Implementation of the programme on “Development of Solar Cities” in India during 11th Plan period including 2010-11

In this tenure of depleting conventional energy resources, the fossil fuels are increasingly becoming more expensive due to scarcity of fuel and increase in demand. In addition to this, the environmental and social impacts of the consumption of fossil fuels are increasingly becoming a concern. These impacts include air pollution, global warming, waste disposal problems, land degradation and the depletion of natural resources. Urbanization and economic development are leading to a rapid rise in energy demand in urban areas. Urban areas have emerged as one of the biggest sources of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, with buildings alone contributing to around 40% of the total GHG emissions.

There is approximately 15% growth in the peak electricity demand in most of Indian cities and towns in India. 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. There is a need to develop a framework that will encourage and assist 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 utilized in conducting urban services.

As per information available from the source, MNRE has conveyed the sanction of the Government of India to the Heads of State Nodal Agencies,Municipal Commissioners/ Municipalities, for implementation of the programme on “Development of Solar Cities”during 11th Plan period including 2010-11.

According to source, an indicative target of 60 cities/towns/Unban Agglomerations (Class I – III) duly notified by the Municipal Authorities/Local Governments with at least one in each State has been set for the 11th Plan period including 2010-11. The targets will be achieved by providing support for preparation of a Master Plan for their city; setting up of a ‘Solar City Cell’ in the Council/Administration, organizing training programmes/ workshops/ business meets for various stakeholders such as elected representatives of the municipal bodies, municipal officials, architects/engineers, builders and developers, financial institutions, NGOs, technical institutions, manufactures and suppliers, RWAs etc. and on creation of public information and awareness. 10 cities within the above target are proposed to be developed as ‘Pilot Solar Cities’, and four cities out of above target of 60 cities are also proposed to be developed as ‘Model Solar Cities’ with part financial support for installation of renewable energy and energy conservation projects/devices/systems in the city.

Apart from above mentioned 60 Solar cities, about 50 new small townships/campuses duly notified/permitted by the concerned Authorities being developed by the promoters/builders, SEZs/ industrial towns, Institutional campus etc. for preparation of Master Plan/DPR including the action plan for renewable energy installations, green campus development, awareness generation and trainings etc. will be covered. The programme will be implemented through State Nodal Agencies/Urban Local Bodies or other corporate houses for respective cities. For townships and Institutional Campuses the respective organizations may also be involved.

 The Goal of the program is to promote the use of Renewable Energy in Urban Areas by providing support to the Municipal Corporations for preparation and implementation of a Road Map to develop their cities as Solar Cities. The objectives behind the programme on “Development of Solar Cities” are;

Ø     to enable/empower Urban Local Governments to address energy challenges at City - level.

Ø     to provide a framework and support to prepare a Master Plan including assessment of current energy situation, future demand and action plans

Ø     to build capacity in the Urban Local Bodies and create awareness among all sections of civil society.

Ø     to involve various stakeholders in the planning process

Ø     to oversee the implementation of sustainable energy options through public - private partnerships.

(This informative article is on basis of the information achieved from official website of MNRE at the internet) ‘Source link is mentioned below’

Source (more details about the programme available at source):-

             http://www.mnre.gov.in/adm-approvals/solarcity-scheme-2011.pdf

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