Bescom hopes to generate solar power to meet Bengaluru’s rising demand
No amount of energy is sufficient for a burgeoning city like Bengaluru that guzzles more than 50 per cent of generated power in Karnataka. From facing worst power crisis in the past, Bengaluru, of late, is currently buoyed by surplus power since the commissioning of world’s largest solar plant in Pavagada.
But how long will it last?
Considering the surging demand in an alarming way, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has decided to tap solar energy in a big way and hoping to generate at least 1 GW of power by 2021-22.
A recent study using the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology revealed that the city has a potential to generate up to 1 GW of solar power on its rooftop. Taking forward the outcome of the study, the Bescom has appointed a high-level committee to suggest suitable models that can be implemented to materialize the findings of the recent study. Rajendra Cholan, Managing Director, Bescom told Mirror that they had been pursuing the plan and once a model is evolved, it will be taken up in a systematic way.
“A survey was done and reports have been submitted. But it should not remain in files just like any other survey. We want to exploit all potential as revealed by the survey. It would only be possible only when we form a feasible module which can be implemented across the city. A high-level committee of experts has been constituted to arrive at consensus in evolving this module. CSTEP is also part of this. The Bescom has also suggested some of the modules.
Once the plan is ready, we will systematically implement in a phased manner,” Cholan told BM.
According to sources, Bescom has suggested three different models as the possibility and allowed the committee to deliberate on it. “The first idea is to invite individuals to invest in the project on their own and enter into power purchase agreement. The second option will be to allow property owners to rent their spaces so that interested can set up solar panels with a suitable revenue model. The other option would be to offer individuals with a loan by holding talks with the banks and thereby get maximum participation. We have suggested these models as some of the possibilities. It is up to the committee to present us with a model through which we can implement the project to generate 1 GW of power,” Cholan said.
A few months ago, planning to tap into the solar energy, Bescom, in association with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Centre for Study of Science Technology and Policy (CSTEP) and other agencies, had carried an aerial survey mapping the roof-top potential of the IT city.
The survey carried between February 2017 and March 2017 had revealed that Bengaluru spread across 1,100 sq kms could generate 1 GW of power by 2021-22.
Source: bangaloremirror.indiatimes
