Iconic Shore Temple Is Now Solar Powered

The iconic Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram have turned into India’s first green energy archeological site. Located about 60 Kms from state capital Chennai, the Shore temple is one of the most iconic symbols of Tamil Nadu. Built with blocks of granite dating from the 8th century AD the temple earned the green energy site tag with the completion of the Green Heritage Project undertaken by the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (Renault Nissan Tech), in partnership with Hand in Hand India (HiH).

The key changes involved the use of solar power to light up the monument through three 10-kw solar plants. Surplus energy will be sent bac to the grid

Similarly, drinking water at the site will be provided through a solar-operated reverse osmosis (RO) plant, equipped with three water kiosks. Plans include employing women from the local community driving electric buggies for the benefit of tourists. A parking shed with three charging units is also in place.

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In going green, the Shore temple follows a welcome precedent being laid across key heritage sites that are also environmentally sensitive. Be it the Sun Temple at Modhera or the plan to turn key pilgrimage cities into solar cities, cutting out the use of fossil fuels in the vivinity of these loved monuments is perhaps the best use of solar, besides serving to demonstrate the technology’s possibilities to the large number of people who visit these monuments in their millions across India.