Gujarat first in natural Gas, second in petroleum reserve in India

Government of India in its latest “Energy Statistics 2011” published by the Central Statistical Office, National Statistical Organization has called Gujarat as the 2nd best state in India in renewable energy sources and describe it as best geographically suited state for Solar and Wind Energy production.

Gujarat has been categorized as the best Solar & Wind power generation destination and 2nd highest renewable energy generation capacity state. Gujarat has been describe as one of the best place which has very high Direct normal irridiance(DNI-5.5 to 6.5) in the country. Higher the DNI, higher the capacity of solar power generation. Gujarat has also been categorized among the state which has highest wind power density which is necessary for the generation of wind power generation.

The total potential for renewable power generation in the country as on 31.03.2010 is estimated at 90,313 MW. This includes an estimated wind power potential of 48,561 MW (54%), SHP (small-hydro power) potential of 15,385 MW (17%) and 22,536 MW (25%) from bagasse-based co-generation in sugar mills. According to the geographic distribution of the estimated potential across States, Karnataka has the highest share of about 14% (12,948 MW ) followed by Gujarat with 13% (11,364 MW). Andhra Pradesh stood third with 10,015 MW (11.1%), mainly on account of wind power potential.

Gujarat is second state after Assam having 19.39% share of total crude oil reserve of India at present. While Gujarat is the number one state with 8.79% of total natural gas reserve of India. Next to Gujarat is Assam with 8% of total resources.

The estimated reserves of crude oil and natural gas in India as on 31.03.2010 stood at 1206 million metric tonnes (MMT) and 1453 billion cubic meters (BCM), respectively. Geographical distribution of Crude oil indicates that the maximum reserves are in the Western Offshore (46%) followed by Assam (23%), whereas the maximum reserves of Natural Gas are in the Western Offshore (40%) followed by Eastern offshore (29%). The increase in the estimated reserve of crude oil during 2009-10 was 56%, with Tamilnadu accounting for the highest increase of 85.3%, followed by Gujarat (73.3%). In case of Natural Gas, the increase in the estimated reserves over the last year was 30%. The maximum contribution to this increase has been from Tamilnadu (139%), followed by Andhra Pradesh (75%).