A Seminar Report on

GREEN ENERGY
Submitted by
RISHI PAL
Enrolment No. – Chem/68/15
Roll No. - 03

Guided by
AASH MOHAMMAD

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SRINAGAR
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR – 190006
MAY-2017
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 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SRINAGAR
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr. RISHI PAL, of Chemical Engineering Department,

Enrolment Number - Chem/68/15, Roll Number - 03 has presented and
successfully completed her seminar on the topic “GREEN ENERGY” in the
year 2017 towards the partial fulfilment of the degree of Bachelors of
Technology in Chemical Engineering, under my supervision at National
Institute of Technology, Srinagar

Mr. Aash Mohammad

Project Guide

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 ABSTRACT

India is said to be one of the seven largest consumers of energy, but the growing
gap between consumption and domestic output is a cause of concern. India’s share in global
oil reserves is about 0.5 per cent, whereas its share in global consumption is about 3 per
cent. India is still dependent to the extent of 30 to 35 per cent on non-commercial fuel
sources like cow dung, firewood, agricultural waste, etc. The growing energy needs of the
emerging economics, specifically India, risks enhanced environmental damage from
conventional carbon based sources of energy. The pressure on petrol is mounting and we
have to concentrate on conservation of petroleum. Towards conservation of petroleum
consumption, the government has to ration supplies of cooking gas, kerosene and petrol;
improve power generation; focus on alternative source of energy such as solar, wind and
bio-fuels; setup energy standards for all vehicles and a mass awareness for conservation.
As the country’s petroleum bill grows, and future supplies look volatile or insecure,
alternatives need to be explored. Ethanol is an environment-friendly oxidant additive to
gasoline. There is a growing interest in biodiesel or ethanol blend. Energy majors are
determined to tap biofuels. Special attention is being paid to jatropha cultivation. The
corporate sector too is focusing on the biofuels sector. It is estimated that globally about
one million hectares would cater to biofuels over the next four years, with an estimated
300,000 hectares contributing each year to biofuels in South East Asia, India and Southern
African countries. India will itself produce 2 million tone of biodiesel by 2012.
Indian clean development mechanism projects broadly cover a range of sectors via
power generation from renewable energy, particularly wind and hydro power, biomass
applications, waste heat and energy recycling. Accelerated growth is expected in renewable
energy sector, particularly wind energy sector, solar energy sector, biofuels sector .etc. with
favorable conditions in terms of potential, technical support facilities, policy framework
and regulatory environment, robust manufacturing base, and investors’ confidence in the
country.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

Serial Name of the topic Page No.

No.
01 Introduction 05
02 2.1. Solar Energy 07
2.2. Its Scope in India 08
2.3. Advantages and disadvantages 09

03 3.1. Wind Energy 11

3.2. Its scope in India 12
3.3. Advantages and disadvantages 13
04 4.1. Biomass Energy 16
4.2. Its scope in India 16
4.3. Advantages and disadvantages 17
05 5.1. Geothermal Energy 19
5.2. Its scope in India 19
5.3. Advantages and disadvantages 20
06 Future Plan by 2030 21
07 References 22

Total no. of Pictures: 09

Total no. of Tables: 06
Total no. of Pages: 25

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 INTRODUCTION

Renewable energy has been an important component of India’s energy planning. The
importance of renewable energy sources in the transition to a sustainable energy base was
recognized in the early 1970s. Modern renewable energy is being used increasingly in four
distinct markets: power generation, heating and cooling, transport, and rural/off-grid
energy services. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India has been
facilitating the implementation of broad spectrum programs including harnessing
renewable power, renewable energy for rural areas for lighting, cooking and motive power,
use of renewable energy in urban, industrial and commercial applications and development
of alternate fuels and applications. In addition, it supports research, design and
development of new and renewable energy technologies, products and services.

Renewable energy plays an important role in the long-term energy supply security,
diversification of energy mix, energy access, environmental security and sustainability.
Renewable energy is bound to play an increasing role in future energy systems. This
chapter analyses central level policies and interventions for renewable energy applications
and also recommends a set of guidelines to serve as a roadmap to accelerate the deployment
of renewable energy technologies.

