Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 10: The three decades of consistent efforts put in by Vijay Kumar Hegde of Susi Global Research Centre, Udupi to generate power from tidal energy bore fruit on Thursday April 9 as the tune-up plant installed a month ago produced 1 kw of power. The plant is located in the sea water about 25 metres off Kadike beach near Malpe.
Addressing the media at Kadike beach, Kemmannu here, Hegde said that 19 CFL bulbs of 5 watts have been installed in the plant, and they been lit up from tidal energy. They are not clearly visible during daytime due to sunshine, but they will be seen better at night.
The centre has already obtained patent for tidal power generation. "Around 100 engineers have worked on this project. The detailed project report (DPR) will be ready in the next three-four months. We will experiment with high tide, low tide, high-low tide and rainy season and then prepare the final report," he said, adding that power generation from tidal energy is much cheaper than that from other resources, and has no adverse affect on the environment.
The first stage is complete and 25 team members worked towards yielding a beneficial result from the tidal power project. In the first stage the floating drum and ratchet mechanism were set up.
“The strength of the waves varies from place to place. The back water distance may reach 300 feet. At Maravanthe-Trasi beach wave distance meets 25 feet whereas in Mumbai it may be one-and-a-half kilometers. The Kadike beach is best suited for generating maximum power due to its sea waves," Hegde added.
Professor Nagaraj of MIT was present to witness the launch and he responded positively.
"I am the first person who has succeeded in ensuring a low budget for the project. In foreign countries Rs 35 crore has been spent whereas I have spent Rs 6 crores only," announced an elated Hegde. The next mission will be towards submission of the DPR to the Prime Minister so that a mega power plant can be set up. He is confident of a favourable response.