The Hindu Business Line : Centre chalks out plan to develop 60 ‘solar cities’

States’ participation
States have been asked to forward the names of cities to be taken up under the programme
Stakeholders panel to be set up in each city for advisory support

Anil Sasi

New Delhi, May 22 With the power shortage situation worsening, especially across most urban and industrial centres, the Centre has come up with a plan to develop 60 cities as “Solar Cities”. The proposal envisages a minimum 10 per cent reduction in projected total demand of conventional energy at the end of five years in each of these cities through energy-efficiency measures and generation from renewable-energy installations.

Drawing on similar moves being implemented in London, Tokyo, New York and Adelaide, the Government’s proposal aims at thrashing out a framework to assist the cities in assessing their present energy consumption status, setting clear targets for and preparing action plans for generating energy through renewable energy sources and in conserving energy utilised in conducting urban services.

Besides, the possibility of carbon financing would also be looked at.

Objective

“Most Indian cities and towns are experiencing peak electricity shortages of over 15 per cent.

“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 are facing severe shortages. The goal of the programme is to promote the use of renewable energy in urban areas by providing support to the Municipal Corporations for preparation and implementation of a clear road map. States have been asked to forward the names of cities that they want to be taken up under the programme,” a Government official involved in the exercise said.

Funding

At least one city in each State, with a maximum of five cities in a single State, will be targeted under the programme. Funding to the tune of Rs 50 lakh is likely to be set aside for each city for the preparation of activities by the administration, including preparation of a master plan and setting up of solar cells in public buildings.

For effective implementation, the proposal envisages the setting up of a “Solar City Stakeholders Committee” in each of these cities for advisory support, involving representation from elected representatives in the municipal bodies, resident welfare associations, industry, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Global initiatives

Across the globe, with population pressure exerting tremendous shift in energy resources in urban areas, major cities have already taken up such initiatives. London, for instance, has announced 20 per cent carbon emission reduction by 2010, while New York and 200 other US cities have set a similar target.

Tokyo has announced 20 per cent share of renewables in total consumption by 2020 and the Australian Government has initiated a similar ‘Solar Cities’ programme.