Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has given approval to private companies for setting up biomass power plants in 25 districts of the state. These power plants are estimated to generate 317 MW of energy. The power plants which are proposed will be of different MW capacities and different private groups will set up the plant in these districts so that there are no clashes on procurement of raw material.
A senior GEDA official said that “We have given in principle approval to private entrepreneurs for setting up bio-mass run power plants in 25 districts of the state for an estimated generation of 317 MW energy.”
He also said that the planned power plants will be having different megawatt capacities and different private groups will construct the plant in these districts so that there are no clashes on procurement of raw material.
IVS Sharma, commercial manager of Amreli said that “The first of its kind power plant in the state that uses 300 tonne of bio mass per day as fuel cotton stalks, sesame stalks and groundnut shells is proposed to come up in Amreli district.”
Sharma also said that “We have purchased 5.5 acres for setting up the plant and invited all the stakeholders on January 28, 2009 at the site to discuss the modalities of commissioning the plant latest by May 2010.”
Energy generation using bio mass as fuel has been increased in states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Sharma said that “Over 46 energy projects using bio-mass as fuel has been sanctioned in Andhra Pradesh and followed by 10 to 15 projects in Karnataka.”