Renewable Energy Park to be set up in Chennai

Chennai, July 10: The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) has planned to set up a state-level renewable energy park here at a cost of Rs 89 lakh, sanctioned by the Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The park will come up on a three-acre land at Periyar Science and Technology Centre by 2008, TEDA General Manager T Jayaseelan told sources here today.

The estimated Rs 50 lakh cost on civil works would be met by the state. The park would have wind energy, live demonstration of solar energy systems, bio-energy, fuel cells, ocean energy and solar restaurant as main attractions.

Mr Jayaseelan said about 130 engineering colleges across the state were instructed to set up energy clubs to create awareness about the benefits of renewable energy among students at the college level.

''We had given Rs 15,000 for setting up energy club in each engineering college'', he said adding ''every year, the fund will be extended''.

He said like previous three years, Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Day would be celebrated in all districts and a state-level function would be organised in Chennai on August 20.

According to the statistics given by TEDA officials, as a result of conducive policies, India ranked second in bio-gas, fourth in wind energy and seventh in solar energy in the world.

Over 10,000 MW power from renewable energy sources had been connected to electricity grids. About 40 lakh biogas plants and ten lakh solar systems were promoted, he added.

UNI