Solar Energy To Power Odisha’s Konark To Be India’s First Zero-Emission Town

Bhubaneswar: For the first time in India, Konark in Odisha’s Puri district will become a zero-emission town by being fully powered by solar energy.

The project will cost Rs 25 crore and will be completed by September 2022. It will be fully funded by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

According to the plan, all government offices in the heritage town will have rooftop solar plants. The energy generated from these plants will be first used by the offices and the excess power will be released in the power grid for use by residents.

Besides, solar-operated drinking water kiosks, solar-powered vehicle charging stations and street lights will also be set up across the town.

The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) will implement the project in Konark and its success will be replicated in other urban areas in India.

“Around 70% work of setting up of the off-grids has been completed. As the town is located along the coast and is prone to disasters, it is a huge challenge to set up the project,” Joint Director of OREDA Ashok Chaudhury was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

“A 10 MW solar power plant to supply electricity will be set up in Kalahandi and it will transmit power to Konark town,” Chaudhury added.