Chandigarh seeks space details from departments for solar installation
Chandigarh UT administration has asked various departments for the details of available space so as to set up solar power plants…
As the administration of UT has set a goal of producing 60 MW solar energy in two years ending 2022, it has asked all departments, corporations, and boards to provide details of the spaces available with them on buildings and other project areas for setting up of solar power plant.
As of now, setting up solar power plants at sector 39 Waterworks along with other municipal corporation buildings has been planned by the UT administration along with the municipal corporation of the city. On the same line, other departments were also asked to come forward with similar requirements.
As some of the departments have provided a list of open spaces under their control. The UT administration is planning to install solar plants in those vacant spaces. While the UT administration has written again to departments, boards, and corporations to provide the list.
The New and Renewable Energy Ministry (MNRE) had increased the city’s goal of generating solar power from 50 megawatts (MW) to 69 MW by 2022. Till now the UT has achieved 40MW generation.
If the UT officials are to be believed, by the end of 2022 the solar power figures are expected to reach 100 MW in Chandigarh, the target which has been set by the UT officials for themselves.
Recently, UT Administrator V. P. Singh Badnore also approved the Renewable Energy Services Company (Resco) model for setting up rooftop solar plants in residential homes in the city.
The administration has filed a petition before the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) seeking commission approval for the project as over 300 people have shown interest in the model. For such 300 requests, UT will float a tender, soon.
Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (Crest), has decided for the Resco model to set up a solar plant in the city. This decision was taken as the local residents were reluctant to install solar power plants due to its high initial investments.
In addition, the UT is also roping in private firms for the installation of solar plants on private properties.
