(a) the potential of tidal wave energy that can be produced in the country;
(b) the extent to which this potential has been realized so far;
(c) the performance of the country in the production of energy from tidal waves vis-a-vis other countries;
(d) whether the Government has a national policy in this regard and if so, the details thereof and if not, whether the Government intends to formulate such a policy; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to promote tidal energy production?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION
No. 462 for ANSWER ON 06/04/2017
(a): As per study sponsored by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai, in collaboration with CRISIL Risk and Infrastructure Solutions Limited, has developed the report named “Study on Tidal & Waves Energy in India: Survey on the Potential & Proposition of a Roadmap”. The report estimates achievable theoretical tidal wave energy potential at around 12455 MW at 46 potential tidal locations. The promising areas with low/medium tidal wave strength are in the Gulf of Khambat, Gulf of Kutch and southern regions in Gujarat, Palk Bay-Mannar Channel in Tamil Nadu and Hoogly River, South Haldia and Sunderbans in West Bengal.
(b) & (c): Production of energy from tidal waves has not taken off on account of high capital cost, technology development not maturing to commercial stage in India and unsustainable project specific tariff.
(d) & (e): No Madam. Technology for harnessing Tidal wave energy is at pre R&D stage worldwide. MNRE supports the promotion of Research, Design, Development & Demonstration of Tidal Wave Energy projects through financial incentives under existing guidelines.