Green glow for towns
Ranchi: Solar-powered high mast lights are likely to debut in the state soon.
To boost the use of renewable energy in public spaces, the Jharkhand Renewable Development Agency (JREDA) is planning to introduce solar high-mast lights in key towns on a pilot basis.
JREDA director Niranjan Kumar on Thursday told The Telegraph that they were planning to set up 75 photovoltaic high-mast lights on an experimental basis and would increase the number in the next fiscal depending on the response. The locations for installing the lights haven’t been finalised yet but Kumar said their focus would be on key towns and places.
“We have already floated tenders inviting specialised agencies who can do the job. We will open the bids on December 22. The agency will be selected for five years on the basis of designs and other specifications submitted by them. It will be their job to install, commission and operate the lights for five years,” he said.
On the cost that each high mast light will entail, Kumar said it would depend on the design and specifications.
“At present, Rs 3 crore has been allocated for this project and we expect to install around 75 lights. But the numbers may vary once the bids are submitted,” he said, adding that they were soon going to ask all deputy commissioners to suggest/allocate spaces. The venues will be finalised after that.
Kumar said they were simultaneously working on introducing the Jharkhand state solar rooftop policy.
“It is aimed at sending a message that every building/household can become a powerhouse in itself and promote solar rooftops and use of solar panels on rooftops to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy. A draft has been readied and we are taking inputs from several stakeholders. The draft will be sent for cabinet’s approval,” he said.
Last year, JREDA had signed MoUs with several companies to set up small solar power plants across the state.
On the status of those units, Kumar said, “There were some issues with the power price. We have sent the revised rates to the Jharkhand State Regulatory Commission for approval,” he said.
Source: telegraphindia
