Tuesday, May 28, 2013: The Government of Andhra Pradesh has come up with a novel concept of an energy park to be inaugurated at Kanuru, near Vijaywada shortly. The primary purpose of the creation of this park, according to information from government sources is the need for awareness creation among school and college-goers about the benefits of new technologies like wind and solar energy. Besides showcasing such technologies, the park is also likely to have a centre for test lights, and gadgets for heat creation.
The initial cost of park creation is estimated to be Rs 5 crore and the park is expected to be modeled along the lines of the energy park in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. According to government officials, the park in AP will also follow the guidelines laid down by the Energy Conservation Building Code, and is being funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
Interestingly, the park is expected to have real life models that exhibit bio mass gasification and cogeneration projects in industries, solar water heating systems, solar cookers (Box and dish type), solar steam generating systems, scheffler cookers, solar lanterns, solar hoardings, solar drying/air heating systems, and solar street lighting/garden equipment among other things.
Besides this, say officials concerned, given the fact that the park is likely to have models on wind energy, those visiting will be able to have a hands-on experience around renewable energy. A testing lab is also likely to be part of the park attraction. Water heating and lighting equipment would be tested on payment of requisite fee. For example, a consumer or a testing agency looking to test LED bulbs will have to wait for three months to get a report from testing centre located at Bangalore, at a cost of around Rs 28,000.