Solar power plants in ordnance factories soon: Official

Rooftop solar power plants will be installed across the 41 factories of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) within four to five years, an official said here on Saturday.

In addition to the rooftop units, solar power plants would also be set up in the space bordering the factories and that separate them from human habitation.

"Everywhere, we are trying to see that the total energy which we are consuming comes down to solar energy. Now the energy input which we will be taking from grid is nil. Instead, we will be giving to the grid," Vinod Kumar Singh, deputy director general, OFB, Kolkata, told the media here.

"This is likely to happen in the next four to five years. The capacity will be 150 MW in total," he added.

The OFB - consisting of the Indian Ordnance Factories - is an industrial organisation, functioning under the department of defence production of the defence ministry. It is tasked with production of state-of-the-art battlefield equipment.

Singh said the ordnance factory officials would attend the "Green Manufacturing Technologies and Practices: An approach to energy conservation seminar" organised by the Indian Institute of Plant Engineers (IIPE) in collaboration with the OFB on July 16 here to learn about the latest technologies in energy management and conservation at manufacturing units.

The conference would highlight energy efficient designs such as light pipe technology, 3D printing and other products.

"Case studies from PSUs (public sector units) from energy sectors and experiences of energy management experts will be showcased. OFB chairman S. Yamdagni will inaugurate the day-long event," said Kousik Das, secretary, Bengal chapter of IIPE.