Srinagar, Apr 28: Foreign Minister of Iceland, Ossur Skarphedinsson Friday said that J&K has significant potential for the geothermal power and tourism.
 In an exclusive chat with Greater Kashmir, Skarphedinsson said he was captivated by the natural beauty of Kashmir. “It was a pleasant trip to this beautiful place. I took a stroll on the banks of Dal lake and had an opportunity to see the houseboats,” he said, adding that he also visited world famous ski resort Gulmarg.
 During his two day trip, the foreign minister was accompanied by their ambassador to New Delhi visited Ladakh, Jammu and Srinagar.
 He said the main purpose of his visit here was the development of geothermal power, as Iceland specializes in that field. “In Kashmir there is lot of potential for it and our companies are also developing cooperation with the state over it,” he said, adding that he met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah to discuss the geothermal development.
 “We have also great experience in the small hydropower stations in the high up mountains,” he added.
 Earlier, an expert group on power generation from geothermal energy has recommended development of geothermal site at Puga Valley in Ladakh .
 The feasibility of geothermal energy was assessed by a governmental committee in 2007. Later the report was submitted in May 2008 recommending a two phase development The foreign minister said there are also prospects of geothermal tourism in the state.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST