DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

In a significant move to harness the state's natural energy potential, the Punjab Government is all set to install solar power plants with a combined capacity of 30 MW on the roofs of 390 government buildings across Punjab by March 2026, informed Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of New & Renewable Energy Sources, Punjab.

Mr. Aman Arora, along with Chairperson PEDA Dr. Sukhchain Gogi and Principal Secretary New & Renewable Energy Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, reviewed ongoing projects being executed by the Punjab Energy Development Authority (PEDA).

Sharing the details, Mr. Aman Arora informed that the project worth Rs 150 crore is projected to yield annual savings of Rs 15 crore in electricity costs for various government departments. The tendering process has been completed, paving the way for implementation of the ambitious project, he added.

Notably, the project will cover prominent buildings of 25 major departments, including Health & Family Welfare, Technical Education & Industrial Training, Transport, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Home Affairs & Justice, Medical Education & Research, Local Government and Water Resources, among others.

The Minister noted that Punjab has already registered impressive progress in renewable energy in past three years, with 1098 government buildings equipped with solar rooftops with collective capacity of 7.7MW, which demonstrates the state government's commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Reaffirming the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and fiscal prudence, Mr. Aman Arora stated, "By harnessing renewable energy, the state aims to reduce its carbon footprint, mitigate climate change impacts and ensure a more sustainable future for its citizens. This initiative marks a substantial stride towards transforming Punjab into a cleaner, greener and more energy-efficient state."

During the meeting, Mr. Aman Arora directed the department officials to explore ways and means to further increase the production of clean energy.

Chief Administrative Officer (CEO) PEDA Ms. Neelima, Director Mr. MP Singh and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

(editor@dailyworld.in)