Rs 696 cr project to be implemented over a five-year period
Representational Picture (Photo: AFP)
KOCHI: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved the master plan of the Solar City project worth Rs.696 crore submitted by the Kochi Corporation.
A presentation was made before the approval committee of MNRE on Friday which sanctioned the project.
While making the presentation Mayor Mr. Tony Chammany said that the city is fully equipped to implement the project as envisaged by the Union government.
The approval of the master plan provides a boost for Kochi’s bid to be included in the list of first 20 Smart Cities as Solar City project is part of smart solutions category of Smart City initiative.
The indicative budget for development of Solar City is estimated at Rs. 696.59 crore. The total budget, to be shared by the state government, corporation, MNRE and private users, will be invested in a five-year period. Subsidy will be given to private users for investing in the project.
While approving the master plan, the MNRE has termed the solar power project at Cochin International Airport and the proposed solar powered boats to be introduced by Kochi Metro Rail Limited as part of its water transport development project as role models.
The master plan has been prepared after two years of extensive studies and stakeholders’ consultations. As per the master plan, the estimated energy consumption in the city by 2021 will be 975 million units per day.
The renewable energy sources and energy efficiency initiatives are expected to save 155.42 million units. Renewable energy intervention is expected to contribute 93.64 million units, while the energy efficiency programmes saving 63.04 million units.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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