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 Estimates of Potential Capacities from Renewable Energy Sources (in MWs)

Source Approx. Potential

Biomass 19,500
energy

Solar energy 20,000

Wind 47,000
energy

Small 15,000
hydropower

Ocean 50,000
energy
Source: India Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources

The sum of these renewable resource potentials, 152,000 MW, is greater than the current total
installed energy generating capacity of India.

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 1. SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is derived from the sun’s radiation. The sun is a powerful energy source. Did
you know that the energy that it provides to the Earth for one hour, could meet the global
energy needs for one year? We are able to harness only 0.001 percent of that energy.
There is a reason why solar energy has become a trending topic when talking about
renewables. While it has been popularly criticized for being expensive or not very efficient,
solar energy has now proved to be very beneficial - not only for the environment but also
financially speaking. Additionally, due to the higher demand, the technology has been
improved considerably, turning into a very efficient source of clean energy.

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 1.1 IN INDIA
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) was launched in 2010 after which
the Indian SPV market has seen significant growth. Grid connected SPV mainly consists
of ground mounted, rooftop and distribution grid plants. With the provision of institutional
arrangements, national and local enabling mechanisms, and targeted policies, including
appropriate subsidies and financing arrangements, the total installed capacity rose from 40
MW in 2010 to 2686 MW as on 30 June 2014. An aggregate capacity of 1686 MW was
installed in JNNSM Phase I, and an additional capacity of 1000 MW has been added in
Phase II of the program (TERI, 2014-15). The total installed capacity of grid connected
SPV as on June 2015 is 4060.65 MW (MNRE, 2015), which includes central and state
level initiatives. In order to meet this target, the government is taking a number of measures
which are listed below:
• Provision of renewable purchase obligation (RPO) for solar power in the National Tariff
Policy
• Grant of subsidy on off-grid applications and GBI facility for bundled power and Viability
Gap Funding (VGF) for grid-connected solar power projects through various interventions
announced from time to time
• Setting up ultra-mega solar power projects and solar parks, 1 MW solar parks on the banks
of canals, and solar power driven agricultural pump sets for energizing 1 lakh pumps.
• Concessional import duty/excise duty exemption for setting up of solar power
plants, accelerated depreciation and tax holiday
Rooftop solar has been relatively lackluster in India with no clear policy thrust so far and only
about 350 MW of rooftop solar being installed (100 MW) of total rooftop capacity.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) in India has reached the 225 MW mark. In 2014, the world’s
largest linear Fresnel plant of 125 MW and equivalent to 13% of global added capacity came
on line in India. The Dhursar CSP plant of 125 MW is located in Rajasthan and is Asia’s largest
CSP installation. Another plant of 50 MW located in Andhra Pradesh.

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1.2.1 Advantages of Solar Energy
2. Renewable Energy Source

Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a
truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available
every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy.
Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be
available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to
die.
3. Reduces Electricity Bills

Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system
has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be
dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage. Moreover, not
only will you be saving on the electricity bill, but if you generate more electricity than you
use, the surplus will be exported back to the grid and you will receive bonus payments for
that amount (considering that your solar panel system is connected to the grid). Savings
can further grow if you sell excess electricity at high rates during the day and then buy
electricity from the grid during the evening when the rates are lower.
4. Diverse Applications

Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity (photovoltaic)
or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without
access to the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and
to power satellites in space. Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for
buildings. Not long ago Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.

1.2.2 Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Although a lot of good study is said every day about solar energy, people should familiarize
themselves with the disadvantages of solar energy before committing any financial
resource. Here is an outline of basic disadvantages to solar energy:
1. It’s not 100% reliable
This means that when the sun is not shining, there is no generation of energy. The
generation of power is mostly affected at night and during winter months. Most people
have now invested in battery backup systems, which store up power to be used when the
sun is not shining. However, investing in backup systems can ramp up the overall cost of
installing a solar panel. It mostly ends up not adding value to the solar energy technology.
2. High initial capital costs
Although installation of solar panels would bring immense benefits in the long run, the
upfront costs can be punitive. Depending on the company you choose to buy solar panels
from, it could cost an arm and leg. It’s even difficult to quantify the entire cost of
installation without the help of manufacturing companies. Some nations have introduced
rebates and tax credits to enable lots of people to install solar panels, but unless you are
putting some money aside for this, it can be an unbearable cost. Also, it might take up to

