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The development of Non-conventional and Renewable Source of Energy has been given high priority by the Government of India and is a part of the 20-Point Programme. The Ministry of Non- conventional Energy Sources (MNES), Government of India has initiated extension programmes on some of the well developed non-conventional energy technologies. These programmes include demonstration projects as well as subsidy schemes which are currently being implemented in the country. The programmes covered under Non-conventional Sources of Energy were implemented by various Departments in the State and there was no co- ordinated approach and integral arrangement. With a view to have an coordinated approach and institutional support the State Government established an independent agency named Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) in July, 1985. The financial assistance being provided by MNES varies between 30 per cent to 90 per cent depending upon the projects and schemes. It is proposed to take advantage of these schemes and implement them in Maharashtra on as extensive scale. Accordingly the following schemes are implemented : Solar Energy Utilisation Energy can be utilised in two ways-by means of Solar Thermal Pro- gramme and the second by means of solar Photo-Voltaic Programme. Under Solar Thermal Programme, it is proposed mainly to concentrate on Solar Water Heating Systems and sale of Solar Cookers. Solar Water Heating systems are proposed to be installed in a large number of State Government buildings, Cooperative Dairies and Public Institu- tions. The programme is also being implemented for private institutions, industries and individuals. The promotion of solar cookers is being escalated in rural areas. Efforts are also being made to popularise community solar cookers for hostels, Ashramshalas etc. Feasibility study for installation of solar thermal power plant of 30 to 50 MW capacity is taken in hand. One such project can materialise during the VIII Five Year Plan subject to the availability of adequate financial resources. Under Solar Photo Voltaic Programme initial thrust was being given on providing solar photo-voltaic street lights, pumps and TVs in remote villages/padas/ wadis where electricity has not reached so far. Recently, however, newly developed solar PV portable lanterns have been found to be of great utility and is in great demand. A demonstration Solar PV power plant of 3.50 KW capacity is installed at one of the villages on Elephanta Island electrifying houses of all villagers. Two similar power plants are installed in two other villages in Raigad district. Wind Energy Utilisation A large number of windmills for pumping water was installed under the Demonstration Project of MNES in the past. The drawbacks experienced during implementation of these windmills have been evaluated and 54 old windmills have already been repaired. A Wind Mapping Project has been undertaken with the installation of 30 cup counter anemometers and the results will be utilized to under- take project feasibility studies for establishing wind farms in Maharashtra. The project of installation of 1.6 MW wind farm at Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg district has been taken in hand. The project is expected to be completed during 1993-94. Biogas Utilisation In view of large availability of animal dung in rural areas, a major thrust is being given on installing Community Biogas Plants in villages. MNES provides 90% subsidy for the Community Biogas Programme. Maximum advantage would be taken of this central assist- ance for extension of the programme in the rural areas of Maharash- tra. The amount earmarked will be utilized for revamping of existing plants, stabilising their O & M and in exceptional cases in sharing the beneficiaries cost. Research would be carried out on development of various alternative feed materials. Biomass Utilisation In order to give impetus to the maximum use of biomass, this pro- gramme is coupled with the promotion of new biomass technologies like gasifiers, power generators and briquetting plants. Substantial financial support would be available from Government of India for these programmes. Thermal use of biomass gasifiers would be encour- aged. Special Projects A special Wardha Energy Project has been undertaken for Wardha district. Under this scheme 50 villages have been selected for concentrated use of non-conventional energy sources. This pro- gramme is being substantially financed by MNES. A special project for Pune Urban area has been sanctioned by MNES. This envis- ages promotion of non-conventional energy sources in Pune Metropolitan regions. Implementation of biogas recovery from distillery effluent, sanitary landfull studies, energy recovery from sewerage and several R & D studies would be taken up as special projects. Energy Conservation MEDA has taken up in right earnest the scheme of energy conservation in the industrial sector. A large number of government undertak- ings as well as some private industries have taken advantage of this scheme. The scheme envisages a saving in the use of energy without any additional investment in the production/manufacturing machinery. The response from the industrial sector is quite satis- factory and the results are encouraging. The programme has been extended to the agricultural sector through rectification of pump sets. A campaign for creating awareness in conservation of energy in the domestic sector is taken up through distribution of suitable leaflets and pamphlets. A provision of Rs.23.675 mln for the Annual Plan 1994-95 is proposed for the entire Non- conventional Energy Programme in the State. Integrated Rural Energy Planning (IREP) Programme The IREP was taken up in Maharashtra on a pilot basis at the instance of the Planning Commission. Until 1985-86 the programme was being implemented in five blocks viz. Sinnar in Nashik District, Bhor in Pune District, Dahanu in Thane District, Aurangabad in Aurangabad District and Chandur Railway in Amaravati District. In May, 1986 the Government of India formulated a Centrally sponsored scheme "Integrated Rural Energy Planning Programme". The Planning Commission provides 100 per cent Central Assistance under this scheme for staff of IREP Cells at State level and in selected Districts/Blocks. Central funds are provided for software activities of these cells including training and extension. As these activities are financed by Planning Commission, no separate outlay for this scheme is included in the State Plan. "Integrated Rural Energy Planning Programme" is being implemented by Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) since 1986-87. So far the programme has been gradually extended to a total number of twentyone blocks. During the year 1994-95 the programme will be further extended to four more blocks. It is proposed to extend the programme to one block each in all 29 districts during the VIII Plan 1992-97. The details of the programme are given below:-
An outlay of Rs.11.0 mln is proposed as State share in the Annual Plan 1994-95. As against this, matching central assistance from Government of India is expected to be received. Biogas Under the National Programme for Biogas development which is a 100 per cent Centrally Sponsored Scheme, an average subsidy of Rs. 3,400 per Biogas plant is given. In addition to the above subsidy, Government of India also provided funds for certain training programmes indicat- ed below:
An outlay of Rs.128.0 mln is proposed for the Annual Plan 1994-95, to set up 25,000 Biogas plants .Improved Chullha In order to encourage women in the rural areas to use efficient improved chullha in place of traditional chullhas - thereby minising drudgery and health hazards-the Centrally Sponsored Project on demonstration on Improved chullhas was implemented in the country from February 1984. Under the scheme trainees are trained by master trainers in the art of constructing the improved chullhas. These trainees, on completion of their training are expected to construct chullhas for the beneficiaries in the village ultimately making the entire village a `Smokeless village'. The Government of India provides funds for this scheme at the rate of Rs. 10,000 per training course and subsidy of Rs. 50 per chullha which are constructed outside the training classes. It is proposed to install 1,30,000 chull- has during 1994-95 with the help of proposed outlay of Rs. 15.700 mln. Source : Maharashtra Energy Development Agency |