Non-conventional sources of energy. Today non-conventional sources of energy include wind, tides, geothermal heat, biogas, farm and animal waste including human excreta.
All these sources are renewable or inexhaustible:
1. Wind energy: It can be used for generating electricity. It is estimated that wind alone can provide 2000 MW of electricity. The states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa are better placed in regard to this energy. Areas with constant and high speed winds are suitable for the purpose.
2. Tidal energy: The Gulfs of Kutch and Cambay are ideally suited to develop electricity from the energy produced by high tides entering to narrow creeks.
3. Geo-thermal energy: India is not rich in this source. However, efforts are on to utilize natural energy of the hot springs at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh.
4. Energy from urban waste: A pilot for demonstration purposes had already been set up in Delhi to treat solid municipal waste for conversion into energy. It produces nearly 4 MW energy every year. Sewage in cities is used for generating gas and electricity.
5. Biogas based power plants: Bagasse, farm wastes, rice husk are being used to produce electricity.
6. Farm animal and human wastes (Urja Gram): By using biomass, animal poultry waste and human excreta, gobar gas plants are being set up in villages.
7. Solar energy: Solar voltaic cells are used to generate solar energy.
