Punjab government is planning to develop solar power clusters to set up solar panels near canals and roof tops of big buildings.In a meeting held recently, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab said that the state government was spending a huge amount on providing free power for solar agri-pumps in the state. He said there was a large scope for development of solar power clusters in the rural areas to provide power for agri-pumps directly thereby cutting the subsidy and further investing the saved money for production of clean energy.
He mentioned that by producing 1000 MW clean power, Punjab can earn lot of carbon credits besides saving on subsidy. Therefore, the non-renewable energy minister Bikram Singh Majithia will get thorough study done including technical as well as financial viability of the proposed solar power clusters. Also, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) is considering creating land pools in Kandi as well as Kalanaur area of Gurdaspur district to attract investment for setting up of big solar power plants.
Sukhbir Singh Badal said that PEDA would soon invite bids for 400 MW solar power plants with provision both for new entrants as well as the big investors and the process for identifying the canals and roof tops for setting up of solar panels has already begun.
Team, Electronicsb2b.com
