Union Government sanctioned Rs 30 crore for Solar City Programme

The Union Power and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal on 15 December 2016 announced that the government sanctioned over Rs 30 crore for solar cities programme.

The funds were sanctioned between December 2014 and November 2016 to 21 states and union territories (UTs).

About Solar City Programme

• It is also called as the Development of Solar Cities Programme.

• The programme aims to consolidate all the previous initiatives of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to address the energy problem of urban areas in a holistic manner.

• It is designed to support and encourage Urban Local Bodies to prepare a road map to guide their cities in becoming renewable energy cities.

• A solar city is defined as a city which achieved a minimum 10% reduction in the projected demand for conventional energy.

• The goal is achieved through a combination of enhancing supply from renewable energy sources in the city and adopting energy efficiency measures.

• In a solar city, all types of renewable energy based projects like solar, wind, biomass, small hydro, waste to energy etc. may be installed.

• The city is identified based on city population, potential and commitment for the adoption of renewable energy and energy conservation in the city activities.

• The cities may have a population between 50000 to 50 lakh. However, relaxation could be considered for North-Eastern and hilly States, Islands and UTs.

• A total of 60 cities will be developed under this programme. At least one city in each State to a maximum of five cities in a State may be supported by the Ministry.

• Up to Rs 50 lakh per city is provided depending upon population and initiatives decided to be taken by the city administration.

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