alternative provided enough energy is stored."

U.S. Supports Costa Rica in Clean Energy Initiatives

U.S. ambassador Anne S. Andrew joins representatives from each of the winning projects of the Clean Energy Regional Contest. Winners were announced at the University of Costa Rica Planetarium in San Pedro, east of San Jose, on Thursday

     On Thursday, U.S. ambassador Anne S. Andrew along with University of Costa Rica Vice Rector Carlos Raya had presented awards for Costa Rican initiatives to develop renewable energy and other environmental themes. Announced last year by the U.S. State Department and financed by the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA), 20 projects had entered the Clean Energy Regional Contest.
     At the University of Costa Rica Planetarium in San Pedro, east of San Jose, 5 winners had been announced. The following winners include: University of Costa Rica, with a project that will introduce the use of alternative energy including solar, wind and biomass in the coffee industry in Central America; Academia de Profesionales Solares de las Americas, which will train professional individuals on how to use solar energy in their businesses; Purdue University, with a plan to promote the use of solar energy in the Caribbean; SNV, a non-governmental organization that will introduce the use of biogas in livestock and coffee industries; and Yo Emprendedor, an association that motivates entrepreneurship with a project that will help a new generation of business owners develop green companies. These following winning projects will each receive a grant up to a total of $210,000.
      "Our countries (the U.S. and Costa Rica) are taking steps to reduce our dependence on hydrocarbons and to promote clean-energy technologies and policies as well as energy efficiency in all sectors," Andrew said. The U.S. State Department had also donated $1 million from ECPA to Michigan State University, which is currently working with University of Costa Rica, to develop solar bio-energy from waste products.