(a) whether the Government has formulated any action plan for generation of power from paddy husk to solve the electricity problem in rural India;
(b) if so, the details of the incentives being given to the States/UTs for installation of this new green solution system; and
(c) the number of such power generation plants set up so far in the country along with total power generated by them, State/UT-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a)&(b): The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is promoting generation of electricity from agro-residues including paddy husk through biomass gasifier system for meeting unmet demand of electricity in rural areas. MNRE provides Central Finance Assistance (CFA) at the rate of ` 15,000 per kilowatt besides providing financial support up of ` 1.0 lakh per kilometer for a maximum of three kilometer, for laying distribution network within the village. The projects are supported to the state governments, NGOs, village level organizations, institutions, private entrepreneurs, etc.
(c): So far about 70 biomass based gasifier systems of 32 kilowatt each have been supported for providing electricity in about 200 villages / hamlets mainly in Bihar. Each system is capable to provide electricity to about 200-250 households and other small commercial loads for 5 to 6 hours daily in the evening with an average total load of 25-30 kilowatt.