l Transport corp will use its 300 acres to generate 20 lakh units of power per month; they may release power to grid and tap at points that they need or sell power to BESCOM
BENGALURU : The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has decided to exploit 300 acres out of the 643 acres of land at its disposal to generate solar energy. It is looking at generating 20 lakh units of power a month that could boost its annual income by `21 crore per annum.Top officials of BMTC told City Express that solar plants with a total capacity of 100 Megawatts (MW) in addition to a roof top solar plant of 10 MW are being planned by the Corporation.
At present, BMTC pays `1.78 crore per month for the nearly 20 lakh units of power consumed each month. “We are checking if we could go in for the wheeling and back system wherein we release this power into the grid and can tap it from the grid itself in areas where we require power. We almost require the same quantum of power that we propose to generate. Or, we can just sell the power to BESCOM,” says a top official. Either of these options will result in huge savings for the Corporation, he added.
BMTC Managing Director
V Ponnuraj says BMTC was writing to the government to seek permission for manufacturing additional power than the limit set for it and if the government would buy the energy it generates. Chief Traffic Manager, Hegade I V says that the initiative is another way to cope with the BMTC losses. On being asked why other commercial options were not being explored, a senior official says, “This is a big eco-friendly initiative. Also, most of our lands are located on the outskirts of the city which may not be preferred for commercial ventures.”
Mahalingapura, Madappanahalli, Madhugirhalli, Bagalur, Jigani, Shivakote, Chokkanahalli and Shivanahalli are among areas where the BMTC has considerable chunks of land with many patches of it spread across the city. However, the initiative will be seen in several parts of the city including rooftop areas.At present, BMTC pays BESCOM between `6.50 and `8.50 per unit for the power consumed. “The amount paid depends on different slab structures applied for different kinds of consumption.”
As per the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission’s new norms which have come into effect since April this year, power is purchased at `3.56 per unit from those producing it.
BMTC is in the process of calling for tenders for private firms to set up solar installations within its premises. “As soon as the government approves our proposal, we will go ahead with the tenders. The generation of solar power is likely to begin within a year’s time,” another official says.
Source: newindianexpress
