‘Renewable energy is answer to Bihar’s power woes’

PATNA - As electricity remains a major issue in Bihar polls, Greenpeace activists here Friday called for decentralisation of power generation and use of renewable sources to solve the state’s energy woes.

Holding a workshop at the globe-shaped ‘Urja Kranti Kendra’ (originally called the Climate Rescue Station), set up in Patna, the environment protection organisation activists emphasised that decentralised efforts may solve the power problems of the state.

“Bihar is one of the states lagging behind in power availability. There is a huge demand for power and equally huge deficit. Renewable energy at decentralised level can solve the problem,” Greenpeace activist Vinuta Gopal said.

Run completely on renewable energy, the station aims at promoting renewable energy, primarily solar and wind energy. The history of this station goes back to Europe’s lignite mines in the ‘black triangle’ region spread across Germany, Poland and the Chezch Republic.

“The kendra formed a focal point for the anti-coal movement in the area. It also drew attention towards the link in coal mining and climate change during the CoP 14 (14th Conference of Parties),” she said.

The 12-metre high geodesic dome is made of laminated timber poles bolted together with steel brackets and a heavy wooden and steel floor. The dome is covered with an eco-friendly, waterproof sheet, printed with the image of earth.

Setting up the ‘Kendra’ in Patna aims at attracting attention towards the possibility of using renewable energy in solving the power problems of the state.

“Greenpeace believes Bihar can leapfrog into the future to provide for the energy needs of the rural population in a sustainable manner. To do this, the state must chart an alternative development pathway, using decentralised renewable energy,” Gopal says.

“Centralised power reaches urban centres and industries but not to the poor, so decentralisation is needed,” she added.