SHILLONG: The government is conducting wind mapping to harness wind energy for augmenting power generation in the state.
The mapping is being undertaken by the Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) with the support of National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Chennai, to assess the wind potential at different locations of the state by installing wind monitoring stations at 50 meters height.
Informing this on Wednesday, Power Minister James K Sangma said the state government has come up with a proposal to implement wind farm to augment power generation.
Replying to Independent MLA SK Sunn, Sangma elaborated on the project stating that a pilot project on wind energy was sanctioned by the government during 2011-2012 for an amount of Rs 7 crore to be implemented by Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited.
“However, the said project could not be implemented so far as there was no response to the tender issued despite it was extended thrice,” Sangma said.
In reply to a supplementary query, Sangma said the wind power project will be located at Umshong village in East Jaintia Hills.
Adding a dose of humour, Sunn asked, “Just for academic interest, what is the wind speed at Jaintia Hills?” Sangma could not provide a reply and said he requires notice.
Gone with the wind?
Similarly, Congress MLA Charles Pyngrope said, “I hope the project is not gone with the wind,” which evoked laughter in the Assembly.
On the number of sites identified, Sangma said three sites were identified in 2007, seven in 2015-16 and 50 in 2016-17.
On the other hand, the bell to signify the end of question hour saved Sangma from further replying to the query by Pyngrope on the area required for 1 MW wind power plant.
