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Forget horse power, it is over to cattle power! They can provide a solution to the energy crisis faced by rural masses. A pair of them and a generator can light up a house. The process called as "energy generation through animal power'' is simple - rotate the generator with a pair of cattle.The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has come out with the generator, which was originally conceived by retired electrical engineer L Nanjaiah. The animal-driven generator or the permanent magnetic generator, can produce up to 2 KW electricity per hour, which can meet the power requirement of a household with a tubelight slim - 20 W/ hour; ceiling fan - 75 W/ hour and TV - 100 W/ hour.

This is a simple equipment with only a shaft, gear box and a permanent magnet alternator. As the animal rotates, like in a traditional gana (place where oil is extracted using animal traction), the central shaft moves in sync. By making the alternator run, electricity is generated. This is, then, stored in battery and used, as and when required. KREDL managing director V P Hiremath said this does not depend on seasonal conditions, requires no maintenance and does not need any fuel.

Response: Cost and fear of animal activists has hindered the promotion of this novel method. The equipment costs Rs 85,000.

The Centre provides subsidy to the renewable Energy initiatives. But the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expressed its reluctance to provide subsidy for this method. "When we proposed it to the senior officials of the ministry, they expressed their reluctance as they felt it could lead to a controversy due to the use of animals. They felt the animal activists may cry foul,'' an official of KREDL said.

However, even without the subsidy, the investment can be realized in five years. If a household consumes 16 units a day, then it would amount to 5,760 units per year. At Rs 3 per unit, the total electricity bill saved per year is Rs 17,280.

The officials feel under the scheme of rural electrification, this project can be beneficial for zilla and taluk panchayats. Meanwhile, efforts are under way to develop an instrument, which can generate up to 10 KW/hour.

Presently, the model is kept at the Energy Park on Raj Bhavan Road and at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute at Jakkur. To popularize it, KREDL proposes to install the generator at district-level energy parks across the state.

Courtsey- Times of India