Various initiatives being introduced in the city will help lower energy consumption with the foremost among them being a pilot project of installing energy efficient LED lamps in 748 streetlights in the Hi-Tec city area.
The Rs.1.2 crore project is being initiated next month by GHMC and Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a public sector undertaking. Stretches covered as part of the project are Kavuri Hills to Hi-Tec city junction, Kothaguda to Hi-Tec city, Mini-Charminar junction to Hitex and Chandrayangutta to Nayapul.
“These stretches replaced by LED streetlights will be compared with other stretches on how much energy is being saved and the costs involved. After the observation, a decision will be taken on whether to extend it to other parts as well,” informed Saurabh Kumar, managing director, EESL on the sidelines of the International Conference on Green Buildings, organised by CII and IGBC, on Thursday.
Energy savings can be made up to 50 per cent compared to the standard bulbs being presently used and similar initiatives will also be extended to about 12 municipalities in Telangana, he said.
Participating in a panel discussion on “Green existing cities and creating new ones: The challenges and opportunities”, V.B. Gadgil, L&TMRH CE and MD said they are looking at solar power to power their buildings and stations. “We have made provisions for solar panels during designing workshops, stations and other buildings even if there is a controversy since it may escalate costs,” he said. Hyderabad Metro trains will have the technology to regenerate power of up 40 per cent.
Earlier, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) MD Mangu Singh said most metros in cities are not financially viable and are supported by the governments. “We decided we will not be run by the government. However, cost and maintenance of the metro lines are major components of the project. Forty per cent of costs are for energy and another 20 per cent for spare parts,” he said.
DMRC uses lightweight energy efficient coaches and can create energy are ways to gain carbon credit, apart from using steel reinforcements as well. “Also, we have also started a solar energy plant to generate five mega watts (MW) of energy.”
IT & Panchayat Raj Minister K. Tarakarama Rao, who was the chief guest, said that the government will plant 230 crore saplings to increase green cover. “We have also floated tenders for a 1000 MW solar plant. Also, apart from having smart cities, we should also have green cities,” he stated.
