Harshini Brahmavar
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 28: Researcher in the field of alternative energy sources, Vijay Kumar Hegde from here, who has obtained a patent for the generation of power by using tidal energy, is all set for an experimental power generation by this method with effect from Sunday March 1. Hegde is the first person in the world to get patent for his unique method of power generation.

Susi Global Research Center, designed and chaired by Hegde, will start a new tidal power generation unit on March 1 designed by chairman Vijay Kumar Hedge. His dream will become a reality after almost 30 years of dedicated hard work.

For getting permission of the government to generate power through this method on a large scale, and to prepare a detailed project report, he has set up a small power generation unit at Kadike within Kodi Bengre village on the seashore. Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math will be inaugurating this unit at 9.30 am on Sunday.

The method of using tidal waves as a means to generat power was first adopted in India In 1981. Hegde had obtained patent for the above method of producing power by using movement of waves in 2006 itself. Although he had been invited by USA, England and some other countries to generate power by using the patented method, Hegde, who was desirous of using this technology in India for the first time, had not accepted these offers. Regrettably, the governments and officials have not evinced interest to make use of this technology, although Hegde had pursued this issue with various departments and ministries.

As such, he said he has decided to experimentally generate power through his own Susi Global Research Centre on a small scale. For this purpose, he has spent lacs of rupees to set up the generator unit. After successfully showing the practicability of such technology where investment is minimal, thee is no pollution, and the country has good scope for tapping this alternative energy source, and by submitting detailed project report, he plans to seek government's participation to generate power on a large scale.

Hegde says he chose Kemmannu beach because of the smooth quality of the soil. He says it is very easy to dig here unlike in Maravanthe beach. The pillar of the unit is placed inside the water while the balls and other parts of the machine float on the surface. It does not affect the small fish and is an eco-friendly.

This is a low cost power generating project with multiple advantages. The tidal power requires no raw fuel and is not affected by any seasonal fluctuations. This will prevent the government from spending a lot of money on constructing erosion prevention stone walls, and also loss of land to the sea.

Tidal power plants demand least coastal space. This is currently the only design available in the world using the float type mechanism.

Speaking to media persons, Hegde said it can generate electricity enough to light 10-15 bulbs at a time (5 kilo watt), but the mega project needs Rs 30-35 crores. At present, the rate of power per unit is Rs 4.20 along with 50 paisa subsidy.

"After experimenting for 27 years I have got a fruitful result this year. I feel very proud about inventing this project but there is need for government support. First, I will submit the DPR report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then discuss further with scientists. Once the government grants me a power project agreement, I will immediately step into the next developmental project, that is based on gravitational energy."

Boston University and the government of Mauritius have asked for the project to be set up in their respective places as well.

Susi Center has already obtained international patent for the project. A mega plant is planned to be established soon at a total cost of Rs 6 crore.

Among the different projects taken up by Susi other than tidal power, are a battery operated (self-charging) car, special dynamo (self-charging) for use in railways which will save about 2/3 percent of diesel, and LPG stoves with more than 60% saving in gas.