First geothermal plant

india's first geothermal minor hydel power plant tapping energy from natural hot water springs would be soon installed in Tatapani village of Chattisgarh. "This is for the first time in India that the energy generating capacity of hot springs is being exploited,' said S K Shukla, special officer in-charge of the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency. The plant's production capacity would be 30 megawatts, with a turbine of 300 kilowatts installed on a trial basis. Estimated to cost Rs 4.60 crore, the Union ministry of power is funding the plant, which would be set up by the National Hydel Power Corporation by 2002. The state government has sought the technical assistance of the University of Roorkee for implementing the project.