Solar Power Saves Government’s Money and Key to Environment Protection: C P Singh

Jharkhand, which produces just about 30MW of solar power as of now, experiences 300 days of clear skies a year and has the potential to take the figure to 18,000MW.

Jharkhand Urban Development Minister CP Singh has emphasised to promote solar power generation in the state as traditional methods were polluting the environment.

According to Singh, the government was providing subsidy on solar power, but the plan is unlikely to succeed without public participation. Singh was addressing at a function organised by Ranchi Smart City Corporation Limited (RSCCL) to promote installation of rooftop solar panels at homes in state capital.

Jharkhand, which produces just about 30MW of solar power as of now, experiences 300 days of clear skies a year and has the potential to take the figure to 18,000MW.

Singh who was chief guest at the function said fly ash produced during thermal power generation causes large-scale pollution and the government is trying to promote brick-making using fly ash, as advocated by Union minister Nitin Gadkari.

The Urban Development Minister said power generation through solar panels and other renewable sources would also save the government’s money. He said Jharkhand requires 2,200MW power, but generates only around 570MW and the state government purchases the required power from other agencies at a high price.

The Minister further said the Centre held a meeting with the state governments this month in which solar energy and other issues, including reducing transmission loss to 15%, were discussed. He said Jharkhand has reduced its transmission loss from 46% to 29%.

Yatin Kumar Suman, chief executive officer of RSCCL, said his organisation is trying to introduce new elements in Ranchi. “Ideally, we would like to cover every household under the rooftop solar panel plan. We are educating people on approaching the authorities and about the financing options,” he said.

Rahul Purwar Managing Director of the Jharkhand Bidyut Vitran Nigan Limited said the state has set target of generating 2,550MW solar power by 2020. He said the modalities for approving rooftop solar panel would be finalized within a month. Ranchi mayor Asha Lakra was also present on the occasion.

Source: TOI