The ministry of new and renewable has taken an initiative to start Solar programme in each state in India. In a solar city all types of renewable energy based projects like solar, wind, biomass, small hydro, waste to energy will be installed in an energy efficient manner as well as commensurate with the requirements of the city, says a TOI report.
The Solar City aims at minimum 10 per cent reduction in projected demand of conventional energy and increasing energy production through renewable energy. The basic aim is to motivate the local governments for encouraging and adopting renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures.
The Solar City would be identified on the premise of population; potential of renewable energy resources and energy conservation; initiatives taken by local governments as well as the general public and industry in the same arena. The cities may have population between 50,000 to 5 million. However, relaxation is considered for special category states including north eastern states and hilly states, islands and union territories. A total of 60 cities and towns were identified to be supported for development as Solar Cities during the 11th Plan period. At least one city in each state to a maximum of five cities in a state may be supported by the ministry as Solar City.
The local governments would be encouraged to make master plan and provide institutional arrangements for it. The master plan of the city will include the base-line for energy consumption during the year 2008, demand forecasting for the years 2013 and 2018, sector-wise strategies and action plan for implementation of renewable energy projects so as to mitigate the fossil fuel consumption in the city. Proper awareness generation activities would be included in the scheme.
Under the programme, financial assistance up to Rs 5 million per city/town is provided depending upon population and initiatives decided to be taken by the city administration as per the following details.
