State gets its first draft on action plan for clean,renewable energy

It made preliminary estimations that Maharashtra has the potential to develop grid-connected renewable power projects in the range of 35,185 MW to 1,36,709 MW,based on different assumptions. Wind power alone can contribute upwards of 14,260 MW to 23,140 MW.

The workshop was part of a national project funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and supported by the British High Commission and brought together dignitaries,including V P Raja,chairman,Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission,Vicki Treadell,deputy High Commissioner,British Deputy High Commission,S R Chaudhari,general manager of Maharashtra Energy Development Agency and Sanjeev Ghotge,senior Fellow and Project Coordinator of WISE.

The draft proposal
* Analyses of the status,prospects and options required for changes in energy production and consumption patterns in sectors like power,industry,transport,agricultural,water and the environment. This would help to ennhance energy efficiency,and lead the state towards a low-carbon and energy secure economy
* Analyses of the potential of various renewable energy sources in the state like wind power,solar power,grid connected bioenergy,small hydro and off-grid applications and identify policy and regulatory frameworks and barriers
* On the demand side,identify the potential for conservation and substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources
* Analyses of urban systems in terms of their energy use patterns-water pumping,street lighting,solid waste management,mass transport,buildings and wastewater management,and offers solutions for improvement
* Provided ways and means for tackling resource constraints along with the social and environmental benefits that will accrue through sustainable development