Renewable Energy finds its way in power scarce state
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 15 2011:
Renewable energy produced from running water, sunlight and wind under the special effort of Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) has found its way in the power scarce state.
MANIREDA has so far produced 3 MW with its various projects at different parts of the state which contribute 2 percent of the total power need of the state.
It may be mentioned that the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (Manipur and Mizoram) had earlier asked MANIREDA to contribute at least 2 percent of the state's total power requirement by March 31 this year.
By producing approximately 3 MW with its relentless efforts, MANIREDA has successfully fulfilled its target in compliance with the request of JERC (M&M), an official source said.
In an exclusive interview with Hueiyen Lanpao, Director, MANIREDA, L Manglem said that Manipur needs 180 MW of electricity during the peak hour.
Unfortunately the state power department is not in a condition to supply the required electricity since Manipur gets a much less amount of electricity as compared to the daily requirement.
MANIREDA had so far taken up various power projects like Micro Hydel Power Projects, Wind Solar Hybrid Power Projects and Biomass Plants in different parts of the state with special efforts in far flung remote areas where a glimpse of electric power was still a dream till then.
Four Micro Hydel Power Projects in Velnal, Sadar Zoute, New Makhan in Senapati district and Chadong village in Ukhrul district with a total production of 435 KW have been successfully implemented by MANIREDA under its project.
Furthermore, the agency is setting up another four such projects at Sekjang, Tengnoupal HQ, Tengnoupal village and Mao Potato Farm in Senapati district, Manglem said.
Solar and Wind Hybrid Power Projects have also been set up at Choujeng Lemphai, Phungyar and Khongbe in Ukhrul district, Kotlien, Dolang Khunou, Tingkai Khullen in Senapati district, Sangkhumai, Chawang Keining in Tamenglong district and Lamdeng in CCpur district which have a production capacity of approximately 10 KW each.
In order to provide uninterrupted power supply to district hospitals in the state, MANIREDA had also set up power plants at CCpur, Thoubal and Moreh district hospitals each of which will have production capacity of approximately 25 KW.
Out of the three plants, the power plant at Moreh district hospitals will be inaugurated in a formal function tomorrow.
Health Minister, L Jayentakumar will grace the function as chief guest.
As of now MANIREDA is taking up construction of power plants in those villages where the state power department has not been able to provide electricity till now.
However there are many requests from different other villages which the power department had declared as electrified villages.
Keeping in view of the present power situation of the state, it is high time for the state government to allow the agency to set up such power plants to such villages which have been deprived of electricity in spite of their recognition as electrified villages by the power department, Manglem said.