Power starved, state tapping wind energy

SHILLONG, JULY 31: For a power starved state like Meghalaya, generating wind energy looks like a permanent solution and the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) has began a process of mapping wind energy density maps for meeting the growing demand for power..

Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) co-chairman John Kharshiingtold reporters after reviewing the power situation in the state, “The MeECL is on the process of mapping certain areas in the state which have the potential to generate wind energy.”

Kharshiing said that the MeECL have indentified some wind potential areas in West Khasi hills and Jaintia hills for setting up wind mills for generation of power.

Stating that government is exploring all options to meet actual power requirement of 700 MW, Kharshiing said the government is now eyeing a long-term solution to address the growing demand for power by implementing the Meghalaya Renewable Energy Policy aimed at tapping the various sources of renewable energy available in the state.

Moreover, Kharshiing informed the government will take steps to identify areas in the state that have potential in biomass for setting up of off-grid plants to supplement the inadequate power supply in the state.

Kharshiing said, “The state government has already started setting up its solar panel in and around the Shillong city and in some educational institutions   to meet the power requirements.”

Meghalaya, which was once a power-surplus state and sold it to neighboring states, has now become power-deficit. The state generates only over 140 MW from Umiam Hydro Electric Project and Myntdu-Leshka Hydro Electric Project against the actual power requirement of 700 MW.

Meghalaya is already in a debt-trap with the state-owned Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) having pending dues of around Rs.300 crore with NEEPCO, NTPC Limited and NHPC Limited. – By Our Reporter