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10 years to 15 years before you can break even with your initial investment. It’s not about
how much payback period is, anything that can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels is
worth trying.
3. Problem of efficiency
A lot has been documented about the in efficiency of solar energy. Most people do not
understand what efficiency means. People look at 15% efficiency and think that it’s not
good enough. They think that the ideal efficiency ought to be 100%. Efficiency is all about
the amount of space it takes to generate the energy. It would shock you to know that a 250-
watt solar panel featuring 15% efficiency produces the same power like a 250-watt solar
panel featuring 20% efficiency. The disparity is shown in size. Smaller panels tend to be
more efficiency than larger panels.

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 2. WIND ENERGY

When you take a trip to remote farms, you’re more likely to come across creaky windmills.
Although they may look old and low-tech, they are the predecessors for modern day
innovative wind turbines that produce electricity for homes, businesses and even industries.
In the ancient days, wind was mainly used for grinding grains and pumping up water for
domestic use. These days, it turns large wind Shares turbines to generate energy, which is
converted into electricity. The modern wind turbines may vary technology wise, but the
principle8 of operation is similar; they both capture wind energy to produce electricity.
Wind energy or wind power is energy captured from moving air to generate electricity.
Wind has kinetic energy in it. The kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy using
a turbine. The mechanical energy can be utilized for numerous purposes including pumping
water and grinding grain. Better still; the mechanical energy can be converted into
electricity using a generator to power schools, homes, and businesses.

2.1 In India
India currently has about 23,762 MW of
installed wind power capacity and is
ranked fifth in the world for total installed
capacity, although the demand contracted
by 26% in the previous year (REN21
2014). A steep devaluation of the rupee
against the US dollar (increasing financing
and import costs) and the removal of key
support policies, in 2012 delayed
investment in wind power. However,
retroactive reinstatement of the generation
based incentive (GBI) in late 2013 helped
resurrect the market. Wind power is a
mature and scalable clean energy
technology in which India holds a domestic
advantage. India has an annual
manufacturing capacity of over 9.5 GW for

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wind turbines. During 2013, India installed 1.729 GW of new wind power capacity. Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are the leading states for wind
power capacity.
In 2011, the Centre for Wind Energy Technology revised India’s wind power potential to
102,778 MW at 80 m height and at 2% land availability. This was a significant upward
revision from the earlier estimate of approximately 49,130 MW at 50 m height and at 2%
land availability. Over the past years, other research organizations have also estimated
India’s wind power potential using various models for mapping the wind resource. A study
conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, assuming a turbine density of
9 MW/km2, estimated the total wind potential in India with a minimum capacity factor of
20% to be 2006 GW at 80 m hub height and 3121 GW at 120 m hub height.

Comparison between Fossil Fuels and Wind

Wind Fossil Fuel

Have to be procured and made

Availability Usable as it exists usable through laborious and
environmentally damaging
processes
Limitation on Limited in reserves, expected to
Inexhaustible
availability be completely exhausted in the
resource
coming 60 years
Has to be transported from its
Used where it is source site for further
available or processing, exposing the
Transportation
transported where environment to
needed
pollution from accidents
Environmental Used in producing electricity,
Zero emission
effect of use releasing greenhouse gasses
Reduces our reliance
on oil, safeguarding
national security.
Allows for self-
sufficiency. Over-reliance on oil as a resource has
Geo-political undermined India’s energy security,
implications There is no adverse e.g. OPEC crises of 1973, Gulf War of
effect on global 1991 and the Iraq War of 2003.
environment. The
whole system is
pollution free and
environment
friendly.

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2.2.1 Advantages of Wind Energy
Wind is a unique resource because we interact with it every minute. It has been harnessed
since the ancient times, and it is the most eco-friendly source of energy around. It has a
wide range of uses. You may be familiar with a few, but others may totally catch you by
surprise. Enough said, let’s drive through the most innovative uses of wind energy.

1. To power vehicles
In the course of your research, you must have run across wind-powered vehicles. If you
haven’t, then know that there are vehicles powered chiefly by wind. A typical example is
the widely documented wind-powered car that completed a 3100-mile journey through
Australia. Although it wasn’t totally powered by wind, it’s a perfect example of how
vehicles can be moved by alternative sources of energy. Precisely, the car used a
combination of batteries, wind, and kite. For the entire journey, the car used an estimated
$10 to $15 of energy, which underlines the cost-effective nature of wind energy.

