Question : SOLAR ENERGY FOR CULTIVATION AND STREET LIGHTENING

(a) the number of villages or rural centres where Solar Energy System for cultivation and street lightening are used specially in Tamil Nadu;

(b) the number of such systems set up in Trivallur District;

(c) the number of centres / villages proposed to be adopted in the above district for Solar Energy (Electrification) during the financial year;

(d) whether NGOs / private companies will be granted financial loan / assistance if they are willing to carry out such projects; and

(e) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)

(a)&(b): The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has been implementing programmes for the installation of water pumping systems for agriculture and related purposes and installation of solar street lighting systems in unelectrified areas. A total of 3,323 solar pumps and 38,916 street lights have been installed so far under these programmes in the country. The programmes in Tamil Nadu are implemented by the Tamilnadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA). The water pumping programme is also implemented through the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) under which manufacturers and intermediaries are allowed to market such systems directly. According to information furnished by TEDA and IREDA, a total of 681 pumps and 194 street lighting systems have been installed so far in Tamil Nadu. Three pumps are reported to have been installed by TEDA in Tiruvallur district. No street lights have been installed in this district by TEDA.

(c): The Ministry has not received any proposal for installation of solar energy systems in the above district during the current financial year.

(d) & (e): The Ministry provides financial assistance to NGOs with a good track record for implementing solar energy programmes. Financial assistance is not available to private companies. Such companies may however, seek loans from IREDA for implementing specific projects.