The undisputed leader in the city’s domestic milk market, Aavin, is taking efforts to go solar to save power at its storage facilities.
Bulk milk coolers of the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation will soon get solar-powered water-heating systems. The hot water will be used to clean the bulk milk coolers that are attached to clusters of milk cooperative societies.
Tenders have been floated for 50 solar heating systems capable of heating 500 litres per day.
Sources at Aavin said that there were a total of 262 bulk milk coolers used by members of over 9,000 societies in the State. A majority of the bulk milk coolers have a capacity of 5,000 litres.
Hot water all day
“At times, due to low voltage or power cuts, the water does not get hot enough for thorough washing. These solar powered plants will provide heating up to 80 degree Centigrade and hot water will be available throughout the day,” an official said.
On behalf of Aavin, the tenders have been floated by the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA). Sources said that a maintenance clause for five years has also been included in the tender. The bidder should also be able to supply and commission 50 solar water-heating systems within 90 days.
Temples to follow suit
Meanwhile, TEDA has also called for tenders to install solar power plants without battery backup in over 15 major temples across the State.
These would be grid interactive and would be able to provide around 20-30 per cent of the power requirement of temples.
Temples including the Sri Ranganathar Temple in Srirangam, Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Karumariamman Temple in Thiruverkadu, Sri Devanathaswamy Temple at Thiruvahindrapuram in Cuddalore, Kandaswamy temple in Chennai and Subramaniyaswamy temple in Thiruparanakundram are to get such plants.
Sources at the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department said that joint commissioners have been asked to identify temples under their control that would like to go solar and have the space to install these plants.
Funds to be provided
Individual temple funds are being utilised for the units. For temples that do not have enough funds, the department will provide funds, the source said.
Officials at TEDA said that based on the request of the respective departments tenders have been floated. Orders for the solar plants and water heaters are likely to be placed by the end of December.
Other departments too, have approached TEDA for similar projects, an official said.
