DRDO set to harness ocean power

CHANDIGARH: Given the pressure on land and limited sources which can be tapped for generation of electricity, the ministry of earth sciences is now focusing its attention on oceans to meet growing power demand. It has started working on developing wind farms in ocean, which have a potential of power generation for 300 days in a year. Coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are being studied for the purpose.

Shailesh Nayak, secretary, Union ministry of earth sciences, who was the chief guest for the 'National workshop on renewable energy systems for mountainous regions' in Chandigarh on Friday, informed about the new renewable sources of energy that were being tested. The workshop was jointly organized by the ministry of new and renewable energy and Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment, SASE - a wing of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

"As land is not easily available for the purpose, we have thought of oceans. The coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have shown a high potential of more than 6m/sec wind velocity. This can sustain power for 300 days in a year," said Dr Nayak. However, how much power in terms of wattage will be produced is yet to be worked upon. "That depends upon the number of wind turbines which will be installed," said the secretary.