The Hindu : Front Page : Solar city proposals for 20 districts

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 22, 2007
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Solar city proposals for 20 districts

R. Sairam

MADURAI: Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) has mooted creation of ‘solar cities’ to meet Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s target of generating 45,000 mega watt through non-conventional energy sources by 2020.

TEDA, the nodal body for implementation of the Ministry’s projects in the State, will submit the proposal for implementation under the Eleventh Five Year Plan.

“The project will be taken up across the country. In Tamil Nadu, creation of solar cities will be proposed in 20 districts, including Tiruchi, Coimbatore and Madurai. Each solar city will cost Rs. 50 lakh,” according to TEDA Deputy General Manager S.M. Vijayakumar.

Under the proposal, a remote area in the city will be declared as a ‘solar city’ and all its power needs will be met through solar energy.

During nights or on days when solar radiation is low, the solar city will switch over from solar equipment to battery.

Each solar city will generate 20 kilowatt of power for streetlights and public utilities in several villages.

The agency will coordinate with the district administration in selection of the spots for the project.

Such projects will reduce dependence on conventional means for power generation. Solar power was expected to contribute 75 per cent of the 2020 target as it had added advantages over non-conventional energy sources, Mr. Vijayakumar said.

“Based on financial resources, the Ministry will decide — after receiving the proposals from all States — how many solar cities should be established in each State,” he said.

“The agency’s Chairman and Managing Director, A. Elangovan, has evinced keen interest in this project,” he said.

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