Punjab to set up energy info centres

Chandigarh, Nov 22 (UNI) In order to create awareness on energy efficiency and conservation and use of renewable energy among general public, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has planned to set up Energy Information Centres (EIC) in the state.

EIC will be source of information and knowledge about various techniques for energy conservation and use of renewable energy.

Individuals, institutions and industry can take advice from these centres for implementation of energy efficiency measures for reducing consumption.

A delegation of the Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME), France, led by Mr Boudard Alain, visited different renewable energy installations, energy parks and also interacted with college and school children from November 20 to 22 in Punjab to help PEDA to establish these centres. These centres will also have IT based tools for explaining working of different renewable energy systems, investments, economic analysis and contacts of manufacturers and service companies.

After the field visits and meetings with different institutions, the French delegation today met Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Bikram Singh Majithia and discussed EIC activities in France and how similar models can be developed to address the needs of Punjab.

The Minister informed the delegation that there was lot of scope for energy conservation in homes, offices, commercial establishments and industry. He asked PEDA officers to prepare proposals in consultation with ADEME and the Union Power Ministry.

Mr T P S Sidhu, Chief Executive, PEDA, informed that the visit of the delegation was very useful and informative and action plan had been made to finalise the development of the first Information Centre in the state within six months. He also informed that ADEME is supporting the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency to develop similar EICs.

UNI