Solar City project should not have the old fate! 

With the coal crisis looming in the thermal power plants of northern India, restrictions have been imposed in Kerala as well. KSEB, which had entered into a long-term contract to purchase power from outside, was facing the current crisis most unexpectedly. It aims to maximize and sustain hydropower generation. It is in this context that the inefficiency and mismanagement of the development of non-conventional energy sources becomes apparent.

The government is preparing to implement the solar city project in cities in collaboration with KSEB, ANERT and local bodies. Thiruvananthapuram has been selected as the first city to implement the project. KSEB will prepare a comprehensive plan for this. The project will be implemented in conjunction with the existing Smart City project. Solar cities are cities that can provide at least 10% of their electricity needs through solar energy. Had it not been for the solar controversy during the UDF government, Kerala would have already made glorious progress in this field.

Many states have made huge leaps in the field of solar power. States like Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat have made significant gains. Even huge solar power plants of one thousand megawatts have been set up in Madhya Pradesh. Many small plants are also emerging in these areas. It is only possible to reach the right half of the target. However, it can be said that the solar energy sector is moving forward in an exciting manner.

Our state, which receives abundant sunlight on all days except the few days of the year, has infinite potential for solar power generation compared with the northern states. It is an energy-intensive sector that is easily dependent on homes, institutions, government buildings and educational institutions. Many institutions and homes have already chosen this path. Kochi International Airport was the first to receive the acclaim. All the electricity requirements of the airport are now met by solar. There is also a lot of power surplus. It is being sold to KSEB. Many companies have come forward with the experience of CIAL's success story. Although the cost of installation is a bit high, solar power guarantees huge profits over time. There are a number of government agencies that can be included in the implementation of the Solar City project in the capital. In addition, many colleges, large hospitals, schools, and airports can be converted to solar power plants. At the same time, the solar requirement can be made mandatory when granting permission for new housing provided the old rainwater harvesting system is not abandoned.