To harness solar power to meet the energy demands of Delhi Secretariat, the Government will soon identify a piece of land nearby to set up a 5 MW solar power generation unit. The decision was taken following a meeting between Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday. He requested Ms. Dikshit to consider setting up a unit to service the power needs of the Secretariat, where the peak demand at present remains around 2.5 MW.
Responding to the proposal, Ms. Dikshit said her government is keen on harnessing solar power, which is clean and green, as its generation process is pollution-free and assured him that her government will soon identify a piece of land for the Union Ministry to start work on the project.
Dr. Abdullah said the solar power generation will be commissioned on the lines of the one in Chhattisgarh New Secretariat at Naya Raipur. In Delhi, out of 5 MW solar power, the excess 2.5 MW will be transferred to the grid. He further added that the Delhi Government will receive solar power at Rs. 5 per unit for the next 25 years, enabling the Government to save substantial amount of money.
Besides, it was stated in the meeting that it would also be feasible to generate 1 MW solar power at Old Secretariat. Dr. Abdullah added that the power could be utilised in Old Secretariat, DIP Office, Anti-Corruption Branch, Directorate of Education and Vikas Bhawan-II.
A Solar Energy Park will also be set up in the complex of the solar energy unit, which will highlight the importance of harnessing unlimited solar power, he said.
