Date:26/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/26/stories/2006072603510800.htm

Back Maharashtra gung-ho over non-conventional energy

Rahul Wadke

`Geothermal, tidal power have good prospects in the State'

Power drivers
According to MEDA sources, the State can generate 4,000 MW of power from geothermalenergy resources. Geothermal technology could reduce India's dependence on fossil fuels and help reduce release of acid rain and greenhouse gases. Tidal power also has good prospects in the State given the long coastline.

Mumbai , July 25

This summer Maharashtra resorted to load shedding to the extent of 4,500 MW; power from Ratnagiri Gas could not alleviate the misery of lakhs of villages.

Power shortage is a major issue faced by Maharashtra and the State Government is increasingly looking towards alternative sources of energy to meet the requirements.

Preliminary reports have indicated that geothermal energy and tidal power have good prospects in the State.

The maximum potential for developing geothermal energy is in Jalgaon district.

Testing for tidal power was also undertaken in February at the world famous Elephants Island off the coast of Mumbai.

The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), a nodal agency of the State Government, has been entrusted with the task of developing these non-conventional energy resources.

Energy resources

According to MEDA sources, the State can generate 4,000 MW of power from geothermal energy resources.

Studies have shown that in Jalgaon, the heat reserves are located in areas called `Deccan Traps' which are a part of a volcanic formation.

MEDA is seeking further help from National Geophysical Research Institute and Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, for harnessing power, sources said.

Dr D. Chandrasekharam, Professor of Earth Sciences, IIT, Mumbai, told Business Line that geothermal energy is harnessing the heat emanating from earth's inner layers for energy requirements.

Geothermal gradient

Below the crust, the earth is hot and the temperature rises by 30 degrees centigrade for every one kilometre. This phenomenon is called geothermal gradient.

"In some areas, the geothermal gradient is high, at lowers depths you have higher temperature.

In Geology, it is called geothermal anomalies. Water comes in contact with such areas and you warm springs. For centuries, warm springs have been used but only recently scientists have developed technologies like Hot Dry Rocks Technology for the efficient utilisation of these perennial resources,'' he said.

Environment friendly

Dr Chandrasekharam said that geothermal technology could reduce India's dependence on fossil fuels and help reduce release of acid rain and greenhouse gases.

Systems for use of geothermal energy have proven to be extremely reliable and flexible. Geothermal electric power plants are online 97 per cent of the time, whereas nuclear plants average only 65 per cent and coal plants only 75 per cent. Geothermal plants are modular, and can be installed in increments as needed. Because they are modular, they can be transported conveniently to any site. Both baseline and peaking power can be generated. Construction time can be as little as six months for plants in the range of 0.5-10 MW and as little as two years for clusters of plants totalling 250 MW or more, he said.

Tidal power also has good prospects in the State given the long coastline. MEDA has submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources.

In February, a private company tested a laboratory scale model at the Elephanta Island. The company is preparing a project feasibility report for MEDA.