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The draft plan for converting Chandigarh into a ‘solar city’ has been finalised by the Chandigarh Administration. The plan was discussed during a meeting between officials of the Administration and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Now, the plan will be submitted to UT Administrator General (retd) SF Rodrigues for approval. After that it will be forwarded to the Centre for the final nod.

The draft report submitted by TERI has recommended energy efficiency measures for 20 per cent of the residential and commercial sectors of the city The project will be funded by the Government of India, with a matching grant by the Administration or the Municipal Corporation, depending on who takes up the project as the Nodal Agency.

According to the draft plan, finalised by the Chandigarh Renewable Energy Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) and the Department of Science and Technology, certain changes have been recommended for commercial, residential and government buildings.

“After a long analysis, we have eventually finalised our plan for the solar city project. We have enlisted our recommendations, which were corroborated by TERI representatives in a meeting today. Since TERI also recommended the same changes, the plan stands final and will be forwarded to the Centre through the UT Administrator,” Manjit Brar, Director of Information Technology, UT Administration, said.

While the short-term impact of energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gases will start showing by 2012, the long-term impact would be visible by 2018.

By 2012, the plan aims at around 10 per cent reduction in the current energy consumption. This reduction is expected to double by 2018.

“Short-term targets for energy conservation are based on the energy conservation options identified in the energy audit,” a senior official associated with the project said.

According to budget estimates, the Administration would require Rs 30 to 35 crore per year till the completion of the middle-phase (by 2012) of the project. The draft plan also mentions the construction of prototype buildings in the city, which would promote energy conservation.

A ‘Solar City Cell’, which may be established within the Municipal Corporation, may also take advantage of the grant being provided by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to design a few pilot energy efficient buildings in the city, in accordance with the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).

“To meet the growing energy needs of Chandigarh, optimising energy conservation and resource efficiency is needed, which would reduce the per capita electricity demand,” a senior official said. “It would ensure a cleaner environment with reduced greenhouse gases and other pollutants.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• A Solar City Cell may be established within the Municipal Corporation.
• Crest may initiate a dialogue with power utility for introducing rebate on electricity tariff for domestic consumers who use solar devices.
• Energy conservation measures in the Municipal Corporation may be taken up immediately.
• At least 20 per cent of the energy needed to heat water in residential and commercial buildings may come from solar energy by 2010
• As Chandigarh is located in the composite climatic zone, it requires hot water for only four months (from November to February). As the city develops under the Master Plan, solar water heating systems can be made mandatory in residential and commercial sectors.
• Solar-based LED traffic lights and solar street lights to be installed with LED display boards at strategic locations in the city.
• Urja Park — energy-cum-science park — may be established for social gatherings and to educate the public about sustainable energy
• Solar-powered lights and fountains to be installed in prominent public gardens and parks, including the Botanical Gardens, Bougainvillea Garden, Rajendra Park, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Shivalik Garden, Leisure Valley and Shanti Kunj.

Source - Indian Express