Survey on solar city project in final lap

The survey, being conducted by ICLEI, will identify the avenues available for reducing power consumption so as to introduce methodologies under the renewable energy schemes.

A survey of power consumption in the domestic and industrial sectors in Kochi is being conducted as part of the Solar City project, proposed to be implemented in the city. The survey is expected to be completed within the next few days.

A preliminary report will be made on the basis of the findings prior to making a detailed project report to be submitted to the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The survey is being conducted by ICLEI, an international agency. It will identify the avenues available for reducing power consumption so as to introduce methodologies under the renewable energy schemes.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) will outline the extent of power which could be saved through various measures such as adoption of solar water heating systems in domestic as well as commercial sectors.

The quantum of energy utilized by existing infrastructure in the street lighting will be one of the major areas of focus in the solar city project. The consumption patterns will be assessed and the prospects for installing solar energy equipments will be ascertained.

City cell

A Solar city cell has already been constituted for overseeing the execution of the project, according to A.J. Sohan, who is associated with the project implementation. Preparation of a master plan as per the guidelines of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is part of the project implementation.

The Union government has given in-principle approval to 55 cities to be developed as solar cities under a project conceived by MNRE three years ago.

The preparation of master plan is part of the project implementation.

Master plans have already been finalised in the case of 36 cities across the country. The ministry has sanctioned over Rs.21 crore for various cities under the project.

The project envisages reduction of 10 per cent in the use of energy in five years by adopting renewable energy channels.

It also aims at achieving the target through installation of solar water heating systems, solar photovoltaic systems and power generation through industrial waste management.