Deccan Chronicle 08.09.2009
Rs 10 subsidy for solar power a unit
Chennai, Sept. 7: In a bid to promote solar energy, the Centre plans to provide a subsidy of Rs 10 for every unit of solar power produced. Union minister for new and renewable energy (MNRE), Dr Farooq Abdullah, said this would be provided as part of the solar mission to be launched by the prime minister on November 14.
Delivering the presidential address after inaugurating the manufacturing facility of WinwinD Power Energy (WinWinD) at Vengal, near Tiruvallur district, Dr Abdullah said the solar mission, estimated to cost Rs 19,000 crore, would address all issues related to solar power generation. “The cost of generation of one unit of solar energy is Rs 18. We have decided to provide a subsidy of Rs 10 per unit. Once the solar mission comes out, all issues related to solar energy will be sorted out.”
Adding that technology transfer was the need of the hour, Dr Abdullah invited the countries world over to share technology in the ar-eas of non-conventional and solar power. “We need tremendous help from the West. We need to produce energy from wind, solar, bio-mass and hydro. MNRE is going to make it very easy.”
Earlier, delivering the inaugural address, state minister for electricity Arc-ot N. Veerasami, requested the MNRE to provide subsidy for generating 100 MW of solar energy in the state. “As far as non-conventional energy sources are concerned, we have almost exha-usted our potential. There is no scope for generating power from hydel sources as the rains are down and storage is limited. So, I request the Centre to provide subsidy for generating 100 MW of solar power.”
Pointing out that Tamil Nadu was one of the pioneers in generating power through non-conventional sources, he said the state would be in a position to export nearly 6,000 MW of power to states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. “Before 2014, the state would be in a position to ge-nerate 10,000 MW through thermal power.”
Mr Iikka Hakala, CEO, WinWinD, said in the new facility at Vengal, the initial production capacity was four wind turbine generators (WTG) and there are plans to scale up to eight WTGs per day. It would provide employment to 1,000 people.
