More focus on solar power: Mani

Minister says government is targeting 1,000 MW from the sector

Electricity Minister M.M. Mani interacting with the family of slain CRPF jawan V.V. Vasanthakumar in Wayanad on Monday.

Electricity Minister M.M. Mani has said the government and the Kerala State Electricity Board will give due importance to solar power generation.

Inaugurating the renovated office building of the Vythiri grama panchayat here on Monday, Mr.Mani said the government was making interventions in the power sector as it was essential for the State’s development.

Priority would be given to solar power as the government was planning to generate 1,000 MW from the sector, he said.

As much as 500 MW would be generated from solar panels to be installed on rooftop of government and private buildings and the rest from floating solar panels on waterbodies such as dams, Mr.Mani said.

“Organisations such as the National Thermal Power Corporation had shown interest in setting up floating solar panels,” Mr.Mani said.

Mr.Mani also visited the family of Central Reserve Police Force jawan V.V. Vasanthakumar who was killed in a terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.