Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Nov 10: After several years of hard work, a tidal power plant project is ready to be installed at Kadike sea shore, in Bengre here. This information was provided by Vijaykumar Hegde, scientist and founder of Susi Global Research Center.
He was speaking at a press meet held on Monday November 9 at his workshop at Perampalli here. He said, “Tidal power plant is my dream project and after rigorous experiments spanning over several years, now it has reached its final phase. Susi Global Research Center has been involved with an experiment of generating electricity from tidal waves. About Rs 30 crore has already been spent on this project.
"In 2015, the pilot project had succeeded at Kadike sea shore. Since then, I have been undertaking some technical researches and developed the structure of the plant. As a result of this, a full-fledged power generation and distribution plant will come up at Kadike. This project will be implemented soon. The project is partnered by the prestigious East West Group of Institutions with Susi Global Research Center.
"The Prime Minister of India has called for laying thrust on tidal power production, as part of Clean India initiative. Efforts are also made to develop interest in research activities among children by using toys and developing seashores as good tourist destinations. I believe that Modi's dream will be realised by our organization in Udupi district, for the first time.
"We have given technical information about the tidal plant to chief minister B S Yediyurappa, at Bengaluru and he responded positively to our research. Other than this, recently BJP expressed its support to generation of electricity by current waves in the sea. This project would be the world's largest tidal research center.
"It needs at least two months to complete the installation process. I am requesting the government to give permission to this project. I spent Rs 3.5 crore for developing the whole set up. The production capacity of this plant is 100 kilo Watt (one megawatt per day). There will be more waves in three to four months of the year," he said.
"On Thursday November 12, the installation process will begin and I have plans to build a research station. I am waiting for the feasibility report from the government,” Vijaykumar Hegde said.
Prof Narayana Shanbhag of Canara College of Engineering, said, “India is the fourth country in the world as far as high toxic emission is concerned. Hence, tidal wave energy, a clean, renewable energy, offers hope. The country will require 442 gigawatt energy by 2022. So the central government aims at generating 175 gigawatt electricity through green energy sources like solar, tides, hydro and so on. I would like to be associated with this research even after retirement, as it is my subject of interest," he stated.