CPWD to generate 42.50 Mw solar power by September

It will replace energy-inefficient electrical fittings in 20 govt buildings in Delhi

CPWD will generate 42.50 Mw of solar power across the country and replace energy-inefficient electrical fittings in 20 government buildings in Delhi by September this year as it looks to save Rs 115 crore per year on power costs.

In Delhi, solar panels have already been installed for a total capacity of 1.50 Mw on six government buildings: Nirman Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, East Block and Sewa Bhawan (RK Puram), Pushpa Bhawan near Sheik Sarai and CGO Complex, Lodhi Road.

In the last three months, a total of 2,86,100 units of power has been generated from these installations, resulting in a saving of Rs 11.50 lakh in energy costs.

According to a release, efforts by CPWD in this regard and the consequent gains in terms of saving in energy consumption were reviewed on Friday by Urban Development Secretary Madhusudhan Prasad.

CPWD earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for generation of solar power through the installation of grid-connected rooftop Solar Photo Voltaic panels in all government buildings maintained by it in the country.

Consequently, SECI awarded works to 14 bidders for undertaking works in 16 states.

While 10 MW of solar power will be generated by May, 2016, as part of Phase-I covering Delhi (3 MW), Uttar Pradesh (2 MW), North-East and Union Territories (2 MW) and 1 MW each in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Generation of 42.50 MW of solar power is estimated to result in a saving of Rs 13 crore per year.

Prasad directed CPWD and SECI to ensure net metering at all the 200 buildings in the country to ensure proper monitoring of total energy consumption by government buildings, the release said.

As part of measures to promote efficient use of energy at all government buildings, CPWD has begun to replace energy inefficient fittings with LED bulbs and five-star energy rated air conditioning systems approved by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. This will be completed in 20 buildings in Delhi by September 2016.

These measures are estimated to result in a total saving of 11.41 crore units of power and Rs 103 crore in energy cost per year.

In Delhi, a total of 16,613 LED lamps have so far been installed in 261 of 268 government bungalows and 408 of 546 flats of MPs. The remaining will be done so during the Budget session of Parliament.