Punjab to exploit renewable energy sources

Chandigarh, June 7 (UNI) Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) is all set to achieve power potential of 1581 MW in New and Renewable Sources of Energy (NRSE) by the year 2010.

This was revealed in a presentation made by PEDA on its projects and programmes before Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here today.

It was informed in the meeting that out of total 1581 MW, 425 MW would be generated by small and micro hydro projects, another 220 MW would be obtained through co-generation and 342 MW generation would be by using biomass. Through Municipal Solid Waste, PEDA hopes to generate 20 MW, another 64 MW would be Solar energy, 10 MW would be wind energy and another 500 MW through energy conservation.

Taking part in the deliberation, the Chief Minister asked PEDA to exploit optimum potential of co-generation in Sugar, Paper, Distilleries, Rice, Starch, Chemical and Fertilizer Industries to augment the power supply in the state. He said that he would take up the issue with the Union Ministry of Non-conventional Renewable Sources of Energy for liberal financial assistance.

Mr Badal was informed that of a total estimated co-generation potential of 220 MW, only 24 MW had been exploited. Projects with potential of 85.25 MW were under various stages of execution.

MoUs of projects having potential of 28.5 MW had been signed and projects with 82 MW would be promoted in the near future.

He reiterated that PEDA's approach towards a sustainable energy future would certainly help the state to overcome the power crisis.

He also asked PEDA and Cooperation department to jointly put up a comprehensive proposal for setting up of co-generation projects in cooperative sugar mills in the state to generate 63 MW power.

Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting, included Media Advisor to Chief Minister Harcharan Bains, Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister D S Guru. Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) Chairman Y S Ratra, Secretary Power Suresh Kumar, PEDA Executive Director T P S Sidhu and Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Ajay Mahajan were also present.

UNI