Surat: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has planned to add more renewable energy sources. SMC has planned to set up a 2000 kW solar-based power plant worth Rs. 10.63 crores in the near future. The project got approval in the meeting of Light and Fire Committee of SMC.

In 2010, Surat was declared a Solar City under the ‘Development of Solar Cities’ program by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. A Solar Plant of 100 kW was established at Science Centre in 2012-13 under this program. After that, till 2021-22, 7000 kw solar power plants have been set up at 60 places.

The Solar Electricity generation capacity in the city will further be increased at a cost of Rs. 11 Crores in the near future. Rooftop grid-connected solar photovoltaic-based plant will soon be set up by SMC at 28 locations in 3 zones and 18 health centres at a cost of Rs. 10.63 Crores.

SMC has planned to set up solar panels in Sarthana, Katargam and Rander areas. In addition to that, the SMC has planned to set up rooftop solar plants at 18 health centres and other 9 buildings. These rooftop solar plants will produce a total of 2000 kW of energy. This project will be funded under the ‘Swarnim Jayanti Mukhya Mantri Shaheri Vikas Yojna’ (SJMMSVY). A tender will be floated with the condition of maintenance for 10 years. An estimated cost of Rs. 10.63 Crore has been announced which includes 8.75 Crores of capital cost and 1.17 crores of repair costs for 10 years. DeshGujarat