Solar Energy

Solar City Programme

Preface:-

  1.  Urbanization and economic development are leading to a rapid rise in energy demand in urban areas Several Indian cities and towns are experiencing 15% growth in the peak electricity demand. The local governments and the electricity utilities are finding it difficult to cope with this rapid rise in demand and as a result most of the cities/towns are facing severe electricity shortages.
  2. There is a need to develop action plans for generating energy through renewable energy sources and in conserving energy utilized in conducting urban services.
  3. The proposed programme on “Development of Solar Cities” would support/encourage Urban Local Bodies to prepare a Road Map to guide their cities in becoming ‘renewable energy cities’ or ‘solar cities’ or ‘eco/green cities’

Solarcity:-

  1. Solar City focuses on implementation of renewable energy projects so as to mitigate the fossil fuel consumption in the and to meet the rapidly rising electricity demand of city/town by means renewable energy projects/systems/devices such as solar PV systems, kitchen waste based plants, solar water heating systems, solar cooking systems, solar steam generating/drying/air heating systems, solar concentrators.  In a Solar City all types of renewable energy based projects like solar, wind, biomass, small hydro, waste to energy etc. may be installed along with possible energy efficiency measures depending on the need and resource availability in the city.

Objectives of the programme:-

  1. The Solar City aims at minimum 10% reduction in projected demand of conventional energy at the end of five years, through a combination of enhancing supply from renewable energy sources in the city and energy efficiency measures.
  2. To enable/empower Urban Local Governments to address energy challenges at City - level.
  3. To provide a framework and support to prepare a Master Plan including assessment of current energy situation, future demand and action plans.
  4. To involve various stakeholders in the planning process to oversee the implementation of sustainable energy options through public - private partnerships.
  5. To build capacity in the Urban Local Bodies and create awareness among all sections of civil society.

Criteria for selection of cities:-

  1. The city is identified based on city population, potential, regional setting and commitment for adoption of renewable energy and energy conservation in the city.
  2. Potential for adoption of energy conservation and renewable energy in the city.
  3. Activities, initiatives already taken by City Council/ Administration/ Private Developers/Industry/General Public in promoting renewable energy and energy conservation.
  4.  Regulatory measures taken on deployment of energy conservation and renewable energy technologies.
  5. Willingness to provide resources and sustenance of activities initiated under the program.
  6. The cities may have population between 0.50 lakh to 50 lakh.

List of Solar Cities for which Sanctions/In-Principle approvals have been given by MNRE

Renewable Energy Projects implemented so far under Solar Cities Programme