Friday, September 27, 2013: Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy informed that the Phase I of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is a great success wherein1685 MW of solar power was generated against the set target of 11,000 MW. He was addressing the Solar Power Developers Meet in New Delhi. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set a target of generation of 10,000 MW of power through solar energy by 2017.
He also pointed out that vast tracks of land has been identified in Rajasthan, Kargil and Ladakh with great potential for generation of solar power. He also mentioned that the main challenge faced by the government is to start a transmission line in certain areas of Kargil and Ladakh in order to evacuate power to other parts of the country.
Dr. Abdullah emphasized on the need for breakthrough in new research so as to assure storage of solar energy for longer period of time. He shed light on the new initiatives meant for increased use of solar power in the government buildings.
He presented awards to 13 organisations for offering commendable work in phase I of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. MNRE Secretary, Mr. Ratan P.Watal focused on the necessity of development of solar power with the aim of meeting the solar needs of almost 40 per cent of the population devoid of access to energy resources.
