Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Selects Bhubaneswar for Solar City Transformation.

In a promising development, Bhubaneswar is set to undergo a radical transformation into a 'Green Energy and Solar City', harnessing its renewable energy potential to meet the city's electricity demands. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), aims to leverage sustainable energy sources on a large scale.

According to sources within the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), the capital city has been chosen as a flagship project under the Green City Mission. The State Energy Department has directed BMC to initiate comprehensive measures for the initiative's implementation across the city.

Key implementing partners such as the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) and Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) are collaborating closely with BMC. They have identified 42 road stretches where solar-powered street lights will be installed, marking a significant step towards integrating solar energy into urban infrastructure.

"Field surveys have been completed, and we are preparing for the project rollout," an official stated, highlighting the imminent commencement of these initiatives.

In addition to street lighting, the plan includes the installation of solar trees at religious and cultural sites to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. OREDA plans to install 100 solar trees equipped with 400 lights and 120 solar-powered water kiosks across various parts of the city.

Further emphasizing sustainability, OREDA will implement a 10 MW rooftop solar project on government buildings through a Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. This zero-investment scheme allows consumers to pay only for the electricity generated, with the solar plant owned and maintained by the developer.

Similarly, TPCODL will embark on a residential rooftop solar energy program totaling 5 MW, alongside a 1.3 MW solar project aimed at powering civic facilities, commercial spaces, and industrial establishments. The initiative also includes plans for setting up solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations, contributing to the city's eco-friendly infrastructure.

To ensure seamless execution, BMC is establishing a dedicated 'Sustainable Initiatives Cell' to coordinate efforts across various departments involved in the Green City Mission.

The ambitious project aims not only to meet Bhubaneswar's growing energy needs sustainably but also to serve as a model for other cities aspiring to embrace renewable energy solutions on a large scale.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS