Govt to install solar water heaters

Chennai, Apr 3 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government will install solar water heaters in the residential premises of Ministers and Judges and MLA quarters during the current year, Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy told the state Assembly today.

Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for his department, he said the government had decided to utilise the non-conventional energy sources and as a first step it was decided to set up solar water heaters in the houses of Ministers, and Judges and MLA quarters, at a cost of Rs two crore.

''Step by step it will be implemented all over the state'', he said.

Highlighting the importance of tapping the vast wind power potential in the state, he said a SEZ would be set up with foreign collaboration at a cost of Rs 8000 crore for manufacture of renewable energy devices at Kancheepuram.

''At present the spare parts for wind mills are being imported.

The Centre has agreed to set up the SEZ in a 675 acre area in collaboration with private promoters from Europe, America and renowned universities from UK and US. A world class technology park will also come up within the SEZ'', he added.

UNI