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New Solar Power Goal Lands Chandigarh in a Corner by 2022

The ministry of new and renewable energy has enhanced the city’s solar power generation target from 50 megawatt (MW) to 69 MW to be achieved by 2022, compounding the problems of the administration which is struggling to catch up.

 

Chandigarh Renewal Energy, Science and Technology Promotion Society (Crest) has only managed to install solar power plant with a capacity of 22 MW in last six years. Crest will have to ensure generation of 47 MW within four years to meet the goal. The Central government in 2008 had selected Chandigarh to be developed as a ‘model solar city’.

 

Shortage of land is the biggest hurdle. Crest has done well in installing rooftop solar power plants on government buildings, but is struggling to motivate residents to install solar-power plants. So far, only 200-odd plants are installed on private buildings, that too, despite orders making their installation on residential buildings above 500 square yards mandatory.

 

For buildings measuring 500 square yard to 999 square yard, installing solar plant of 1 kwp capacity has been made mandatory, while owners of building measuring 1,000 square yard to 2,999 square yard have to install a solar power plant of 2 kwp. For 3,000 square yard and above buildings, 3 kwp solar plant is a must.

 

Crest CEO Santosh Kumar said they will have to find a way of achieving the target. He said residents’ contribution will play a crucial role.

 

Sun Setting on Project

 

The ambitious project of the UT administration to install 25 megawatt (MW) solar power plant –– the biggest of the city –– at Patiala ki Rao, a seasonal rivulet, is yet to see light of the day. The project, which is crucial for the administration to achieve the target of generating 50 MW –– both residential and government –– by 2022 is hanging fire since 2015.

 

CLU Setback

 

Last year, the administration had turned down the proposal of Crest for allowing change of land use (CLU) for installing solar-power plants on agricultural space. The proposal was shot down on two grounds—shortage of land and no provision in the Punjab New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952. In neighbouring states, including Punjab, CLU and external development charges (EDC) are not must for renewable-energy projects.

 

Tough Task

 

The UT administration is 47 MW behind target. A solar plant of 15 MW installed at Sector 39 water works will be operational soon. Even if the authorities manage to set up the 25 MW plant at Patiala Ki Rao, there will be a shortfall of 7 MW. Time available is another constraint. In the last six years, the administration has managed to install solar power of 22 MW capacity and it requires to install 47 MW plants in the next four years.

 

Hope on Private Buildings

 

Due to shortage of space, the hope of the administration to achieve target hinges on private buildings. Installation of solar photovoltaic power plant is mandatory for residential and non-residential buildings measuring 500 square yard and above. No approval is required from the Municipal Corporation and estate office for putting up solar plants in the existing or new buildings. Subsidy of 30% is being given by the Central government.

 

Chandigarh Renewal Energy, Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) has fixed rates at which resident can get solar plants from empanelled agencies.

 

Category

Rate per KWp

1 Kwp to up to 5 KWP

Rs 60,000

More than 5 kWP to up to 10 KWp

RS 59,000

More than 10 KWp to up to 20 KWp

Rs 58,000

More than 20 KWp to up to 50 KWp

Rs 55,000

More than 50kWp to up to 100 KWp

Rs 52,000

 

The Story So Far

 

 

Solar rooftop plants have been installed in 260 government buildings and 255 private buildings. The existing solar rooftop plants are generating 28 million units (MU) per annum, equivalent to reduction of 2,1598 metric tonne of CO2 and planting a total of 15.3 lakh trees. Of 28 MU, bulk of power has been produced by plants on government buildings.

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