Projects in India
InSic – (International Solar Innovation Council) Support for Solar Energy Utilization Projects 2023-2026
Atmosmare’s projects in India support the development of innovative solar energy applications. Atmosmare funds 30 percent of three projects launched by InSIC (International Solar Innovation Council) in India during December-January. All three projects aim to develop novel solar energy applications that are significantly more affordable than existing ones. The combined budget for these projects is 14,000 euros, with Atmosmare contributing 4,000 euros.
Double-Glass Solar Panel May Revolutionize Agricultural Solar Power Production
Methods combining solar power and agricultural production are generally referred to as ‘agrovoltaics.’ These have recently garnered widespread attention, particularly in China and India, but also in dozens of other countries. The appeal of ‘agricultural solar power’ has increased as land-use conflicts between solar power and food production have intensified in densely populated areas.
Combining solar power and food production is also possible by leaving some land fallow and installing solar panels less densely than usual. However, Bhowmik and Karmakar’s approach is unique: they have already developed a semi-finished solar panel where the electricity-generating elements are encased between two panes of glass. Their solar panels allow sufficient visible light to pass through, enabling successful crop cultivation beneath them. This method can also likely be used to reduce crop water requirements and lower surface soil temperatures to an ideal level for plant growth.
Portable Solar-Powered Drinking Water Purifier Supports People in Remote Areas
The project, implemented with Abhijit Das and Agro Solar, aims to develop a portable solar-powered drinking water purifier that would weigh only five kilograms.
The objective is for the device to cost 160-200 euros when mass-produced, yet be capable of producing approximately one liter of water per minute when exposed to sunlight. This means it could, depending on conditions, provide clean drinking water for 100 to 200 impoverished individuals in remote areas. The device’s core is a combination of four distinct filters that utilize solar energy in different ways, and which, according to preliminary experiments, can remove 99 percent of viruses and bacteria from water.
This device can be of great significance to individuals living outside water supply networks that distribute high-quality drinking water, as the lack of clean drinking water continues to contribute to millions of premature deaths annually. Affordable portable solar-powered drinking water purifiers can also have substantial poverty-reducing effects, given that the world’s two billion poorest people currently pay, on average, many times more for their drinking water than the world’s wealthy and middle-income populations.
India’s First Solar-Powered Boat
The project, implemented with Partha Dubey and Dubey Eco Boat Pvt, will convert a catamaran operating in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, to solar power. This catamaran will become India’s first solar-powered boat. The project is testing several new solutions for converting various sizes of boats and small ships to run on solar panels and batteries. If successful, this initiative could have extensive ripple effects on both the tourism and fishing industries in India and its neighboring countries.
Carbon Sequestration and Oil Crop Cultivation Project in Namibia, Starting 2022
The first phase of the project involves surveys and research, conducted in academic cooperation with the University of Namibia (UNAM). This includes, for example, awarding scholarships for final theses by graduating students in chemistry, agriculture, and sustainable development, focusing on themes selected by the project’s steering group.
The results of the study we commissioned, completed in 2023 as a scholarship project, regarding the presence and cultivation potential of African oil palm in Namibia, have been encouraging.
In the second phase of the project (starting 2024), the intention is to acquire a pilot farm for the project, where research results can be put into practice, and carbon sequestration and oil crop cultivation can be implemented.
Scholarship Works Commissioned by Atmosmare at the University of Namibia in 2023:
“Chemical And Thermal Characterization Of Biomass From Selected Namibian Encroacher Bushes For The Production Of Biochar And Bio Oil”
“Evaluating The Effects Of Soil Amendments On Soil Physicochemical Properties, Growth, And Yield Of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) In North-Central Namibia”
”Literature Review Of Elaesis Guineensis (African Oil Palm)”
Carbon and Nutrient Sequestration on a Former Field
The foundation has implemented a carbon dioxide and nutrient sequestration project in Lieto since 2008. At that time, we began afforesting a riverside field sloping towards the river (plot size 5ha, half of which was former agricultural land). As a result of the project, nutrient runoff into the river and subsequently into the Archipelago Sea has been reduced, and carbon dioxide has been sequestered in the rapidly growing tree biomass on the nutrient-rich field. Oak, spruce, and birch were planted on the plot. In addition, numerous other tree species have naturally spread to the area.
Supporting Whale Research
The foundation granted a scholarship for sperm whale research to be conducted in Norway in 2017.
We assisted in the acquisition and transport of a boat intended for blue whale research in 2019. In the same context, the research gained significant media visibility.
Memorandum to the State Leadership on the Dangers of the Carrington Event Solar Flare in 2013
Publication of the book ‘Ships, Sulphur and Climate’ and Presentation of the Topic 2010-2011
Sulfur emissions from maritime transport have a cooling effect on the climate. The book’s aim was to draw attention to what happens when the amount of cooling particulate emissions decreases as a result of new regulations. In the same context, various geoengineering techniques aimed at cooling the climate were investigated and highlighted. During the project, several presentations on the topic were given, extending to Brussels, and efforts were made to influence decision-makers.
In 2021, a memorandum concerning the matter was sent to all Members of the European Parliament.
The 2023 temperature records indicate that the concern about the reduction of cooling emissions has been justified. The topic should continue to be highlighted, and the role of maritime transport should be kept in mind, should climate-cooling geoengineering measures be undertaken in the future.
Study on Alternative Energy Forms and Energy Efficiency in Maritime Transport 2008-2011
The foundation served as a think tank in developing energy efficiency and alternative propulsion methods for maritime transport.
Highlighting Problems Related to the Use of Natural Gas
Throughout its operation, the foundation has highlighted problems related to the use of natural gas and LNG, including how even minor gas leaks, which occur at all stages of gas utilization, significantly increase the climate impact of natural gas. In this regard, the foundation has organized discussion events, written on the topic, and distributed related material to decision-makers.
