Development of Geothermal Power

NHPC has been engaged as the nodal agency by Ministry of Non - conventional Energy Sources (MNES) 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: o        Tattapani in Chhattisgarh o        Puga in J&K o        Cambay Graben in Gujrat o        Manikaran in HP o        Surajkund in Jharkhand o        Chhumathang in J&K ·         The cost benefit studies for development of Tattapani Geothermal fields in Chhattisgarh & Puga Geothermal Field in J&K, have been done. The proposal regarding overall development of Tattapani geothermal fields have been prepared by NHPC & submitted to MNES. MNES is getting certain survey work done from National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) Hyderabad and NHPC shall be associated with further work depending on the results of these survey works. An action plan for exploiting Puga Geo-thermal fields for Power Generation by developing it national experimental demonstration project of 5 MW capacity was submitted to MNES on 23.05.2003. This proposal was considered in a meeting of the Commission for Additional Sources of Energy (CASE). The proposal was not approved by the Commission.  A team comprising representatives from GSI, Govt of J&K, CEA & NHPC and Prof. D. Chandra Shekhram, IIT, Mumbai & Chairman of  M/s Geo Syndicate Power Pvt. Ltd. were deputed to New Zeeland by MOP to study the Geothermal projects in operation. The inception report including tour report of visiting members of the team has been submitted to Ministry of Power in Jan 2006, followed by comments / observation of NHPC on structuring of geothermal project at Puga vide letter dated 03.03.2006.   Recently two meetings were held in MOP/MNRE regarding the use of geothermal energy in the country wherein the representatives of CEA, NHPC, GSI, NGRI,   M/s Geo syndicate, Govt. of J&K , Govt. of Maharashtra etc. were participated. A team consisting of the representatives from various organizations is under formulation for further development of geothermal energy in the country.

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 is either not available or has limitations. ·         Nimmo Bazgo project is one such location which was chosen as a Pilot project. The site offers greater availability of sun light and is depend on diesel power which is not only costly but has adverse effect on the environment. With the active support of the Project, 25 kWp Solar Power Plant and stand alone lighting system was  commissioned successfully. ·        Similar solar and street lighting for NHPC colony (part) at Faridabad is under study now.

Techno-Economic Studies for Selection of Appropriate Turbine-Generator units for Tidal Power Stations

MNES has requested NHPC to explore the possibilities for implementing Tidal   Power Project in West Bengal. An MOU has been signed between NHPC and WBREDA for hiring of International consultant for updation & up gradation of DPR for 3.65MW Durgaduani Mini Tidal Power Project, Sunderbans. NHPC has awarded the work for upgradation of DPR of 3.65 MW Durgaduani Tidal Power Project to M/s Hydro Tasmania Consulting India Pvt. Ltd. and work is under process.