Government not to go in for energy through 'Sky Wind Power'

New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) The government today ruled out the possibilities of producing power on the same lines as the 'Sky Wind Power', a US-based company in the non-conventional energy sector.

The US-based company is into generation of electricity through installation of flying wind electric generators at an altitude of 15,000 feet in the sky, which feeds electricity to the ground through cable which is still at a conceptual stage, Non-Conventional Energy Minister Vilas Muttemwar said in the Rajya Sabha.

In written reply the upper house, the Minister said the government is not considering power through this method.

The government is implementing solar photovoltaic demonstration and solar photovoltaic water pumping programme for development and utilisation of solar energy in the country, especially the rural areas.

He said the government is implementing a programme on solar lanterns in un-electrified villages of the special category states.

Under the the Remote Village Electrification Programme, the ministry provides subsidy for generation of electricity through various non-conventional energy sources including solar photovoltaic systems.

On energy from urban wastes, the minister said the potential is estimated at 1925 MW for 2002. Based on growth in population and likely increase in generation of solid and liquid wastes in various cities and towns, the potential for power generation has been projected to increase to about 29,00 MW in 2007 and 5650 MW in 2017.

The programme provides for financial assistance in the form of subsidy ranging from Rs 1.50 crore to Rs 3 crores per MW, with an upper limit of Rs 8 crore per project.

The amount of subsidy depends upon the type of waste and the technology deployed and is subject to eligibility and other terms and conditions. The programme is open to all States and Union Territories.

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