The Hindu    06.09.2012

BBMP looks to install renewable energy systems

Soon, three Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) buildings may not rely heavily on conventional power. There is a proposal to install renewable energy systems that are a combination of wind and solar energy on BBMP’s buildings. On Wednesday, a representative from a Pune-based renewable energy company said the city’s weather was best suited to generate power from mixed renewable energy sources (wind and solar).

He said that at a height of 20 metres, the wind speed is generally around 5.5 metres/ second. “Power can be generated even if wind speed is just 3.5 metres/ second. With 60 per cent wind and 40 per cent solar, around 15 kV power can be generated. Around 800 units can be generated every day,” he added.

“The renewable energy stored in a battery can be used to operate computers, for lighting and to run fans,” the representative said.Installing the renewable energy plant may cost around Rs. 60 lakh, but the government subsidy would be around Rs. 18 lakh.Commissioner Rajneesh Goel said the proposal would now be tabled before the BBMP Council for approval.