Feature story - April 8, 2005
BHUBANESWAR, India — The Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) today heard the petition and arguments filed by Greenpeace, to ensure minimum of 10 percent of uptake of electricity from Renewable Energy sources in the state.
The petition filed by Greenpeace on the basis of Section 86 (1)
E of the Electricity Act 2003 that urges State electricity
commissions to promote generation and distribution of electricity
from non-conventional energy sources like Wind, Solar, Biomass,
Tidal etc.
The Greenpeace arguments today focused on the Renewable energy
potential in Orissa and drew the attention of the OERC Chairman to
the environmental damage caused by burning of fossil fuel in
thermal power plants and large scale destruction of forests,
displacement of people and other socio-environmental damage due to
Large Hydel Plants.
Greenpeace is seeking a Regulation and Order for uptake of at
least 10 percent of power from Renewable Energy Sources, which
translates to approximately 1000 Million Units of Power.
"That Renewable energy is a feasible alternative is a proven
fact, with successful projects in some states" said K. Srinivas,
Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace India. "The increase in the cost of
generation of power from non-conventional energy sources is very
miniscule compared to the costs of health and environmental
damages, which include particularly the effects of air pollution on
human health, crop yields, other ecosystem effects and global
warming," he added.
Shri. K. C. Mohapatra, Formerly, Chairman of Orissa State
Electricity Board and Shri. R. P. Mohapatra, Formerly, Chief
Engineer of Orissa State Electricity Board also urged the
Commission that an order stipulating the amount of Renewable Energy
to be compulsorily procured on an annual basis, will act as a
necessary compliance mechanism to promote the uptake of electricity
from Renewable Energy Sources. A legal Framework was essential.
OERC is expected to pass an order in next few days in response
to the petition.
Related Links:
Choose Positive Energy: Making it Possible A Greenpeace briefing
paper
Feasibility of Renewable Energy Power in Orissa A Greenpeace
briefing paper
Online Resources A collation of online resources for information on
the power sector
For more details : K. Srinivas, Positive Energy Campaigner,
Greenpeace 
+91-98451-12130/+91-94484-58866