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STATUS OF Energy sector
West Bengal, is an Indian state that lies in the eastern part of Indiain the Gangatic plains. It is the third largest economy in India. Being itself a center of agriculture and huge reserves of Minerals, it constitutes one tenth of the Indian market.
West Bengal also has a prosperous hinterland of some mineral rich stateslike Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa. Asansol is a coal mining area and Durgapur is a hub of power Plants and the state is proximal to many other coal reserves as well. Government of West Bengal has initiated power sector reforms in 2005 with the restructuring of West Bengal State Electricity Board into a distribution company and a transmission company in 2007. West Bengal shows certain promising signs for better energy situation in the state beacuse of its financially viable power sector, energy surplus situation and its easy accessiblity. However, there are certain shortcomings like despite its almost 100% village electrification, the state’s 42% rural households are still without electricity. Aquiring land for power projects is another problem that the state is facing.
Given this backdrop, the state has an opportunity in the form of RENEWABLE ENERGY, which can utilize the natural and geographic conditions to the fullest while not being much affected by the pitfalls that the state faces at this moment and can improve it’s energy situation.
Thermal power
Coal mine : (raniganj coalfield) : Raniganj Coalfield, is the birth place of coal mining in the country. In 1774, first mining operation in the country was started in this Coalfield by Sumner & Healy. In 1820, first Coal Company- M/s. Alexander & Company was established. In 1835, first Indian Enterprise i.e. M/s. Carr & Tagore Company was formed. In 1843, the first joint stock Coal Company i.e. M/s. Bengal Coal Company was formed. Since then, underground coal mining operation had been continuing in Raniganj Coalfield by numerous small owners.
In 1973, all Non-Coking Coal Mines were nationalized and brought under Eastern Division of Coal Mines Authority Limited. In 1975, Eastern Coalfields Limited, a Subsidiary of Coal India Limited (C.I.L.), was formed and inherited all the private sector coal mines of Raniganj Coalfield. Area of Raniganj Coalfield is 1530 Sq.Kms spreading over Burdwan, Birbhum, Bankura and Purulia Districts in West Bengal and Dhanbad District in Jharkhand. Heart of Raniganj Coalfield is, however, in Burdwan District bounded by Ajoy River in North and Damodar River in South. Kasta Coalfied is located on the North of Adjoy while Mejia and Parbelia are on South of Damodar River.
Thermal power plants in west Bengal :
- Kolaghat Thermal Power Station have a total installed capacity of 1260 MW (6×210 MW). Bakreswar Thermal Power Station have a total installed capacity of 1050 MW (5×210 MW).
- Sagardighi Thermal Power Project have a total installed capacity of 1,100 MW (2×300 MW, 1×500 MW. Another 500 MW capacity installation is under progress.
- Bandel Thermal Power Station have a total installed capacity of 450 MW (4×60, 1×210 MW). Renovation & modernisation of 215MW unit is modified from 210MW.
- Santaldih Thermal Power Station have a total installed capacity of 500 MW (2×250 MW).
- Kasba Thermal Power Station : Kasba Thermal Power Stationis a gas-based thermal power plant located at Kasba in Kolkata in the Indian state of West Bengal. The power plant is operated by CESC Limited. It has an installed capacity of 40 MW (2×20 MW gas turbines).
Hydro electric power plants in West Bengal
Name River Basin
- Jaldhaka Hydroelectric Project Jaldhaka Ganga
- Massanjore Hydroelectric Project Mayurakashi Ganga
- Purulia Hydroelectric Project Kistobazar Nala Ganga
- Rammam Hydroelectric Project Rammam Ganga
- Teesta Canal Falls Teesta Ganga
- Teesta Low Dam III Hydroelectric Projec Teesta Brahmaputra
- Teesta Low Dam IV Hydroelectric Project Teesta Brahmaputra
Nuclear Energy in west Bengal
Haripur power plant : Haripur is expected to have six Nuclear Reactors each of 1650 MW- a total installed capacity of 10,000 MW of electricity. It is located in the coastal area of Contai, East Midnapur district, roughly 170 km away from Kolkata.however it’s development is halted because of the protests .
