BSES Yamuna Power (BYP) has, for the first time, introduced a Renewal Energy Assisted Pump (REAP) in the Indian capital. It can become a powerful energy and water solution for many users in power starved South Asia including Nepal. The solar energy based water pump will help meet needs of both rural and urban water users who want off-grid water supply for irrigation and other purposes.
The developer of the technology has implemented a pilot REAP system at All India Panchayat Parishad, in Mayur Vihar of New Delhi. Developers of the new technology believe that their products will be in high demand because sooner or later people will have to choose clean energy for all purposes. According to chief executive of BYP Ramesh Narayanan, REAP users will have to initially invest IRs 200,000 to IRs 300,000 to install the REAP system and can use the technology for 25 years without further investments except for upgradation.
REAP technology pumps 25,000 liters of water everyday where there is seven hours of sunshine and the system automatically shuts off when the overhead tank is filled. The installed sensor helps the system to automatically pump water as the level of water goes down in the overhead tank. “I am sure this technology will be in high demand in Nepal too because you have long hours of load shedding and people are unable to pump underground water when they need it,” Narayanan added. REAP consumes 600 watts of energy as against 3.5 KW for a conventional pump. REAP consumes ‘0’ unit in a month whereas a conventional pump consumes 250 units.
India plans to generate 1000 MW solar power by 2013. Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission has set an ambitious target of generating 20,000 MW by 2020. “It is a solution that will enable electricity to be produced at the doorstep of the farmer so that irrigation needs can be met, on a sustainable basis and they gain independence from grid power,” he added.
According to BYP officials, REAP’s frugal maintenance and zero operating costs also make it an attractive commercial proposition.
