Development of Geothermal Power

NHPC has been engaged as the nodal agency by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for development of Geothermal Power in India.   The ranking studies of the Indian Geothermal Fields have been carried out during 2001-02 with cooperation of international consultant M/s GeothermEx,Inc., USA. Six most promising geothermal sites have been identified for development in order of following ranking:  Tattapani in Chhattisgarh Puga in J&K Cambay Graben in Gujrat Manikaran in HP Surajkund in Jharkhand Chhumathang in J&K   Based on decision taken during meeting held  in MNRE in the month of  June 2008, NHPC have been entrusted the phase-I work of preparation of DPR and setting up of 2 to 5 MW geothermal plant at Puga.  Accordingly, based on the assignment inputs received from the various functional groups, and budgetary offer received from Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) and consulting firms, a proposal submitted to MNRE in Sep 2008.for the preparation of DPR of 2 to 5 MW geothermal power project at PUGA. Now it has been decided by the Power Development Department of State Govt of J&K that the Puga Geothermal field shall be developed by the State Government.

Solar Power as an alternative source

To promote environmental friendly use of Solar Energy, Solar heating and Solar lighting equipment, are being considered for remote locations where grid power has limitations or either not available or fulfill through DG sets. A pilot project for 25kWp Solar Power Plant & 20 nos Stand alone street lights for Nimmo Bazgo Hydroelectric Project of NHPC has been successfully commissioned and fully functional at the project site.  Efforts are being made to identify the suitable locations for use of Solar Power at other projects of NHPC.

Development of 3.75 MW Durgaduani Mini Tidal Power Project, Sunderbans, West Bengal

MNRE, Govt., of India has entrusted this project to NHPC for execution under R&D works. An MOU has been signed between West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency under Govt. of West Bengal and NHPC Limited to update DPR and to execute the 3.75 MW Durgaduani mini tidal power project, Sunderbans, West Bengal. West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) under the Government of West Bengal, identified Tidal Power Generation in the state as a solution to meet the energy demands of the remote delta region. The project envisages setting up of a small tidal power project in the Durgaduani creek adjoining Gosaba Island in the Sunderbans with the objective of providing electric power to all the populations of Gosaba island on the east, and Bali-II area of Bali-Bijaynagar island on the west of the creek.   Durgaduani Mini Tidal Power project envisages the utilization of about 4 m head available between low and high tide in the Durgaduani creek located in the Sunderban area in the district of South 24 Pargonas in West Bengal state of India. Power potential of about 3.75 MW is proposed to be harnessed through single-basin single-effect tidal power development   Based on the decision taken during meeting held in Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India an MOU has been signed between West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency of Govt. of West Bengal and NHPC Limited to update DPR and to execute the 3.75 MW Durgaduani mini tidal power project.   Accordingly NHPC have submitted the updated DPR to WBREDA. The project has been approved for execution in a meeting held in MNRE. A letter of intent has been received from WBREDA for execution of the project as per DPR.   This project is being funded by MNRE.