Biomass Atlas to Assess Renewable Energy Potential from Agro Residues
	17:31 IST

India is implementing one of the world’s largest programmes in renewable energy.  The country ranks second in the World in Biogas utilization and fifth in Wind Power and Photovoltaic production.  A potential of 45,000 MWe from around 20mha of wastelands assumed to be yielding 10MT/ha/annum of woody biomass having 4000 k-cal/kg with system efficiency of 30% and 75% PLF has not been taken into account. In order to realize this potential a major inter-Ministerial initiative is required.  A Biomass Atlas is under preparation which is expected to more accurately assess state-wise renewable energy potential from agro-residues.             Potential based on areas having wind power density (wpd) greater than 200 W/m2 assuming land availability in potential areas @ 1 per cent and requirement of wind farms @ 12 ha/MW, not all of which may be technically feasible and economically viable for grid-interactive wind power.                Technically feasible and economically viable hydro potential is generally accepted at 40% of the total estimated potential.  Accordingly, the technically feasible and economically viable small hydropower potential could be around 6000MW.  With the establishment of new sugar mills and modernization of existing ones, technically feasible potential is assessed at 5000 Mwe. Current technically feasible municipal waste-to-energy potential is assessed at 1700 Mwe. Details of Estimated Renewable Energy Potential and Cumulative Achievements in the Country as on 30.09.2007   S. No. Sources/Systems       Estimated Potential Cumulative Achievements as on 30.9.2007 I. Power From Renewables A. Grid-interactive Renewable Power     1. Bio Power (Agro residues & Plantations) 16,8811 560.30 MW 2. Wind Power 45,1952 7,660.20 MW 3. Small Hydro Power (up to 25 MW) 15,0003 2,014.66 MW 4. Cogeneration-bagasse 5,0004 692.33 MW 5. Waste to Energy (Urban & Industrial) 2,7005 55.75 MW 6 Solar power - 2.12 MW   Total (in MW)            84,7766 10985.36 MW   B. Captive/CHP/Distributed Renewable Power 7. Biomass / Cogen.(non-bagase)   59.00 MW 8. Biomass Gasifier - 86.53 MWeq. 9. Energy Recovery from Waste - 20.21 MWeq.   Total -   165.74 MWeq. II. Remote Village Electrification - 3332 / 830  villages / hamlets III. Decentralised Energy Systems 10. Family Type Biogas Plants  120 lakh 39.40 lakh 11. Solar Photovoltaic Programme       i.  Solar Street Lighting System - 61,321 nos.   ii.  Home Lighting System     - 3,63,399 nos.   iii.  Solar Lantern - 5,64,931 nos.   iv.  Solar Power Plants - 2.18 MWp 12. Solar Thermal Programme -     i.  Solar Water Heating Systems 140 million sq.m. collector area 2.00 million sq.m. collector area   ii. Solar Cookers - 6.17 lakh 13. Wind Pumps - 1180 nos. 14. Aero-generator /Hybrid Systems - 608.27 kW 15. Solar Photovoltaic Pumps - 7068 nos.       MW = Megawatt            kW = Kilowatt,          kWp = kilowatt peak,              sq.m. = square metre    KP:PM