RE-imagining routes to reap energy

Environmental activists are pushing the envelope for the use of renewable energy sources over conventional generation from coal in Tamil Nadu. As technologies to harness and utilise these sources become more sophisticated, governments will have to match that with the will to look beyond coal

The battle between conventional and renewable sources of power is as old as the technologies to mine these resources. While the domination of coal in power generation over the last century or so may be waning, in favour of renewables, State governments seem to be still betting heavily on thermal power. They do believe, quite sincerely, that any sort of renewable source cannot replace coal-generated electricity to meet the rising demands.

While it is a known fact that establishing thermal plants would have a longer gestation period and leave a dark mark on the environment, not to mention a hole in the ozone layer, the need to generate enough power for handling the demand, and faith in thermal source to do so, has been overwhelming.

The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has the best balanced electricity generation of 50% polluting energy and 50% non-polluting power, comprising wind, solar, gas, and hydro. But the fine balance remains only on paper, rue renewable energy activists. The activists point out that whether it is the backing down of wind energy or the lack of provision of grid support to solar power, renewable energy has remained the victim.