Jharkhand plans to make the best use of non-conventional energy sources

Ranchi, Oct. 12: Jharkhand is planning to set up at least 200 small biogas plants across the state within this fiscal in an attempt to popularise non-conventional energy sources with financial help to willing entrepreneurs.

Jharkhand Renewal Energy Development Agency (JREDA), the prime initiator of the project in the state, believes it will be a hit among NGOs and individuals since they were ready to pitch in with a part of the costs.

“Each plant, with proposed capacities between 2 to 6 cubic metre, will not cost more than Rs 50,000 to build,” said JREDA director Arvind Kumar, adding that for constructing a single biogas plant, JREDA would provide Rs 4,000 per cubic metre.

Jharkhand, he claimed, had a huge potential to make the best use of non-conventional energy sources. A 6 cubic meter biogas plant can produce fuel to run as many as 10 stoves.

“The aim is to popularise it among people. It is not only eco-friendly, but cheaper too. There are number of NGOs and individuals who want to establish biogas plants and the JREDA is willing to help them,” he said about the plan launched by the Union ministry of new and renewable energy.

The proposed plants would be based on the model popularised by Khadi Village Industries Commission KVIC. Known as the floating drum gas plant it comprises a deep-well shaped underground digester connected to inlet and outlet pipes.

Kumar said interested individuals or NGOs must have at least five livestock to ensure adequate supply of dung and adequate technical manpower for maintaining the plant.

Kumar allayed fears of the biogas plants turning defunct after a few years for want of proper care, saying JREDA would ensure these remained active.

“Our job will not be over with the construction. We have decided to give technical training for maintenance. Two years back JREDA had helped establish around 100 small plants and most of these are still working successfully,” Kumar said.