Date:23/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/23/stories/2004072315880300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Energy park coming up in city

By Govind D. Belgaumkar

BANGALORE, JULY 22. How much energy do you generate when you jump? Or, can you quantify the energy produced when you crawl into a drum and roll it?

You will soon be able to measure it all. And much more is in store for you at the energy park coming up fast at the DRDO Park around the musical fountain. If your children are scared of the cold water in the swimming pool in your area, the energy park will be the right place for them. For, a hot-water paddling pool will come up in the park. The water will be heated using solar energy.

The work on the Rs. 1.3-crore project, taken up by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd., has already started. The foundation for some of the structures is being laid while some bamboos are getting chemical treatment for the proposed reinforced bamboo houses to be illuminated using solar energy. The work is expected to be completed in about three months.

There will be a working demonstration of how water can be lifted using a windmill.

B. Shivalingaiah, Managing Director of the State-owned KREDL, told The Hindu that the park was being developed with an assistance of Rs. 95 lakh from the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources. It will be handed over to the Horticulture Department after it is ready.

The bamboo houses would have television sets, and home theatre systems also run on alternative sources of energy.

About 20 kW of energy will be generated in the park using solar power and non-conventional sources. About 5 kW of energy will come from a biogasification plant that will use wood as a source of energy. He said the park would have touch-screen monitor that will provide the required information on the alternative energy sources.