After the successful allocation of 250 MW capacity solar power projects, the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has decided to issue tenders inviting bids for allocation of 300 MW capacity bio mass projects. The state's Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy had recently allocated solar power projects worth Rs 2,500 crore to both large and small players in a bid to give a fillip to green energy in the state. The state has an installed solar power capacity of a mere 10 MW. To add value to paddy straw and ensure that farmers are able to get a good remuneration for the same, the ministry has decided to encourage bio mass projects in a big way, Non-Conventional Energy Minister Bikram Majithia said here today. The state has an installed capacity of 62 MW as far as bio mass projects are concerned even as an additional 60 MW capacity bio mass projects are underway. Majithia said PEDA had been asked to study the technology challenges of bio mass projects using paddy straw. This was because paddy straw was available for a limited period. He said the agency had come up with a viable alternative in which it had recommended the use of mixed fuel, including cotton stalks and lantana, to make the projects viable throughout the year. Giving an example of the cascading effect bio mass projects could have on the state's rural economy, Majithia said a 10 MW project would be inaugurated by Bathinda MP Harsimrat Badal at Khokhar Khurd village in Mansa district on July 31. It would come up at a cost of Rs 64 crore. He said the project would give direct employment to 250 persons and indirect employment to at least 1,000. He said the project would need raw material, including paddy straw, which would be sourced from 50 neighbouring villages. The farmers would be ensured an income of around Rs 1,500 per acre by way of sale of paddy straw alone, Majithia said. Solar power park PEDA has come up with a proposal to set up a 100 MW power project near Kalanaur in Gurdaspur. Land for the same has been identified. Hydel projects Mini hydel projects with a total capacity of 150 MW will be set up along the 70-km-long Upper Bari Doab Canal. The IIT, Roorkee, has conducted a study, instituted by the state government, and there is a consensus that 10-12 mini hydel projects of varying capacities could be established along the canal falls. Punjab has an installed capacity of 135 MW as far as mini hydel projects are concerned. Towards green energy The state has an installed solar power capacity of a mere 10 MW An additional 60 MW capacity bio mass projects are underway A 10 MW project is to be inaugurated by Harsimrat Badal in Mansa village on July 31 It will give direct employment to 250 persons and indirect jobs to1,000 Raw material, including paddy straw, for the project will be sourced from neighbouring villages The farmers will be ensured an income of Rs 1,500 per acre by way of sale of paddy straw alone