BOOST TO WIND POWER PRODUCTION

New Delhi, 13 December, 2006

New Delhi, December 14 (INFA): The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) has announced its entry into the non-conventional energy sector by planning a 10 MW wind power on its nuclear reactor premises in Koondankulam in Tamil Nadu.

The annual contract to the tune of Rs 50 crore for installing and operating the wind farm has been awarded to the Suzlon Energy Ltd. The wind farm is to be commissioned soon.

Eight turbines of 1.25 MW capacities each will be installed initially, with the NPCIL planning to scale up power generation to 50 MW.

Most of the power produced by the wind farm will be utilized by the nuclear reactor and the surplus power is planned to be sold at Rs 2.70 per unit to the State i.e. Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, the Essar Power Group, India’s largest independent power producer in the country is foraying into wind energy. The company recently entered into a tie-up with a German firm, one of the leading manufacturers of onshore and offshore wind turbines, to design and manufacture 1.5 MW and 2 MW turbines, and market them in South East Asia.

The two corporations have also agreed to set up a joint venture in the near future, which will allow access to 3 MW and 5 MW turbines.

According to sources, Essar Power has identified Hazira and Bhuj in Gujarat as two possible locations for setting up its manufacturing facility.

The company expects to start commercial production by mid 2007. Initially, the company will invest about Rs 50 crore and will produce 200 MW power.

CONTROL TOWERS TO PROTECT TERROR TARGETS

Hyderabad, December 14 (INFA): With various terrorist groups considering information technology (IT) installations as soft targets, the Cyberabad Security Council (SSC) has recently decided to set up two control towers – one each in Madhapur and Gachibowli on the outskirts of Hyderabad city. These are intended to send real-time alerts to software companies and their employees in case of terrorists strike.

The towers will be connected to local police stations. They would be networked with state-of-the-art communication devices. ---INFA