KOLLAM: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah said here on Sunday that Kerala had tremendous potential for generation of power from new and renewable energy sources. He was talking to presspersons during his journey by road from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram.
Dr. Abdullah said he would initiate talks with the State government on ways to harness the renewable energy potential of the State. The Centre would extend all support to promote such projects, which, in some cases, can even go up to 90 per cent funding. Such projects were ideal for Kerala, he said.
The Minister pointed out that Punjab had at least 29 bio-mass plants generating electricity. Micro-hydel stations and bio-mass plants, if promoted, could reduce transmission loss and a ensure a more comfortable power position for the country. Tidal, wind and solar power were the other areas that the Centre was promoting and Kerala had tremendous scope in these areas, he said.
Unlike Kashmir, Kerala did not have Pakistan or China on its border and this provided a congenial atmosphere to promote such projects, he said in a lighter vein. The programme to produce 20,000 MW from wind energy would be extended all over the country.
Asked about the proposed Athirapilly power project in the State, Dr. Abdullah said granting clearance for the project came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. He said he was certain that if there were no environmental problems, such projects would be given clearance.
Regarding identifying locations for new hydel projects in the country, 65 per cent were “go areas” and 35 per cent “no go areas.” The latter areas raised environmental issues as these were wildlife habitats and had strong Adivasi presence. Therefore the thrust should be on developing hydel projects in the “go areas” to avoid controversies and delays.
Source: The Hindu, 29th March 2010
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