The Hindu Business Line : `States must focus on renewable energy to tackle power crisis'

The Minister of State for Non-Coventional Energy Sources (Independent Charge), Mr Vilas Muttemwar, flanked by Mr H.L. Bajaj (left), Chairman, Central Electricity Authority, and Mr M.K. Sanghi, President, Assocham, at a seminar in the Capital on Thursday. — Kamal Narang

New Delhi , May 5

THE Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has said that States facing power shortages need to focus on renewable sources of generation to tide over the situation.

Speaking here at a seminar on Thursday, the Minister of State for Non-conventional Energy Sources, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, said States such as Maharashtra could wipe out electricity deficit in the next three-four years by increasing the use of renewable energy.

"Maharashtra has the potential to generate about 5,000 MW from wind energy and another 1,500 MW from bagasse cogeneration from 160-odd sugar factories. This could help meet the requirements of the State which is facing shortages of nearly 4,000 MW," he said on the sidelines of an Assocham seminar.

At present, the State generates only 280 MW from wind energy, he said. With more efficient use of electricity, energy conservation measures and generation from conventional fuels such as coal and gas, Maharashtra has the potential to become power surplus in the future, he added.

Mr Muttemwar said he would also try to convince all States to stop using advertisement panels at night or switch over to solar-powered panels to save electricity. Efforts to use solar energy for streetlights are also being made, he said. To promote renewable energy sources, Muttemwar suggested that the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions fix preferential tariffs for purchase of power from such projects.

Emphasising on the need for distributed power generation projects, he said decentralised grids using small hydro, wind, biomass, solar and diesel hybrid systems offered a cost-effective solution to meet growing energy needs.

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