The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) has embarked on a significant renewable energy initiative. The agency plans to implement the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model for rooftop solar installations on government-built properties in Chandigarh. This move aims to enhance solar energy production and utilization in the city.
Sector 51 Housing Society to Host First Installation
The first project under this model will be a 3-megawatt (MW) solar plant at the Chandigarh Housing Board’s (CHB) Sector 51 Housing Society. CREST has finalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the society’s Resident Welfare Association (RWA). Following this, other government properties under the municipal corporation are slated for similar installations.
Financial Model and Benefits
Under the RESCO model, a private agency will bear the complete installation cost of the solar plant, requiring no financial investment from the Chandigarh administration. The agency will sell the generated electricity to the Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited at ₹4.96 per unit. Additionally, government building owners will receive annual rooftop rent. For instance, the CHB Sector 51 RWA anticipates an annual income of ₹30 lakh.
Project Investment and Tender Process
Each 3 MW solar project is estimated to cost around ₹15 crore. CREST has finalized the MoU and is currently developing tender documents, considering various aspects including practical … The tender will be floated once the documentation is complete.
Chandigarh’s Renewable Energy Goals
Chandigarh is envisaging itself as a solar model city, and it is proposed to generate 100 MWp of solar energy by 2025. Extension of the RESCO model to government offices is a giant leap towards making the vision a reality. By providing rooftop solar installations entirely free of cost, the city is encouraging green energy options as well as curbing carbon emissions.
The action of CREST to apply the RESCO model to government land-based solar projects is a landmark in the use of renewable energy by Chandigarh. With the use of private finances and granting fiscal incentives to landowners, the city is establishing the benchmarks for urban sustainable development.
