Punjab plans to generate 1,500 MW power from renewable sources

Ludhiana, Feb 4 (UNI) Punjab Minister for Environment and Non-conventional Sources of Energy today said the state government had embarked upon a plan to augment more than 1,500 MW of electricity from different sectors of renewable energy including small or micro hydel, biomass power projects, co-generation and waste to energy and solar thermal power generation projects.

While interacting with mediapersons here last night, Mr Majithia stressed that it was imperative for the Punjab Government to exploit all sources of natural energy to come out of power crisis being faced by the State.

He said he would seek the cooperation of the Union Ministry for getting funds for these projects and also invite various companies to participate in this sector.

Emphasising the need for educating the public regarding energy conservation, he informed that PEDA was launching a special multimedia campaign to educate public regarding eco-friendly, energy saving technologies.

He informed that steps have been taken for the better coordination amongst various departments of the State for speedy clearances, such as Power Purchase Agreement, Land lease Agreement and Environmental Clearances, so that projects could take off at a fast pace.

The Minister informed that move was on to install CFLs and efficient tube lights to achieve energy efficiency in government offices and street lighting and energy data of 47 government buildings have been collected and some of these would be taken up as demo projects in the energy conservation action plan.

The minister informed that the Centre had conceded the request of State Government for sanctioning adequate concessions for the generation of Solar power, which at present was costing much higher than the prevailing electricity rates.

UNI XC JN SR GC1744