Punjab Renewable Energy Capacity At 2150 MW: RE Minister Aman Arora

The New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister of Punjab, Aman Arora, has said that the state has installed renewable energy projects of 2150 MW till date and is also focusing on energy efficiency and energy conservation efforts.

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The minister was speaking during an award felicitation programme for government and private sector entities at Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) northern region headquarters in Chandigarh.

Aman Arora mentioned that the 2150 MW of RE makes about 16% of the total power capacity of the state. Out of the total 2150 MW, the state has added 1200 MW as solar power projects. The Central Electricity Authority however places the state's total renewable capacity at 1830 MW. The discrepancy might be linked to rooftop solar numbers, we assume. Share of solar should be under 12%, on total state capacity of 14200 MW approx.

He was addressing an award function organised by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) on Energy Conservation Day. The minister said, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab is making concerted efforts to make Punjab a carbon neutral state and energy conservation is the focus area to abate greenhouse gas emission to save the environment.”

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Arora added that the increase in power demand due to the expansion of industry and infrastructure in the state demands shifting from conventional power generation to renewable energy sources.

“Apart from this, Punjab has taken the lead to develop and notify Punjab Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) by amending National Energy Conservation Building Code for the composite climate zone applicable in the state.” Said Arora. He also mentioned that ECBC is already being incorporated in the state-by laws.

The Winners

Vardhman Yarns and Threads Limited from Hoshiarpur were awarded first prize in the textile category. Also, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Jalandhar, got first prize in the buildings category.

Punjab On The Roll

The North Indian state is on RE expansion spree. In September, State-owned SJVN said that it was eyeing to develop about 5000 MW of green energy in Punjab as SJVN MD had met Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Subsequently, the state administration announced its plans to put in place 300 MW worth of photovoltaic (PV) solar power installations of which 100 MW will be floating solar on reservoirs and lakes and 200 MW shall come up on canal-tops.

The state government has also requested the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for solarisation of 1 lakh grid-connected electric tubewells. MNRE has given a nod to it.