CPWD eyes 42.50 MW solar power by Sept

The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is taking the solar route to make buildings energy-efficient and save on electricity costs.

“The CPWD will generate 42.50 MW of solar energy across the country besides replacing energy inefficient electrical fittings in 20 government buildings in Delhi by September 2016 and in the rest of the country later. These initiatives are estimated to result in a total saving of ₹115 crore per year,” a statement from the Ministry of Urban Development said on Friday.

MoU with Solar Energy Earlier, the public sector construction major had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for installation of grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic panels in all government buildings maintained by the CPWD across the country. Consequently, SECI awarded works to 14 bidders for undertaking works in 16 States.

Under the plan, as much as 10 MW will be generated by May 2016 in phase-I covering Delhi (3 MW), Uttar Pradesh (2 MW), North-East and Union Territories (2 MW) and 1 MW each in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Net metering Madhusudhan Prasad, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, has also directed CPWD and SECI to ensure net metering at all the 200 buildings in the country to ensure proper monitoring of net energy consumption by government buildings.

The CPWD has also begun to replace energy-inefficient fittings with LED bulbs and 5-star air-conditioning systems approved by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, which will be completed in 20 buildings in Delhi by September, the statement said.

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