New Delhi to Source 1GW Solar Power by 2019

Delhi to raise power generation from renewable sources

Delhi currently sources around 100MW of its total power demand from solar power generation units through PTAs and net metering by users.

By 2019, the capital city of India, New Delhi would have over 1000MW of clean energy, lessening the burden on fossil fuel, said power minister Satyendar Jain.

Jain also mentioned that after six months of deliberations, all three DISCOMs and the power ministry have agreed in principle to switch to green energy. Jain further added that his department has approved subsidies for solar pumps for Delhi farmers.

Central PSU Solar Energy Corporation of India is the nodal agency and would be in charge of the tender process over the next three months. The solar panels, though, would be set up elsewhere in the country; Delhi would only buy the power generated.

“The whole process will take around 1 to 1.5 years by when the peak demand 6,500MW will also go up. Through this agreement, we are not only trying to meet the growing demand but also doing it in an eco-friendly manner,” Jain added.

Industry experts say that Delhi currently sources around 100MW of its total power demand from solar generation units through PTAs and net metering by users. A reduction in input costs for solar power has facilitated the move. The ministry estimates this solar power to cost about Rs 3 per unit, lower than conventional energy that costs on an average Rs 5.5. “Around 1.5 years back, when we were attempting to execute such a project, the cost was around Rs 6-6.5 per unit,” Jain said.

The minster also announced that the power ministry has given in-principle nod for providing additional subsidy to Delhi’s farmers for installing solar pumps to lower their costs. Currently, several thousand agricultural connections are being used for boring work. Most of these agricultural connections are in north and west Delhi.

Jain also said that the implementation of relief announced by DERC to tenants and small traders was on track. The government would extend subsidy benefits to tenants holding prepaid meters too. Also, small traders with connections up to 5kW in purely residential areas are already being provided power at domestic rates.

Source: TOI