Renewable Resources/”>Energy Resources : west Bengal
The State of West Bengal is blessed with abundant sources of Renewable Energy in the form of Solar, Wind, Biomass/”>Biomass, Biogas, Hydro, Tidal etc. This perennial an eternal sources of energy has a vital role in socio-Economic Development of not only West Bengal but also the country as a whole. Renewable Energy holds the key to the future of energy, food and economic security. All efforts should, therefore, be directed to harness alternate sources of energy to supplement our energy needs for domestic, institutional, commercial and industrial purposes. The New and Renewable Energy Sources is closely linked with Energy Efficiency, Energy Conservation and Climate Change issues like Global Warming etc.
For the currently proven renewable technologies in the State, the targets till the end of 2022 are set as below:
Energy type Potential ( in MW) Existing installed Capacity Target
Wind power 450 2 450
Bio mass 662 16 662
Solar approx. 500 2 500
Solar Energy Programme
West Bengal is a state in the eastern part of India. West Bengal has on an Average 300-330 sunny days, with solar insolation 5-5.5 (kwh/m2/day). West Bengal declared West_Bengal_Solar_Policy 2012. West Bengal has initiated a net-metering solar rooftop model to promote self-consumption. The system size limited to 2-100 kW, Connectivity is allowed at Low Voltage or Medium Voltage, or 6 KV or 11 KV, of the distribution system of the licensee. Policy targets 16 MW of rooftop and small PV installations by 2017. West Bengal government is planning to introduce a new solar policy to meet the Centre’s revised target of generating 4,500 MW solar energy by 2022 in the state.
Bio mass Energy Programme
Biomass means wastes produced during agricultural and Forestry operations (for example straws and stalks) or produced as a by-product of processing operations of agricultural produce (e.g., husks, shells, de-oiled cakes, etc); wood produced in dedicated energy plantations or recovered from wild bushes/Weeds; and the wood waste produced in some industrial operations.
An additional 224 MW of biomass power has been targeted for achievement by the year 2017. In West Bengal, rice husk is a primary feedstock for biomass projects. However, other forms of agricultural waste like wood, straw, maze, energy plantation, etc. are also being considered for generating biomass power in West Bengal.
Feedstock availability and pricing are the critical determinants of success for biomass plants. In order to ensure feedstock availability, energy plantations will be promoted. For this, barren Government land, waste land, as well as degraded forest land shall be made available. The Nodal Agency shall identify potential sites for such plantation based on PPP mode. The feed-in-tariff structure shall be reviewed and possibility of adaptation of two-part tariff structure segregating fixed and variable charges shall be explored. The two-part tariff mechanism for biomass projects with partial fixed cost recovery linked to project availability and the variable cost linked to the fuel cost shall be considered for implementation.
To ensure smooth availability of feedstock, WBGEDCL (West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited) shall classify the high rice-producing areas into zones based on the quantum of production of rice in these areas. Based on the clustering study conducted by the Nodal Agency, the Nodal Agency would allocate projects in the predefined command areas. Such allocations shall be periodically reviewed by the Nodal Agency.
Presently, in West Bengal, 173 rice-husk-based gasifier systems with an aggregate capacity of 3.5 MW have been installed under the MNREinitiated programme for commercial establishments. The power generated is primarily used to meet the captive demand of the rice mills. The Policy envisages establishing 1000 such rice-husk-based gasifier systems with an aggregate capacity of 20 MW by the year 2017..
To exploit the wind potential of the State, the Nodal Agency shall initially undertake a comprehensive wind resource assessment and offer the identified potential sites for development. Government-owned wasteland in areas having minimum annual mean Wind Power Density (WPD) of 200 Watt/m2 measured at a hub height of 50 meters and using new generation wind turbine generators will be offered for setting up of wind projects. The Nodal Agency shall undertake an assessment of the progress achieved for all earlier allocated projects. Projects which have not met implementation milestones as per the Allotment shall be required to provide justification to the Nodal Agency failing which the Nodal Agency shall reserve the right to cancel such allotments without incurring any liability thereof. Extension shall only be provided in the case of project progress having been impaired because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the Developer. The Nodal Agency shall assist the project developers in obtaining CDM benefits. The CDM benefits would be allowed to directly accrue to the developer.
