Aiming to generate 100 MW of solar power in the next two years, Union Urban Development Ministry on Tuesday announced its plans to set up solar panels on the rooftops of 629 buildings in 18 States.
With 43 MW proposed capacity generation West Bengal leads the list followed by Delhi (17 MW), Rajasthan (6.80 MW), Karnataka (3.80 MW), Andhra Pradesh (2.60 MW), Kerala (0.70 MW), Telangana (1.40 MW) and Bihar (2.70 MW).
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), the construction major under the UD Ministry and Solar Power Corporation of India (SPCI) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources inked a pact in this regard. The MoU was signed by BB Bhatia, Director General of CPWD and Ashvini Kumar, Managing Director of SECI, said a senior official from the UD Ministry.
Minister of Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Power and NRES Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo and senior officials were also present on the occasion. Naidu and Goyal lauded the initiative terming the mission as a trend setter.
As per the MoU, the CPWD would provide 629 buildings owned and maintained by it in 18 States for installing solar photovoltaic projects on rooftops by the executing agency SECI for generation of power. A total roof area of 16,76,233 sq meters is available on these buildings out of which 60 per cent would be used for power generation. Solar panels would be connected to the grid.
“To begin with, 1 MW capacity solar panel each will be installed over Central Government buildings in New Delhi like Nirman Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, IP Bhawan, Vidyut Bhawan and Shram Shakti Bhawan within six months. The CPWD has installed 930 KW capacity on Indira Paryavaran Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan in New Delhi so far,” said the official.