<p>As Delhi government struggles to maintain the demand-supply ratio of power in the Capital, it has also been looking at harnessing non-conventional sources of energy. But there is a long way to go yet.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“The only two means of alternate energy which could be tapped in the Capital are solar power and bio-gas. As of now, we are generating around 30 MW of solar energy and we aim to the produce at least around one per cent of the average energy consumption in Delhi, which is around 4000 MW,” said Dr Anil Kumar, Executive Officer, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Management Centre. <br /><br />Aimed at harnessing renewable energy as well as promoting efficient use of energy, EE&REM was set up by the city government in 2006.<br /><br />Several projects are in the pipeline which, according to Dr Kumar, could help in meeting the power targets. While one solar power plant (30 KV capacity) is being installed at Delhi Secretariat, another plant with a capacity of 100 KV will come up at Vikas Bhawan-II in Civil Lines.<br /><br />According to experts, availability of space and huge costs involved are the two major bottlenecks in tapping non-conventional energy.<br /><br /> “In order to tap solar energy, one requires adequate space. It is difficult to promote it in residential areas. Therefore, the concerned agencies in the city are targeting official buildings, commercial complexes and institutions. Moreover, the cost of generating solar power is also higher than the conventional means in the short term – which discourages individuals to get involved with the projects,” said Dr Meenakshi Dhote, professor of Environmental Planning at the School of Planning and Architecture.<br /><br />According to EE&REM officials, in order to install a solar plant of 1 KV – which would take care of the energy requirement of an average household minus the air conditioners – a space of 10 square metre is required, and the average cost of its installation would be around Rs 2 lakh.<br /><br />“In order to promote non-conventional sources of energy, the ministry of renewable energy gives a 30 per cent subsidy to install a solar plant above 1 KV. So the average cost of installation comes down to Rs 1.4 lakh after subsidy. But people are not ready to install it due to the immediate investment, though it proves economical in the long run,” said Dr Anil Kumar.<br /><br />Officials said they are also trying to promote bio-gas energy by using kitchen waste from restaurants, and institutions where canteens produce food in bulk.<br /><br />Moreover, experts said people also need to rise to the occasion and try to save energy. “There is limit to power generation,” said Dr Dhote.<br /><br />So, efficient use of energy is one way of meeting some of the power demand, she added. Architecture and the material used in construction also plays a big role in keeping buildings cool, which ultimately helps in reducing power demand.</p>
<p>As Delhi government struggles to maintain the demand-supply ratio of power in the Capital, it has also been looking at harnessing non-conventional sources of energy. But there is a long way to go yet.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“The only two means of alternate energy which could be tapped in the Capital are solar power and bio-gas. As of now, we are generating around 30 MW of solar energy and we aim to the produce at least around one per cent of the average energy consumption in Delhi, which is around 4000 MW,” said Dr Anil Kumar, Executive Officer, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Management Centre. <br /><br />Aimed at harnessing renewable energy as well as promoting efficient use of energy, EE&REM was set up by the city government in 2006.<br /><br />Several projects are in the pipeline which, according to Dr Kumar, could help in meeting the power targets. While one solar power plant (30 KV capacity) is being installed at Delhi Secretariat, another plant with a capacity of 100 KV will come up at Vikas Bhawan-II in Civil Lines.<br /><br />According to experts, availability of space and huge costs involved are the two major bottlenecks in tapping non-conventional energy.<br /><br /> “In order to tap solar energy, one requires adequate space. It is difficult to promote it in residential areas. Therefore, the concerned agencies in the city are targeting official buildings, commercial complexes and institutions. Moreover, the cost of generating solar power is also higher than the conventional means in the short term – which discourages individuals to get involved with the projects,” said Dr Meenakshi Dhote, professor of Environmental Planning at the School of Planning and Architecture.<br /><br />According to EE&REM officials, in order to install a solar plant of 1 KV – which would take care of the energy requirement of an average household minus the air conditioners – a space of 10 square metre is required, and the average cost of its installation would be around Rs 2 lakh.<br /><br />“In order to promote non-conventional sources of energy, the ministry of renewable energy gives a 30 per cent subsidy to install a solar plant above 1 KV. So the average cost of installation comes down to Rs 1.4 lakh after subsidy. But people are not ready to install it due to the immediate investment, though it proves economical in the long run,” said Dr Anil Kumar.<br /><br />Officials said they are also trying to promote bio-gas energy by using kitchen waste from restaurants, and institutions where canteens produce food in bulk.<br /><br />Moreover, experts said people also need to rise to the occasion and try to save energy. “There is limit to power generation,” said Dr Dhote.<br /><br />So, efficient use of energy is one way of meeting some of the power demand, she added. Architecture and the material used in construction also plays a big role in keeping buildings cool, which ultimately helps in reducing power demand.</p>