2. Generation of power
Electricity is the main source of energy worldwide. Due to abundance of electricity, almost
every device produced is powered by electricity. The traditional way of electricity
generation is the use of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal. These fossil fuels emit
greenhouse gasses and other harmful substances that pollute the environment. Wind energy
provides reprieve from the dangerous gasses emitted to the atmosphere. The wind energy
is captured using strategically located wind turbines. This can be carried out on a massive
scale, for example, wind turbines installed on wind farms. It can be small scale, for
instance, wind turbines installed by individuals to produce energy for home use.

3. Cargo ships
A typical example of the use of wind energy is the cargo ships developed by Cargill, Inc.,
an American corporation that is committed to making the world grow by innovating
cutting-edge technologies. Cargill has scaled up and fully embraced the idea of installing
a huge kite on one of its cargo ships to harness wind power. The project is geared towards
cutting back on consumption of fuel and carbon dioxide emission. We all know that wind
power has been used over the centuries to power sailing and smaller vessels, but innovators
have taken it up a notch to assist drive cargo ships.

4. Used in sports
Shares For countless of years, wind power has been utilized to power some breathtaking
sports such as windsurfing, sailing, kite flying, hang gliding, kitesurfing, wind skiing, Para-
sailing and much more.

5. Water pumps
Utilizing wind power to pump water from underground is not a new technology. It has been
used since ancient times. It’s a cheap alternative for some countries and communities.
Essentially, there are no extraordinary costs involved compared to using huge pumping
tracks powered by fossil fuel sources of energy.

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2.2.2 Disadvantages of Wind Energy
Wind energy, without any doubt, offers the best advantages in regard to the environment
and cost. However, it harbors some disadvantages worth putting into perspective if you
intend to invest in wind energy. Here are a few:

1. Wind is inconsistent
Wind energy has a lot in common with solar energy in terms of consistency. Although wind
energy qualities as a renewable resource, wind speeds actuate each day. This can be a big
disappointment to wind turbine developers who will commit every penny and every ounce
of energy in the project only to end up with actuating wind patterns.

2. Involves high upfront capital investment

A lot has been done to bring down the cost of installing turbines; the overall costs, however,
remain on the higher side. The first step to installing a turbine is usually to do a rigorous
survey to determine the winds speed of the location. This involves erecting a sample turbine
to gauge the wind speeds over a stipulated period. If the location is found to be ideal, the
wind turbine will be manufactured and transported to the site and set up on a strong
foundation.

3. Visual impact
Although wind turbines come with eye-catching designs, they impact the natural beauty of
the landscape. When a lot more wind turbines are set up, the area becomes unsightly. The
local community starts to sound alarm bells, and this can escalate to a conflict.

4. Can reduce the local bird population

Wind turbines are particularly disadvantageous to the local bird species. A lot of bird death
as a result of collision with turbine blades has been reported in these areas. This can wipe
out the population of certain bird species. Also, wind turbines require them to be dig deep
into the earth which could have negative effect on the underground habitats. However,
there has been an index of bladeless wind turbines in the marketplace designed to reduce
bird deaths. This could be a game changer for turbine manufacturers.

5. Noise disturbances
The most hated disadvantage to wind turbines is the noise they produce. The sound
produced by one turbine can be perceived from far distances. Combine many turbines, and
the noise becomes unbearable. Many homeowners’ lives have been turned upside down
due to the noise pollution from turbines. Although the emphasis is to site wind turbines
away from the local community, most companies disregard this rule. This explains the
strong public objections to wind turbine installations in most areas. The visual pollution is
another reason why people do not mind it attractive to install it in their backyard.

6. Takes up significant portion of land

The best location of wind turbines can be the most fertile land where farming is practiced.
Installation of wind turbines would take away land that has been the bedrock of agricultural
activities for many years.

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7. Safety Concerns
In the last couple of decades, the frequency of tornadoes, hurricanes and cyclones have
increased considerably. Now these severe storms can cause extensive damage to the wind
turbines and can be a safety hazard to the people working in these wind farms. The damage
may cause huge damage to wind turbines.

