Question : SETTING UP OF SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS IN MEGHALAYA

(a) whether the Government have formulated any scheme to set up solar energy projects in Meghalaya;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the time by which the solar energy projects are likely to be set up there?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)


(a),(b),(c)&(d): The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources is implementing solar energy and village electrification programmes all over the country, including the state of Meghalaya. Under these programmes installation of different types of solar energy systems and power plants is being promoted with capital and interest subsidies. These programmes are being implemented in Meghalaya by the Meghalaya Non-Conventional & Rural Energy Development Agency (MNREDA), Shillong.

As on 31/3/2002, a total of 4,875 solar lanterns, 540 solar home systems, 593 solar street lighting systems, 7 solar water pumping systems, 67 solar water heating systems and 1,030 solar cookers have been installed in the state. In addition, the MNREDA has installed 25 nos. of village level solar photovoltaic (SPV) power plants of aggregate 42 kWp capacity.

Under the Solar Photovoltaic Programme of the Ministry for the current year, a target for installation of 600 solar home systems has been allocated to MNREDA. The State agency has also forwarded a few proposals for electrification of villages through installation of SPV power plants this year. There is also a proposal to install solar lighting systems in 3 villages i.e. Hingaria, Huroi and Lailong in District Jawai in the State with subsidy from the Ministry and funds from the MPLAD Scheme. The public sector undertaking which prepared the project proposal, M/s Central Electronics Limited, has been asked to revise it in line with the Ministry`s programme guidelines. The revised proposal, when received, would be considered for sanction by the Ministry.