Sea wave to generate 500 mw in Maha

After the successful launch of a 25-kw sea waves-based power generation project at Guhagar in the Konkan region, the Maharshtra government proposes to encourage similar projects in the state to tap a potential of 500 mw in this segment.

Maharashtra, which strives to tackle the daily power shortage of 3,500 mw to 5,000 mw, has a 720 km coastline and the state government officials hope that development of such projects will provide a partial relief. Initial investigations have revealed that such projects can come up at around 150 sites. The generation is possible by upward and horizontal thrust of sea waves.

State government official told FE, "We are aware that power generation based on sea waves is not going to solve the power crisis. However, this can be one of the non-conventional method to generate power and add to the state's installed capacity. Such projects can be carried out directly by the private sector or under the public private participation (PPP) model. The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency will be a nodal point for such projects." The official made it clear that such projects are not only environment friendly and does not violate any conservation norms, including coastal regulatory zone. The state government will further elaborate its policy in this regard during the ongoing monsoon session of the legislature.

The official said that the Guhagar project does not depend on tide and the generation of power is possible by powerful sea waves. Efforts will be made to increase the power generation to 250 kw and 1 mw by August. The minister of non-conventional energy Vinay Kore, who was instrumental in promoting the Guhagar project, said the generation cost will come to less than a rupee against the cost of Rs 3.50 per unit for a coal based or other power projects.

The Guhagar project has ben welcomed by the various non government and local organisations which are currently involved in opposing imported coal-based and nuclear-based power generation projects with the proposed generation capacity of over 20,000 mw in the Konkan region.