Surat Municipal Body Saves Rs 65 Cr, Thanks To Renewable Power

Setting up an example as to how renewable energy can help the government to save on its scarce revenue, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) in Gujarat has saved Rs 65 crore by the optimal use of solar power. The SMC has solarized as many as 60 of its offices in multiple departments with solar power panels.

Banchhanidhi Pani, Municipal Commissioner of Surat, stated, “More than 36 percent of the energy requirement of the Municipal Corporation is being taken from renewable energy. Due to this, we’re saving over Rs 65 crore.”

As per the reports, the Surat Municipal Corporation has successfully reduced the power consumption of as many as 11 properties by as much as half by generating its own renewable energy. This has also helped the Surat urban local body to reduce the cost of electricity that it consumes apart from saving on the power. Previously, the corporation used to spend about Rs 200 crore on electricity every year.

The hybrid renewable system installed at the Suez Pumping Station that is an amalgamation of solar PV panels and wind power recorded the highest success. Other projects in Rander, Varachha, Udhna and Umra North Suez Pumping Stations have also performed in renewable power generation for the SMC.

Renewable Energy Capacity of Gujarat

Gujarat Chief Minister had recently informed that Gujarat is one among the leading states in India in terms of installed capacity of renewable energy sources. He held that the installed wind power capacity is around 9GW and solar power is well above 6.2 GW. “In the wind power sector, Gujarat stands second in the country with a 22 per cent share. In solar energy, Gujarat is the third with a 13 per cent share,” said the Chief Minister.

According to Bridge to India, in the previous financial year of 2021-22, Gujarat added the second highest utility-scale, wind and rooftop solar power generation capacity in India at 2,469MW. Only Rajasthan made more additions than Gujarat.

Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) sources had held in the past that leading renewable energy players like Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), NTPC, GSEC, Suzlon and Adani Group will delve into power generation activities at hybrid park projects in the state.