To set up 40 Mw thermal plant in 500 acres in Banaskantha
Electrotherm Renewables - a division of Electrotherm (India) Limited, is investing between Rs 700 crore and Rs 800 crore for setting up a 40 Mw solar thermal power plant in Banaskantha. While Electrotherm is still on the lookout for a 500 acre land, the company is expecting some assistance from Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA).
"We had earlier signed an MoU for the solar thermal power plant during the previous Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS). We had asked the Gujarat government to allot us 50 Mw earlier for the plant but we have received approval for 40 Mw. The plant will be commissioned in 2013," said Siddharth Bhandari, managing director, Electrotherm Renewables division. Once commissioned, the plant is expected to sell power for Rs 10 per kwh initially, he added.
Talking further about the solar thermal plant, Bhandari said, "Around 10 companies are coming up with solar thermal power plant of varying capacities. The total capacity allotted by the government for solar thermal power plants is around 350 Mw, of which 40 Mw is being developed by us. Once successful, we would like to replicate such power plants across the country. For solar thermal power plants, Gujarat, along with Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are the most viable locations."
As of now, Electrotherm Renewables has launched its solar water heating system under the brand name 'Electra'. According to Bhandari, a 100 litres per day (LPD) Electra solar water heater can save up to 1,200 to 1,500 units of electricity consumed for water heating in a small household yearly. Moreover, it can reduce the emission of Carbon Dioxide up to one tonne annually which is really a great contribution to reduce greenhouse effect and global warming.
"We are initially making the product available in Gujarat, MP, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharastra, and Goa. We are currently in the process of appointing distributors and dealers in these states. Electra will also be available at select YOWORLDS, the electric two-wheeler showrooms for YOBykes," he said.
Equipped with a manufacturing capacity of 60,000 units per annum, Electrotherm aims to sell around 10,000 units this year and earn revenue worth Rs 10-12 crore.
State has potential for wind, solar energy
During an interactive session on "maximising renewal energy integration in the hospitality sector," organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Farooq Abdullah cited examples of various countries which have benefitted from the use of renewable energy devices. He said Rajasthan has immense potential to generate wind and solar energy.
He said the country faces a formidable challenge to meet its energy demands and provide adequate and affordable energy to all sections of the society. The energy demand and supply gap stands at 8%, which touches 11-12% during peak shortage. Therefore, the hospitality industry, which is among the major energy and water intensive sectors, must maximise the use of renewable energy resources to meet its demands, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, state energy minister Jitendra Singh sought Centre's assistance to develop renewable energy set ups in Rajasthan.
"Since the hospitality sector is likely to witness a steady growth in the coming years, it is imperative to focus on various possibilites by which it can increase its use of renewable resources of energy to meet the future requirements," Deepak Puri, deputy chairman, CII and chairman managing director of Moser Baer India Ltd.
Deepak Gupta, secretary, Union ministry of new and renewable energy, said the existent and the upcoming government buildings and PSUs will be equipped with energy efficient devices.
Ashvini Kumar, director solar thermal, Union ministry of new and renewable energy, gave a presentation on possible applications of solar energgy in the context of the hospitaity sector. Some of the suggestions were use of solar hot water systems for heating water for rooms, swimming pools, and laundry, solar steam cooking systems, solar lighting systems and solar air conditioning.
About 40 participants from the hospitality industry participated in the meet. This included, Gaj Singh of Jodhpur; Maharao Brij Raj Singh of Kota, Jitendra Singh Rathore, vice-chairman, Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer; Balendu Singh from Sawai Madhopur, Randhir Vikram Singh from Mandava Haveli; Apurv Kumar, executive director, Clarks Group of Hotels, Maharaj Narendra Singh from City Palace, among other hoteliers.
Electrotherm to invest Rs 700 crore for solar plant in Gujrat
"Solar Energy is a renewable source of energy. At one point of time, there can be shortage of power but not solar energy. It is thus required to make use of solar energy, bio-gas plants and store the traditional sources of energy." This piece of advice was given by chief development officer, Narendra Shanker Pandey, during a programme organised on the Rajeev Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas Speaking on the occasion, the CDO said, "Shortage in the generation of electricity is being faced, while the demand of power is increasing continuously. In such circumstances, sunlight and other sources of energy should be used. Awareness should be created among masses for the same."
He also emphasised that non-renewable sources of energy like coal and petroleum are being used up quickly which may make them unavailable in the near future. "In the years to come, sunlight, bio-energy, wind-energy and hydro-energy would be available in abundance. People should use solar cookers, solar water heater, solar mobile chargers, solar street lights, solar torches, solar pumps, solar cooling caps as a substitute of energy.
