New Delhi, Aug 7 (KNN) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is promoting generation of electricity from agro-residues including paddy husk through biomass gasifier system for meeting unmet demand of electricity in rural areas.

MNRE provides Central Finance Assistance (CFA) at the rate of Rs 15,000 per kilowatt besides providing financial support up of Rs 1.0 lakh per kilometre for a maximum of three kilometres, for laying distribution network within the village, Minister of state for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal informed Parliament.

The projects are implemented by the state governments, NGOs, village level organizations, institutions, private entrepreneurs, etc. 

The Minister further stated that so far about 70 biomass based gasifier systems of 32 kilowatt each are in use for providing electricity in about 200 villages / hamlets mainly in Bihar.

Each system is capable of providing electricity to about 200-250 households and other small commercial loads for 5 to 6 hours daily in the evening with an average total load of 25-30 kilowatt, the Minister added. (KNN Bureau)