India to develop 60 Solar Cities before 2013

The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is planning 60 ‘solar cities’ in the country to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and control air pollution.

Director Mr. A.K. Singhal said ‘The aim would be to link this new project with the existing Central Government scheme on promoting renewable energy.’ Singhal was speaking at a workshop on ‘energy efficient buildings’ organised by ICLEI South Asia. The event was part of the Local Renewable Initiative by ICLEI, which promotes in India, since 2005, the role of local governments in sustainable energy.

The new project will target 60 cities/towns with populations ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 to develop renewable energy in urban areas. It will provide seed money funding of 500,000 rupees (12,500 USD) for the selected cities to develop and implement a local action plan for renewable energy.

Two local governments taking part of the Local Renewables Initiative are leading the way with a recently adopted municipal policy on sustainable energy. In the next coming years, thanks to support from the German Government and local public-private partnerships they will implement visible actions to reduce energy consumption and adopt renewable energy.

India has currently the third largest installed wind energy capacity according the report ‘Renewables 2007 – Global Status Report’ produced by REN21. According to The Economic Times, India is on course to emerge as a solar hub with recent fiscal incentives and international manufacturer establishing themselves in India.

More information
Local Renewables Initiative

India Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

The Economic Times article