WBREDA to set up first micro-turbine project

Kolkata, Sept 15: West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) will set up a micro turbine power project, first of its kind in India, with 60 kilowatt capacity.

WBREDA chairman S P Gonchowdhury told sources today, ''We will generate power from cowdung and lit up a village in Purulia. This is a model project. If successful, we will implement this in other parts of district.'' This unit would be commissioned in this October.

The project would be funded jointly by USAID, Union and state governments. Out of the total Rs one crore, Rs 30 lakhs would come as assistance from USAID and the rest from Union and state governments.

''We will use US technology to generate power with the help of aero engine,'' he said.

The model project will be replicated in several other districts in the state. WBREDA has started a study in several North Bengal districts like Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Bankura, Purulia and South 24 Parganas.

''We will survey the possibilities of this alternative energy in these districts and set up several other power plants there,'' he said.

UNI