‘Non-conventional was a negative term’

- V Subramaniam, Secretary Renewable Energy, GOI

The proportion of solar and wind power to the total power capacity is on the rise, and it will be necessay to focus on these new sources

The non-conventional energy sector provides a small component of our total energy needs. How do you look at this?
We have just changed the name of the ministry from Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The word non-conventional had negative connotation. Today we have nearly 8,500 MW of installed capacity in renewable energy. As a percentage of the total system it’s slightly over six per cent, but even to retain this level our capacity has to grow exponentially because the conventional sector in electricity is growing at a much faster pace. In terms of electricity supplied, last year we supplied 19 million units (MUs) to power grid.  We have about four million biogas plants in the country and then we have the capacity of solar thermal systems.

What is the size of panels that have been put together by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy?
About 1.5 million square metres have been installed all over the country. These solar thermal systems are virtually replacing water heaters in all places like Tirupati, Shringhay, Brahma Kumari in Mount Abu. We are also using the same solar thermal systems to generate steam. They are not using electricity or fuel for generating steam. They are using solar power to cook food. They are tapping solar energy, too.

Which is the most successful project among the many hydel projects that you have? How much electricity is being generated by these states?
Himachal Pradesh is doing well and so are Uttaranchal, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. These states are generating1,400 MW in all. But these hydel projects have their own limitations. If there is no water then there is no electricity. The same goes for the wind.

Rajasthan has been claiming that they it has done tremendously well in wind energy. It said that it has multiplied it since BJP came to power?
See it’s all about wind assessment. You start from one MW and you can multiply to two MW. One has to do a detailed calculation of the wind for years. It’s not a one-day study.

Chandigarh is one of the windiest places in India. Are northern states suitable for generating wind energy?
No, they are not. What happens is that wind in South India comes with the southwest monsoon and then there are the western plains that trap the rain carrying clouds and hence it rains in Kerela. That’s the kind of funnel effect that is required. When monsoon wind stops and if you go to these places in November-December, you’ll find that all the wind mills are stationary.