8. Suited To Particular Region

Wind turbines are suited to the coastal regions which receive wind throughout the year to
generate power. Therefore, countries that do not have any coastal or hilly areas may not be
able to take any advantage of wind power. The location of a wind power system is crucial,
and one should determine the best possible location for wind turbine in order to capture as
much wind as possible. Just like solar energy which relies heavily on sun to produce power,
wind energy needs high speed winds to produce power on constant basis.

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 3. BIOMASS ENERGY

From the start of civilization, biomass fuels were unquestionably being utilized for the
generation of energy. However, in the past few decades, debates have raged over whether
biomass fuel is really useful and sustainable.
Biomass energy, sometimes known as bio energy, is a renewable form of energy produced
from organic matter. Biomass occurs in the form of living or recently living plants and
waste. Biomass energy is the energy which is contained inside plants and animals. This can
include organic matter of all kinds: plants, animals, or waste products from organic sources.
Organic materials used to produce
Biomass energy include forest residues (branches, dead trees, and tree stamps), wood chips,
yard clippings, and municipal solid waste.
This means that wood remains the largest source of biomass energy.

3.1 In India
Biomass-based power generation has been increasing in India with the installation of
megawatt-scale plants processing a variety of biomass residues such as shells, husks, dialed
cakes, and wood. According to the MNRE, 500 million tons (MT) of agricultural and agro-
industrial residues are generated annually in the country, of which about 120–150 MT per
year could be surplus for power generation.7 Biomass power generation from agriculture
and agro-industrial residues is estimated at about 17 000 MW. Rajkumar Impex Pvt. Ltd,
Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, is a leading cashew processing company in India. It has established
a biomass power plant with the capacity of 6 MW using cashew nut shells as fuel, the first
of its kind in India.

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3.2.1 Advantages of Biomass Energy
Biomass has been in existence before people started talking about renewable energy
sources and energy efficiency. This long term use would not be possible if biomass didn’t
have any bent. As most governments are leading campaigns to and alternative sources of
fuel to fossils, biomass energy continues to make headlines as a possible alternative. Here
are the advantages that make biomass energy a perfect alternative to fossil fuels.
1. It’s a renewable form of energy
Biomass energy is considered a renewable form of energy because the organic materials
used to produce it are never-ending. The organic materials including wood, crop waste,
garbage, sewage sludge, and manure are continually produced by society. In a nutshell,
regrowth of these organic materials supports the fact that biomass is renewable.

2. It’s carbon neutral

We all know that release of vast amounts of carbon contributes greatly to climate change.
Biomass energy takes care of this since it is a natural part of the carbon cycle as opposed
to fossil-based sources of fuel such as oil, natural gas, and coal. Researchers say that the
only carbon emitted to the environment from biomass fuels is the amount that was absorbed
by plants in the course of their life cycle. In the process of replenishing the used plant
materials, the new ones that spring up absorb equal quantity of carbon, hence, developing
neutrality that witnesses no new carbon generated. This aspect renders biomass uniquely
clean.

3. Widely available
Just like sun and wind energy, biomass energy sources are bountiful in supply. You can
and them virtually in every nook and cranny of the world. The fact that it’s bountiful in
supply means that we may never encounter problems that we are presently experiencing
with fossil-based sources of fuel. Nonetheless, it’s vital that we maintain the abundance of
this natural resource by being responsible in its use.

4. It’s cheaper compared to fossil fuels

Producing biomass energy does not involve heavy capital outlay. Fossil fuels production,
on the other hand, involves high upfront capital costs such as drilling to reach oil wells,
constructing gas pipelines and collection of biomass fuel. The low cost resulting from the
production of biomass fuel is passed on to customers. This means that customer’s energy
bills will not depend on aspects such as availability and knee jack decisions of energy
production and supply rms. Low biomass cost makes this form of energy attractive to
manufacturers and producers since they are able to generate higher protects from extremely
low output.

5. Minimizes overdependence on traditional electricity

Virtually anyone can produce biomass energy because the raw materials are available
everywhere. Traditional forms of electricity can sometimes be unreliable due to power
outages. Biomass energy produced at home can be a good backup for traditional electricity.

