By means of Express News Service

ROURKELA: The Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) is pushing ahead with its solarization campaign to encourage individuals, institutions and business establishments to adopt clean and green solar energy. SBI and Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPWODL) have reportedly tied up with the civic body to help interested stakeholders install solar panels and avail finance for the purpose.

A few days ago, RMC and its technical partner Agro Fresh Pvt Ltd (AFPL) conducted an awareness program in this regard. RMC Commissioner and Rourkela Smart City Ltd (RSCL) chief executive officer Subhankar Mohapatra urged people to switch to this sustainable source of energy, reduce dependence on conventional energy and help fight climate change.

Sources said that a survey has been conducted by RMC and AFPL for the installation of solar panels and the initial process has started. The civic body is likely to float a tender soon for the installation of 125 kilowatt capacity rooftop solar panels at the RMC building and eight urban public health centers. RSCL also has plans to install solar panels in 54 government buildings. Initially, 14 of those buildings will be piloted.

Mohapatra said that various measures are being taken to increase the use of solar energy in the city. With private participation, RMC plans to set up a 30 MW solar park in the nearby Lathikata block. Under the Solarisation Rourkela initiative, RMC is convincing private households, institutions, commercial establishments and MSMEs to adopt solar energy.

Through the net metering mechanism, domestic or commercial users who generate electricity using solar panels or photovoltaic systems can export excess energy back to the electricity grid and adjust their energy bills. . The benchmark price for 1 kilowatt solar energy unit is Rs 60,000. In February, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy appreciated Rourkela Smart City’s commitment to meet 30 percent of its energy needs from solar energy by 2030.