15 April,2011 06:57 AM IST | | Sanjeev Devasia
Acting on a proposal from Tata Power, the state has decided to studyu00a0 the feasibility of generating non-conventional energy from tidal waves
Power shortage in Maharashtra may soon be a thing of the past.
Talks are on to examine the viability of using alternate power sources for the state particularly the energy derived from tidal waves.
The state is negotiating with private parties over proposals to bring about this new innovation, which will compensate for inadequate power supply.
Acting on a suo moto proposal from Tata Power, the state government has decided to study the feasibility of genera-ting non-conventional energy from tidal waves.
Replying to a question raised in the legislative council, Ganesh Naik, minister for non-conventional energy, said, "Since it is Tata Power which has expressed interest in undertaking such a project in the state, we are waiting for a project report from them.
Only after receipt of such a report will the state be able to estimate the approximate cost of the project and also calculate the amount of energy that can be generated from it.
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As of now, the state government is refraining from taking any concrete decisions in the matter."
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The Maharashtra Energy Development Authority had earlier carried out experiments to test the practicability of using tidal waves as a source of energy, at Budhgaon, Ratnagiri district.
However, the experiments did not quite yield desirable results. D P Sawant, minister of state for energy, said, "Mahaurja, the government department for development of non-conventional energy sources, had earlier carried out an experiment on a trial-and-error basis in Ratnagiri district, but it was not completely successful.
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Following this, Tata Power approached the government with a proposal. We are willing to consider the proposal, but are awaiting a report from the company.
If we find the venture practicable, we will definitely put it into action. We want to look at more options for generating energy, using other non-conventional and renewable energy sources."
Broadening horizons
Mahaurja, also known as Maharashtra Energy Development Authority, is registered as a society since 1985. Its objective is to bring about development of renewable energy and facilitate energy conservation in the state. The chairman of the body is the Minister of Non-Conventional Energy, Maharashtra.
New wave
Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that is obtained by converting the energy of the tidal waves into electricity. Although not widely used, tidal power has potential to be a vital source of electricity in the future. Tides are predictable, and are thus a reliable source of energy.
Tidal power has traditionally suffered due to relatively high cost. There are a limited number of sites with sufficiently high tidal ranges and flow velocities. Thus its availability has been limited. However, many recent technologi-cal developments in design as well as technology have brought down the cost to competitive levels.
Tidal energy in India: Reports say that Gujarat may be the first state to have a commercial-scale tidal power station
