Majithia calls on Shivraj Patil for expansion of renewal energy projects in Punjab

Chandigarh, September 5, 2012: Bikram Singh Majithia, Non Conventional Energy Minister, today called on Governor Punjab Shivraj V Patil for the expansion of non-conventional energy projects in the state besides expediting the process of renewal energy projects with Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy.   

Elaborating the details of ongoing renewal energy projects in the state and utilisation of already completed projects, Majithia sought cooperation from the Governor as he had headed the Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy for more than 4 years. The Minister said that the vast experience of Patil in this field could give a big boost to the non conventional energy projects in Punjab.

 Majithia apprised the Governor that Punjab has fixed a target to generate 400 MW power only through the solar resources out of total target of 1,000 MW through renewal energy. He said that Punjab has also started installing solar energy projects on the rooftops of public buildings, schools, colleges, hospitals, courts as the land was more costly in the state as compared to Rajasthan and Gujarat.  

Majithia said that Punjab figures in C category for providing energy through solar rays while Gujarat and Rajasthan figure in A category.

The Minister also informed the Governor about the ongoing renewal energy projects of total 921 KW including 50 kw at Mini Secretariat, 100 kw at Punjab Agriculture University, 100 kw at Pushpa Gujral Science City and 200 kw at Khatkar Kalan etc.

 Lauding the initiatives of Punjab Government in the field of Non Conventional Energy, the Governor Patil said that by promoting solar energy generation, the states could reduce the pressure on traditional energy resources.

Patil also asked the Punjab Government to prepare a special comprehensive solar energy plan for the expansion of non conventional energy projects in the state. The Governor also suggested the state government to install solar energy projects on the rooftops of all public offices including offices and residences of CM and all Ministers, Secretaries, DCs, SSPs, religious places, educational institutions, hospitals, hostels etc to set-up an example for power generation through solar energy. He also asked the Punjab Government to provide special incentives for setting-up of solar energy project by householders, shopkeepers and business institutions at their own.

Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to Governor MP Singh, Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary, Non Conventional Energy, Punjab.