Feature Article

Gujarat has wind farms with a total installed capacity of 170 mw, mostly in the private sector, along the coast of Saurashtra and Kutch. It has the second highest number of wind energy generators

Since the 1950s and 60s, India s efforts to tap wind energy have seen many ups and downs. The mid 1990s saw a boom, with Tamil Nadu taking the lead in wind power generation. But nothing has moved since

Unlike thermal and hydel power plants, wind energy generation does not degrade the environment

A non conventional energy complex set up in Brahampur village lies in a shambles today because authorities disregarded the people's requirements

Although small hydro projects are expensive, they are clean and renewable sources of energy and there is scope to reduce costs

Efforts at realising the vastly untapped potential of hydel power in the country are hampered by lack of finances

Although small hydro electric schemes are considered ideal for remote hill villages, planners have overlooked crucial factors and not all villagers are happy

MNES anticipates that its financing in the last two years of the Eighth Plan will be augmented by about Rs 1,300 crore, with the additional funding coming mainly as external assistance from the World Bank and GEF.

The nonconventional energy sector is seen as the mainstay of the nation's future power requirements and is all set for major expansion, following a significant infusion of funds.

After initial success in deriving energy from water, sun, wind and biomass, India is poised for a great leap in making these the energy sources of the future.