Kerala - Kochi   

Harnessing wind energy

R. Ramabhadran Pillai

Two private sector companies to set up projects in State

Kochi: With increase in awareness on climate change resulting from unscientific use of fuel, more and more agencies are adopting methods for use of clean energy as well as energy conservation. In an attempt to reduce dependence on conventional fuel, renewable energy is increasingly being harnessed.

The Kerala Government’s policy of allowing wind energy projects in private sector is one such move. Two major companies engaged in wind energy generation, Suzlon Energy Limited and Vestas Wind Technology India Private Limited, are to set up projects in Kerala.

The use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in vehicles is also being welcomed by many cities. Andhra Pradesh recently started using CNG in public transport vehicles on an experimental basis.

Karnataka has prepared a proposal for installing hybrid renewable energy systems comprising of both solar and wind energy generators in 100 villages in the State, according to World Institute of Sustainable Energy, a Pune-based organisation promoting renewable energy.

These units would be exclusively used for meeting the energy requirements of streetlights in villages. Each unit can power about 10 streetlights for 12 hours a day. It is possible to power up to 15 streetlights in areas with high wind energy potential. Each unit, having a total capacity of 1300 watts, is expected to generate 5 units of power a day; 3.8 units from wind and 1.2 units from solar energy.

Each generation unit is expected to cost Rs.3.70 lakh, 75 per cent of which will be subsidised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The cost of the generating units can be recovered in six to seven years, according to feasibility reports. This model could be replicated in States like Kerala, according to experts in energy management.

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