Green Energy/Technology: Asia’s largest solar-powered passenger boat Surya

Solar boat makes its debut in Andhra Pradesh – Sci-Tech/Environment – The Hindu

An eco-friendly solar-powered boat was launched on the pristine waters of River Krishna.

There are only a handful of such boats operating on solar power in the country.
The solar boat, facilitating clean and efficient cruise, has been imported from China.
Solar-powered boats get their energy from the sun. Using electric motors and storage batteries charged by solar panels fitted to the roof, these boats can significantly reduce or eliminate use of fossil fuels.
“Unlike conventional boats that operate using diesel engines which are fuel-guzzlers causing air and noise pollution and disturbance to the local habitat endangering the ecological balance of the surrounding areas, the solar boats are uniquely suited to transform light energy into movement.”
The first solar boat designed in India was named Surya, a 25-seater, byKerala-based TeamSustain in 2008. It operated in the backwaters of Kerala ferrying passengers and in 2010, it was included in the Limca Book of Records as Asia’s largest solar-powered passenger boat.

Should Government invest in Inland Water Transport?

Given a sector turnover of about Rs 110 crores annually, the sector investment in 10th plan (Rs 5,665 crores,) does not appear to commercially or economically viable and this has been continued in the 11th and 12th plan as well.
Passenger movements are possible at low cost, but would need faster vessels and good interchange facilities than area currently available.
Existence of a driving cargo stream of sufficient volume is required to justify large investments.
Technical capability and vessel supply is available in the country and a unified and liberalized policy with regard to IWT and coastal shipping will benefit the sector.
In the above backdrop , the government has try to come up with National Waterway Bill 2015 , which talks about a comprehensive inland waterways policy framework .
Finally to answer the question, we say that Government should invest in a measured manner, given the considerations of a possible primary driving cargo and specific geographic potential. A tie up with the industrial location policy to drive demand would be essential.

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