6. Reduces amount of waste in landslides

Most waste produced in homes is either plant matter or biodegradable. This kind of waste
can be channeled to more pro table use. Biomass energy generation utilizes any waste that
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would have otherwise found way into landfalls. This minimizes the impacts of waste in
landfalls to the environment. This impact may be compounded by contamination of local
habitats and destruction of wildlife ecosystems. Minimized waste means reduction of land
intended for landfalls, hence, more space for human habitats.

7. Can be used to Create Different Products:

Biomass energy is also versatile, as different forms of organic matter can be used to
create different products. Ethanol and similar fuels can be made from corn and other
crops. With so many living things on the planet, there is no limit to how many ways it can
be found and used.

3.2.2 Disadvantages of Biomass Energy

While the upsides to biomass energy are plenty, it’s not exactly a perfect source of energy.
Here are the downsides to biomass energy:

1. Not entirely clean

Using animal and human waste to power engines may save on carbon dioxide emissions,
but it increases methane gases, which are also harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer. So really,
we are no better o environmentally for using one or the other. And speaking of using waste
products, there is the smell to consider. While it is not physically harmful, it is definitely
unpleasant, and it can attract unwanted pests (rats) and spread bacteria and infection.

2. Risk of deforestation
Biomass energy sources are renewable, but they have to be utilized sustainably.
Uncontrolled biomass production can result in deforestation. If deforestation is allowed to
happen, scores of animal and bird species would be rendered homeless, not to mention the
drought as a result. In fact, this is the main reason for slowing down the large scale use of
biomass fuel. Governments feel replanting e orts may not match the rate of cutting down
of trees.
3. Requires a great deal of water
This is the most invisible disadvantage of biomass fuel. All plant matter need sufficient
amount of water to get by, meaning water sources must be abundant. If enough water is
not available, irrigation systems would have to be developed, which could prove to be
costly. Irrigation may also limit the availability of water to humans and wildlife.

4. Inefficient as Compared to Fossil Fuels

Despite the fact that biomass energy is natural in many ways, it doesn’t get close to fossil
fuels in regards to efficiency. In fact, some renewable sources of energy like biofuels are
fortified with fossil fuels to increase their efficiency.

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 4. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy is not a new invention or hype - in fact, it has been used for thousands
of years for different purposes, such as cooking and heating.
The Greek term geothermal literally translated means “earth heat”, which ­ in its essence ­
is all there is about geothermal energy: it is energy contained underneath the crust of the
earth, found both in shallow grounds as well as deep below the surface. Electricity or heat
can be created by tapping into these underground reservoirs of steam and hot water. As
opposed to conventional systems, in which fossil fuels are burned to create energy, the
concept of geothermal energy is fundamentally different. Here, energy is not created, but
moved: from the inside the earth, to inside buildings and vice versa. Therefore it is both a
sustainable as well as a renewable energy. Geothermal energy can provide houses with
heating, cooling as well as warm water supply.

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 4.2.1 Advantages of Geothermal Energy

1. Environmentally friendly – There are a few polluting aspects to harnessing

geothermal energy, and the carbon footprint of a geothermal power plant is seen as
minimal. An average geothermal power plant releases the equivalent of 122 kg CO2
for every megawatt-hour (Mwh) of electricity it generates – one-eighth of the CO2
emissions associated with typical coal power plants.
2. Renewable resource – Geothermal reservoirs are naturally replenished. According to
some scientists, the energy in our geothermal reservoirs will last billions of years.
While fossil fuels have an expiry date, renewable sources like geothermal energy is
not going to expire anytime soon.
3. Potential capacity – Estimates for the potential of geothermal power plants vary
between 0.035 to 2 TW.
4. A stable resource – The power output of a geothermal plant can be accurately
predicted. Not subject to the same low-energy fluctuations as with solar or wind.
5. Great for Heating/Cooling – There is significant growth in the number of
homeowners utilizing geothermal heating/cooling over the last couple of years.
6. No fuel required – After installation, no mining or transportation activity is
necessary.
7. Small land footprint – Smallest land footprint of any major power source.

