CEE Oct-Dec 2012

MOVING TOWARDS A GREEN ~UTUR.E The Gujarat Energy Development Agency or GEDA is playing a stellar role in the development of long term renewable energy and energy efficient technologies in the sate of Gujarat. Daksha Vaja As the world witnesses a growth in the demand for clean energy, Gujarat recognizes green energy as one of its focus sectors. It has emerged as a leader of India's future energy programme with its constant emphasis on mitigation initiatives by exploiting the clean and green power generation potential of wind and solar energy. GEDA: The Renewable mandate and rationale The GEDA has been making strides as an organization in helping Gujarat tap its green energy potential. The following are its mandate: Foster the development of sustainable, equitable and resilient energy system, suitable for India's developing economy Initiation of change from energy deprivation and dependence to energy autonomy through use of renewable technologies and energy conservation measures Create energy literate citizenry, capable of making wise energy choices Research, development, demonstration and popularization of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies To create opportunity for people to improve their lives by: Promoting open and competitive markets renewable/sustainable energy power projects in Gujarat Supporting companies and other private sector institutions where there is a gap through a single window clearance • Helping to generate productive jobs and deliver essential services to the renewable energy sector Catalyzing and mobilizing the promotion and popularization of sustainable energy technologies through various outreach programmes and projects. Gujarat: Renewable energy potential Gujarat is rich in renewable energy resources. With 300 days' sunshine and vast tracts of wastelands, even if 1 per cent of the land mass is set aside; it has the potential to generate 10,000 MW of solar power. Its 1600 km coastline, the longest in the country, can generate 10,000 MW of wind power and the 24 million tonnes of biomass produced has the potential to generate 900 MW of electric power. The 200 lakh cattle population can produce 5.6 million cu m of biogas daily at 70 per cent dung collection efficiency that can cater to the cooking gas requirement of 2.8 million families or generate 933 MW of power. Additionally, the tracts of 67 lakh ha of wasteland can yield 67 million tonnes of biomass that has the potential to generate 15000 MW of power. The tidal potential of the sea is at 900 MW and that of the Gulf of Kutch is at 900 MW whilst the energy conservation potential is 23 per cent. Gujarat: Realizing solar MW capacity Gujarat has converted its challenges into opportunities and is the first state in India and the fourth province in Asia to set up a separate Department of Climate Change. The State Government of Gujarat took a bold initiative and announced its Solar Power Policy in January 2009, allowing investors to set up MW-scale solar power projects within the State, assuring the purchase of power generated through the solar power plants at a levelised tariff of Rs.12.58 kW. The price payable was pegged at Rs.15 per kW for the first 12 years and Rs.5 for the next 13 years. The Policy received an overwhelming response from across the globe, resulting in the allotment of capacity close to 1GW to over 85 28 •'