Maharashtra energy agency plans big on wind power

The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) is planning to set up 28 wind power generation projects across the state by December 2007, with a capacity to generate 1,000 Mw power. Of the proposed 28 projects, two will be commissioned at Aundewadi (Dindori) and Gaulwadi (Sinnar) in Nashik district.

Speaking to the media following a state-level workshop on 'Energy conservation', organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here, director general of MEDA Mahesh Zagade said, "The state is rich in renewable energy resources, namely wind, biomass, solar energy and urban and industrial wastes. With such abundance resources, there is a wide scope for investment up to Rs 28,000 core in the field of renewable energy in the state."

"We are also looking for a suitable location to set up 40 biomass power projects across the state with each having a capacity to generate around 5-15 Mw power," Zagade said.

"Of the 16,156.73 Mw installed power capacity of the state, 85 per cent power comes from hydel and thermal projects. While the industry sector consumes 38 per cent power, agriculture and domestic sectors consume 20 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. Commercial establishments consume 10 per cent, railway 3 per cent, streetlights one per cent and others 4 per cent," he said.

Emphasising the need for conservation and efficient use of energy resources for sustainable development, he said setting up of the new power project would cost up to Rs 6 crore a unit.

"Saving of one unit energy at the consumption level means avoidance of 2.5 to 3 times fresh capacity addition. There is a vast potential for conserving energy by all the sectors "" industrial, agricultural, commercial and domestic," Zagade said.