NTPC for rural energy programmes

New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) The country's largest power generator, NTPC and Tata Energy and Research Institute (TERI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly implement rural electrification through Distributed Generation schemes.

Through this, potential villages in remote areas shall be identified and feasibility shall be carried out leading to subsequent implementation. The main thrust shall be to make these projects self-sustainable in the long run. MOU will be in force for a period of three years.

Sustainability model shall emphasize on involving local village community and arranging locally available fuel and resources.

Operation&Maintenance and revenue collection shall be managed by Village Energy Committee (VEC) comprising the villagers.

NTPC has taken up pilot power projects for Remote Village Electrification (RVE). Two projects at village Jemara in Uttar Pradesh Chhattisgarh with biomass (woody) and at village Jaraha Chetwa in with solar photovoltaic technology have been commissioned.

The third DG project at village Bhaogarh in Rajasthan with biomass (mustard corp residue) is to be commissioned shortly. In addition, 18 DG projects have been identified in Chhatisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh UNI/RT RA VC1835