Punjab Minister directs PEDA to expedite renewable energy projects

Chandigarh, Jul 10 (UNI) Minister for Science, Technology, Environment and NCES Bikram Singh Majithia today asked Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) to take steps to expedite renewable energy projects in Punjab to achieve the 10 per cent renewable energy share of the total installed capacity in the state.

Reviewing the progress of renewable energy projects in the biomass, hydro, cogeneration and solar sectors, Mr Majithia said it had become imperative for PEDA to expedite its project due to the power shortage in the state.

PEDA Chief Executive T P S Sidhu and other senior officers gave a detailed presentation about the present status and tentative dates for completion of various renewable energy projects.

The Minister was informed that 60 MW co-generation projects, in addition to 104 MW already commissioned in March, would start generating power by March next year.

The Minister also reviewed the progress of biomass power projects, cogeneration and hydel projects that have been allotted to various developers.

He directed PEDA officials to extend all assistance to private developers for completing these projects in time bound manner.

The PEDA Chief Executive informed that five projects of 3.9MW capacity on Sidhwan branch canal are at advanced stage of completion and will be commissioned by March next year.

He said the work will commence on mini hydel projects at Khanpur, Sadhar, Akhara, Channowal and Gholian on Abohar branch canal during this month and these projects of total 5.5 MW capacity will be completed by December next year.

The PEDA officials assured the Minister that the Agency will provide required assistance and clearances to the developers in a time bound manner and will ensure the completion of the projects on time.

Mr Majithia was also given a presentation by Banayan Environment Innovations Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad and Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) officials on the use of CFLs in the domestic sector.

The Minister asked the PSEB officials to move fast on the energy conservation programme and work out the modalities so that energy efficiency in the lighting sector could be achieved by providing CFLs.

Mr A S Chhatwal, Secretary, Science and Technology was also present in the meeting.

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