Hybrid power systems for rural Gujarat

With a view to promoting renewable energy sources in rural areas, the state government is all set to install hybrid power systems driven by solar and wind energy on rooftops of households in Gujarat.

The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has already received expression of interest from 12 players, which include Supernova, Unitron Energy, Auroville and Vistar Electronics. The capacity of these aero-generators is 2 Kwh to 10 Kwh and is in the ratio of 60:40, i.e., if the total capacity is 10 Kwh, 6 kwh will be generated by wind while 4 kwh by solar energy.

These aero generators can be installed on rooftops and they work on solar energy during daytime and on wind at night.

"They are meant to cater to the needs of smaller households of the state. The energy produced is stored in a battery. We are waiting for a nod from the Centre to go ahead with the project," said a senior GEDA official.

The Centre would provide financial assistance up to 75 per cent for household aero generators while for commercial purposes it would be up to 50 per cent.

The cost of setting up a 10 mw aero generator is about Rs 30 lakh. "Initially, it might look costly but with no monthly electricity bills and the financial assistance from government, it is viable. The cost of the project also goes down as volumes increase," government sources said.

The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) had taken a cue from small wind-driven power generators installed on rooftops in rural China for the project.