4.2.2 Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

Potential emissions – Greenhouse gas below Earth’s surface can potentially migrate to
the surface and into the atmosphere. Such emissions tend to be higher near geothermal
power plants, which are associated with sulfur dioxide and silica emissions. Also, and the
reservoirs can contain traces of toxic heavy metals including mercury, arsenic and boron.
1. Surface Instability – Construction of geothermal power plants can affect the stability of
land. In January 1997, the construction of a geothermal power plant in Switzerland
triggered an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale.
2. High cost for electricity – Total costs usually end up somewhere between $2 – 7 million
for a 1 MW geothermal power plant.
3. High up-front costs for heating and cooling systems – While there is a predictable ROI,
it will not happen quickly. For an average sized home, installation of geothermal heat pumps
costs between $10,000 – $20,000 which can pay of itself in another 5-10 years down the
line
4. Location Specific – Good geothermal reservoirs are hard to come by. Iceland and
Philippines meet nearly one-third of their electricity demand with geothermal energy. Prime
sites are often far from population centers.
5. Distribution costs – If geothermal energy is transported long distances, cost can become
prohibitive. Sustainability questions – Some studies show that reservoirs can be depleted
if the fluid is removed faster than replaced. This is not an issue for residential geothermal
heating and cooling, where geothermal.
6. May Run Out of Steam: You have to be incredibly careful when you are trying to check
everything that is related to geothermal energy. Mind must be taken to watch the heat and
not to abuse it, because if the heat is not taken care of properly, it can cause a meltdown or
other issues where the energy is not properly distributed or used.

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 FUTURE PLAN BY 2030
Medium Term Plan: By 2030
Promote initiatives for increasing projects for canals
deployment of renewables
Develop resource base for enhancing
the potential of renewable energy
sources
Continuing improvements in
regulatory and policy initiatives to
promote renewable energy
technologies
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Set up Wind energy mission
Promote Ultra mega solar projects and solar
Integrate ongoing programs such as rooftop, solar
cities with smart city program
Set up national Bio energy mission
Reassessment of wind potential at 100 m hub
height
Assessment of solar potential
Assessment of off-shore wind potential and
prepare a policy on off-shore wind power
Revaluate DNI data for Solar thermal technologies
that can become the basis for project design and
financial-viability calculations for all states in India
Address issues relating to tariff for renewable
energy technology based power projects,
renewable purchase obligations and measures like
renewable energy certificates and other market
based mechanisms, market and grid connectivity
issues, inter-state exchange of renewable energy.
Pursue the compliance of renewable energy
purchase obligations with regulatory authorities
and states
Setting up transmission systems required primarily
for renewable energy projects. Assistance may also
be required for Solar Parks.
Development of strong monitoring and evaluation
frameworks for the various schemes and programs.
More efficient monitoring and verification is
possible
 References:-
 IREDA. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.ireda.gov.in/writereaddata/AtlasPotentialLandRE/Data/Executive%20Su
mmary.pdf
 IRENA. (2014). The Socio-economic Benefits of Solar and Wind energy.
 IRENA. (2015). Renewable Energy and Jobs - Annual Review.
 MNRE. (2014). MNRE Annual Report. Retrieved from
http://mnre.gov.in/filemanager/annual-report/2014-2015/EN/Chapter%201/chapter_1.htm
 MNRE. (2015, August 10). Physical Progress (Achievements). Retrieved from MNRE:
 http://mnre.gov.in/mission-and-vision-2/achievements/
 PIB. (2015). Press Information Bureau. Retrieved from
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=124495
 RE-Invest 2015. (n.d.). Investors Guide. Retrieved from
http://www.reinvest.in/Document/orginal/15.RE-Invest_2015_Investors_Guide.pdf
TERI. (2014-15). TEDDY. New Delhi: TERI.
 The Climate Group. (2015). the business case for off-grid in India.
 India Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) http://mnes.nic.in/
 The President of India www.presidentofindia.nic.in
 The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) http://www.teriin.org/
Trade Team Canada Environment (TTC Environment)
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inenva.nsf/en/h_eg02268e.html
 Maps of India http://www.mapsofindia.com
 U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_energy_stat.htm
 Canada India Business http://canadaindiabusiness.ca/gol/cib/cib.nsf/en/ci00109.html
Zenith Energy http://www.zenithenergy.com/index.HTM
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
http://www.greenbusinesscentre.com/renenegy.asp
 Centre for Wind Energy Technology www.cwet.tn.nic.in

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