(a) whether the Government have undertaken techno-economic survey of harnessing non-conventional energy sources specially wind energy in the Hills of North Eastern region;
(b) if so, the results of such survey; and
(c) the details of the ongoing schemes and projects undertaken by the Department in the region?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)
(a)&(b): A Special Project was undertaken to identify promising windy locations in the North Eastern States and Sikkim. 27 sites have been identified for carrying out detailed wind monitoring studies with a view to assess their suitability for setting up of wind power projects in the Region.
1059 sites having a small hydro potential of about 2030 MW have also been identified in the Region. Under the Biomass Resource Assessment Programme, 42 taluka level studies were taken up in certain States of the Region for assessment of the potential for biomass power projects, of which 24 studies have so far been completed.
(c): 97 Small Hydro Projects of 153 MW capacity have been set up in the North Eastern States, and 69 projects of 165 MW capacity are under implementation. 24 biomass gasifier projects for village electrification have been taken up, of which one project in Tripura has so far been completed. Over 50,000 solar photovoltaic systems have been installed in the Region comprising of lanterns, home lighting systems, street lights, pumps and power plants. In addition, improved chulhas, solar cookers, biogas plants, solar water heating systems, water pumping wind mills and aerogenerator projects have also been undertaken under various Schemes.