Chandigarh, July 10:Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Science, Technology, Environment & NCES Minister today asked PEDA to take steps to expedite various renewable energy projects in Punjab to meet its commitments to achieve 10% renewable energy share of the total installed capacity in the State.
Reviewing the progress of renewable energy projects being set up / facilitated by PEDA in the biomass, hydro, cogeneration and solar sector, Mr. Majithia said that in present time of power shortage being faced by the State, it becomes imperative for PEDA to expedite its project to contribute maximum power in the power kitty.
The Chief Executive, PEDA, Sh.T.P.S.Sidhu, and other senior officers of the PEDA gave a detailed presentation about the present status and tentative completion dates for various renewable energy projects. The Minister was informed that 60MW co-generation projects in addition to 104 MW already commissioned in the month of March,2008, would start generating power by March 2009.
The Minister also reviewed the progress of biomass power projects, cogeneration and hydel projects taht have been allotted to various developers. He directed PEDA officials to extend all assistance to private developers for completing these projects in time bound manner. PEDA Chief Executive informed that five projects of capacity 3.9MW on Sidhwan branch canal are at advance stage of completion and will be commissioned by March 2009. He said that the work will commence at mini hydel project Khanpur, Sadhar, Akhara, Channowal and Gholian on Abohar branch canal during this month and these projects of total 5.5 MW capacity will be completed by Dec.2009. The PEDA officials assured the minister that it will provide required assistance, clearances to the developers in a time bound manner and will ensure the completion of the projects on time
Mr. Majithia was also given a presentation by M/s Banayan Environment Innovations Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad, alongwith PSEB officials for providing CFL in the domestic sector through Clean Development Mechanism. The Minister asked the PSEB officials to move fast on energy conservation programme and work out the modalities so that energy efficiency in the lighting sector could be achieved by providing CFL.
Mr. A.S. Chhatwal, Secretary Science & Technology was also present in the meeting.