(a) whether the Government proposes to develop solar cities in the country;
(b) If so, the details thereof and the number of cities which have been identified by the Government to be
developed as solar cities, State-wise; and
(c) the amount being spent and the assistance being provided to the State Governments for the purpose?
THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY(DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)
(a)&(b): Yes Sir.The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing a programme on ‘Development
of Solar Cities’. The programme aims to reduce a minimum of 10% of the projected demand of conventional
energy of the city through energy efficiency measures and renewable energy installations. A total of sixty
cities are proposed to be developed as solar cities during the Eleventh Plan period including two model solar
cities. So far, sanctions have been issued for 11 cities in the States of Uttar Pradesh (2 nos.),
Gujarat (2 nos.), Maharashtra (3 nos.), Uttarakhand (1 no.), Haryana (2 nos.) and Nagaland (1 no.).
Further, ‘in-principle’ approval has been given for eight cities in the States of Tamil Nadu (1 no.),
Madhya Pradesh (1 no.), Manipur (1 no.), Andhra Pradesh (1 no.), Chattisgarh (2 no.), Tripura (1 no.) and
Union Territory of Chandigarh, for developing them as Solar Cities.
(b): The Ministry is providing financial support up to Rs. 50 lakh for each solar city to the respective
State Governments for preparation of a master plan, setting-up institutional arrangements for the
implementation of the master plan, awareness generation and capacity building activities. Further, for two
model solar cities, financial support of 50% upto a maximum of Rs. 9.50 crore will be available towards the
cost of installation of renewable energy systems. An amount of Rs. 47.58 lakh has been released for 11 cities
sanctioned so far.