Use solar energy to benefit tribals

BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister for New and Renewal Energy Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the Centre would provide financial assistance to states for grid connectivity to renewable energy sources.Inaugurating a solar power plant and a hi-tech horticulture and floriculture farm at Tangi, about 30 km from here, Farooq said several renewable energy projects could not be commissioned for lack of support from states. The Centre is ready to bear the cost of grid synchronisation of the green power projects and the states have been advised to seek assistance from the Clean Energy Fund, he said.The Centre will provide all support to the State to promote renewable energy, the Union Minister promised and advised the State Government to use solar and wind energy for the benefit of tribals.  “Odisha should take steps to provide power through renewable energy in tribal-dominated areas where there is no facility for drawing transmission line,” Farooq told reporters after meeting Science and Technology Minister Niranjan Pujari and Forest and Environment Minister Debi Prasad Mishra here.Niranjan Pujari said the Government had planned to generate 800 MW of green energy. The State had also tied up with the National Thermal Power Corporation to set up a 20-MW solar power project, he added. The solar power project at Tangi was set up at a cost of ` 15 crore and the unit cost of power will be ` 18.50, said MGM Group Chairman LN Mohanty.The two projects developed by MGM Group and inaugurated by the Union Minister include a 1 MW solar power plant set up under the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and a high-tech horticulture and floriculture farm under the National Horticulture Mission. Both the projects have begun commercial operations and been developed with the support of Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) and the Directorate of Horticulture.To commemorate the occasion, Farooq released a special postal cover. He asked for more renewable energy and greenhouse projects in the State since these were environment friendly, non-polluting and fostered green management practices while adding to economic growth.Other upcoming initiatives of MGM Group include a vegetable and fruit cultivation project and a 1-MW solar power plant in Boudh district, Mohanty said.Revenue and Disaster Management Minister SN Patro, Minister of State for Energy Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and local MP PK Patsani were present.