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West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It is the fourth-most populous state in India, with over 91 million inhabitants. The state has a rich history and culture, and is home to a number of important historical and cultural sites.
West Bengal is also a major energy producer. The state has significant reserves of coal, natural gas, and petroleum. It is also home to a number of hydropower plants. In recent years, the state has also been investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
West Bengal’s energy policy is aimed at ensuring Energy Security and sustainability. The State Government has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix. It is also working to improve energy efficiency and conservation.
West Bengal’s energy resources are a vital part of the state’s economy. The energy sector employs over 1 million people in the state. The sector also contributes significantly to the state’s GDP.
Coal is the most important energy resource in West Bengal. The state has the second-largest coal reserves in India, after Jharkhand. Coal is used to generate electricity, produce steel, and manufacture cement.
Natural gas is another important energy resource in West Bengal. The state has significant reserves of natural gas, which are located in the Krishna Godavari basin. Natural gas is used to generate electricity, produce fertilizer, and power industries.
Petroleum is also an important energy resource in West Bengal. The state has small reserves of petroleum, which are located in the Cauvery basin. Petroleum is used to produce gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products.
Hydropower is a major source of renewable energy in West Bengal. The state has a number of hydropower plants, which generate electricity from the flow of water. Hydropower is a clean and sustainable Source Of Energy.
Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in West Bengal. The state government has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are clean and sustainable sources of energy.
Energy efficiency is also important in West Bengal. The state government is working to improve energy efficiency in the state’s economy. Energy efficiency can help to reduce energy costs and improve air quality.
Energy conservation is also important in West Bengal. The state government is working to promote energy conservation in the state’s Population. Energy conservation can help to reduce energy consumption and improve energy security.
West Bengal’s energy resources are a vital part of the state’s economy. The energy sector employs over 1 million people in the state. The sector also contributes significantly to the state’s GDP. The state government is committed to ensuring energy security and sustainability. The government is working to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix, improve energy efficiency, and promote energy conservation.
What are the main energy resources in West Bengal?
The main energy resources in West Bengal are coal, natural gas, and hydroelectricity.
What is the importance of coal in West Bengal?
Coal is the most important energy resource in West Bengal. It is used to generate electricity, produce steel, and make other products.
What are the challenges of coal mining in West Bengal?
Coal mining in West Bengal has a number of challenges, including environmental pollution, land degradation, and social unrest.
What is the potential of natural gas in West Bengal?
Natural gas has the potential to be a major energy resource in West Bengal. It is cleaner than coal and can be used to generate electricity, produce fertilizer, and make other products.
What are the challenges of natural gas development in West Bengal?
Natural gas development in West Bengal has a number of challenges, including the need to build pipelines and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, the potential for environmental damage, and the need to address social concerns.
What is the potential of hydroelectricity in West Bengal?
Hydroelectricity has the potential to be a major energy resource in West Bengal. It is a clean and renewable source of energy.
What are the challenges of hydroelectricity development in West Bengal?
Hydroelectricity development in West Bengal has a number of challenges, including the need to build Dams and reservoirs, the potential for environmental damage, and the need to address social concerns.
What is the future of energy in West Bengal?
The future of energy in West Bengal is uncertain. The state has a number of energy resources, but it also faces a number of challenges. It is important to develop these resources in a sustainable way that addresses the needs of the people of West Bengal.
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Which of the following is not a type of energy resource?
(A) Renewable energy
(B) Non-renewable energy
(C) Nuclear energy
(D) Fossil fuel -
Which of the following is the most abundant source of energy in the world?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most polluting source of energy?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most efficient source of energy?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most expensive source of energy?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most sustainable source of energy?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most reliable source of energy?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most widely used source of energy in the world?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most important source of energy for the United States?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy -
Which of the following is the most important source of energy for China?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) Renewable energy