Solar Energy to Power Sambalpur University with 245kW Plant

Rural Electrification Corporation Limited will fund the solar energy project at Sambalpur University

The Sambalpur University has planned to set up a 245 KW solar energy project on its premises in its bid to move towards harnessing eco-friendly sources of energy.

M Muthukumar, the registrar of the university, said: “The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), under the central ministry of power, will provide the fund for the solar energy project as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).”

He added that the hostels, academic blocks and administrative block of the university will be provided with solar energy after the project is materialised.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 3.5 crore. The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) is the consultant of the project.

“REC, OREDA and the Sambalpur University will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the project at the university after the code of conduct is over,” said deputy registrar of the university, Shyama Prashad Rout.

The hostels will get uninterrupted and steady power supply after the university switches to the solar energy. Under this project, the solar panels will be set up on the rooftop of the hostels and academic blocks. The implementation of the solar energy project will help bring down the energy bill of the institution, said Rout. The tender for the solar energy project will be floated after the MOU is signed.

According to sources in the varsity, electricity is consumed round-the-clock in the hostels of the university, which has around 1800 students. The university pays around Rs 70 lakh per annum towards electric bill.

The decision to set up a solar project at the university has been welcomed by students of the institution. Set up in 1967, SU offers post graduation courses, MPhil besides self-financing courses.