Question : SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS IN TAMIL NADU

(a) whether the Government propose to set up solar energy projects in Tamil Nadu;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) & (b): The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has several schemes to promote solar energy projects in various states of the country, including Tamil Nadu. Under the Solar Photovoltaic Programme, subsidies are being provided for installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants and to the users of solar lanterns, home lighting systems, street lighting systems and solar pumps. For commercial users, soft loans are available from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a financial institution under the Ministry. Under the Solar Thermal Programme, soft loans are provided to users of solar water heating, drying and other systems through IREDA and some banks. In Tamil Nadu, the State Government is also providing subsidy on some solar devices through the Tamilnadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA). Some projects have also been implemented by private organizations with their own resources or using loans from IREDA. The following are some of the solar energy projects already undertaken in Tamil Nadu:

(1) 8 Solar photovoltaic power plants with an aggregate capacity of 232 kW have been installed at different locations in the State.

(2) 7493 solar lanterns, 21 home lighting systems, 2081 street lights and 692 solar pumps have been installed so far under the programmes of the Ministry. During 2000-01, 2000 solar lanterns, 50 home lighting systems and 100 street lights have been allocated to Tamil Nadu.

(3) TEDA has installed 2822 domestic water heating systems and 333 larger water heating systems in the State. During 2000-01, 300 domestic systems and 15 larger water heating systems have been sanctioned by the State Government.

(4) A number of solar industrial drying systems for drying of tea, spices, vegetables, etc. have been installed by private companies.

(5) A solar bowl concentrating system for steam generation and cooking has been supported by the Ministry at Auroville as an R&D project. A project for the installation and testing of a 10 kW Solar Stirling Engine System at Vellore has also been recommended by the R&D Advisory Committee of the Ministry.

(c): Does not arise.