Green alternatives

30/08/2001

Green alternatives Alternative energy sources are being promoted the worldover to replace polluting fossil fuels. For example, in many of the European countries it is mandatory for conventional power producers to purchase certain amount of renewable energy. More than 15 per cent of energy generated in the world comes from this ecofriendly sector. India has a vast potential for tapping solar energy, power from small hydroelectric projects, biogas plants and industrial and other waste plants. It stands fifth in wind power production in the world. Though India has made some strides, a sluggish bureaucracy and unfriendly policies of state governments have impeded the growth of the renewable energy sources. The Union government is yet to formulate a uniform policy on the green energy.

Alternative energy source or technologies	Unit	Potential	Achieved
Wind Power	megawatt (MW)	45,000	1,267
Small hydropower (up to 25 MW)	MW	15,000	1,341
Biomass power Biomass gasifiers Biomass congeneration	MW MW MW	19,5000 16,000 3,500	308 35 273
Urban and industrial waste-based power	MW	1,700	15.20
Solar photovoltaics	MW per square kilometre	20	47
Solar water heating	million square metre collector area	140	0.55
Biogas plants	Million	12	3.1
Improved biomass cooking stoves	Million	120	33

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