Rice-husk and bamboo fuelled power plant in Assam: Can it be the ultimate role model for South Asia?
Power shortage is a big problem in almost all parts of South Asia. Especially in the less developed areas, it is even a bigger problem as the central governments are not too eager to invest a huge sum of money on an area from which they may not get good return for their investment. In such cases, alternative energy seems to be the best bet. A few days ago, I wrote about the success story of biogas in Nepal and today I am writing about the setting up of a rice-husk and bamboo fuelled power plant in Assam, a North Eastern state in India. The power plant is going to be set up at Sonapur, about 20 km east from the state capital Guwahati. Rice husks and bamboo wastes from two paper mills in the state will be the main raw materials used in this plant.
It is expected that 16 megawatt of electricity will be generated after the plant goes into operation. $10.8 million is the total investment behind this project and Amrit Biogas, a West Bengal company is implementing it. Assam government is giving all out cooperation to the company. In fact, Assam government is finding it very difficult to fight with power shortage in the state. Assam has a demand of 750 MW of power and it cannot even produce 40% of the demand. Assam government has set up a target of 1,630 MW of power in just one decade and it is hoping that hydro electricity will be the main source in this regard. The government has decided to take a liberal approach in approving projects related to green power.
The example of Assam can surely be a role model for other states of India and for other countries of South Asia. South Asia is very rich in natural resources as most people depend on agriculture for their living. So, turning farm waste to biogas and other form of energy can indeed be a viable option. The only thing that is needed is generous support from the governments.
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