Modi awards Himachal for promoting renewable energy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday honoured Himachal Pradesh for its outstanding contribution in the field of renewable energy.

State Power Minister Sujan Singh Pathania received the award at the Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet and Expo (Re-Invest) here.

Speaking on the occasion, Pathania urged the central government to continue subsidy on the renewable energy devices.

He said the state was implementing various programmes to popularise the renewable energy resources which include small hydroelectric projects, solar water heaters, and photovoltaic lights.

He said the state has given special emphasis on popularising these resources in the tribal and far-flung areas.

He said 478 small hydroelectric projects have been allotted to the entrepreneurs and 150 more such projects would be allotted in the future.

Pathania said the state is also giving priority for setting up solar power plants and so far a 200 kilowatt solar power plant has been set up at Baru Sahib University in Sirmaur district.

The solar power plants have been also established in the offices of all deputy commissioners which is a unique initiative by the state government. He said more than 51,000 solar lights have been installed in the snow-bound and hard areas.