Success of harnessing of non-conventional and renewable energy in West Bengal

摘要

Since economic development hinges critically on energy availability, the time is opportune to take a hard look at West Bengal's energy resources so that their development couldrnbe configure to meet up the needs of the future. There are associated issues on power sector reforms, development of best practice power projects, power trading, the role of private sector and of environmental issues in the backdrop of future energy development. As a vibrant democracy with a huge population West Bengal's burgeoning hunger for energy will be a major development issue for this State.rnIt may be mentioned here that at the end of 11th Plan the State of West Bengal will encounter a deficit of power of 1250 MW. Even this power shortfall may go up as Government of West Bengal is very keen to promote industrialization in this State. So serious effort should be taken up to neutralize this deficit. This may be done by setting up new power plants or by importing power from outside this State. Before setting up new power plants due emphasis should be given for estimating the potential and prospect of its own resources available in this State. This State has no reserve of oil and gas. Again this state is economically backward and cannot afford a huge investment in power sector itself. Still more emphasis should be given in this sector.rnBut this state is blessed with abundant resources of coal, hydropower and other renewable resources along with a large pool of technical manpower who can take any sorts of challenge and elevate this state at its highest glory. The immediate need in this respect is to have an integrated and coordinated planning and a comprehensive strategy to realize the dream of 'power to all' within a short time frame. Therefore, a road map is to be taken at the earliest in order to achieve this goal. Yes the state of West Bengal is going onrntowards right direction for utilization of non-conventional and renewable energy sources. Still more emphasis should be given in this sector.