India’s First Solar City
Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, India, known for the famous Stupa, has illuminated the globe for more than two millennia. This historic town has set out on a remarkable journey towards sustainability to become India’s first ‘solar city.'
Sanchi’s Solar Project
The Sanchi Solar Project promises to make a significant environmental impact, with an estimated 14,324 tonnes less carbon dioxide emissions per year. The city’s energy demands are currently met by a 3 MW solar facility that is fully operational. As of now, a 5 MW plant is being built with the purpose of meeting agricultural needs. A 5-hectare plot of land near the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the 3 MW plant.
Once completed, Sanchi is ready to produce more energy than its consumption. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also emphasised the state’s larger initiative, which includes building a 600 MW solar power plant on the dam water in Omkareshwar. Acknowledging the negative environmental effects of thermal plants, he reiterated the determination to source power from green sources.
Sanchi’s Green Transition Plan
The creation of energy-efficient gadgets, e-charging stations, solar streetlights, and solar water pumps for the city government are all included in Sanchi’s green transition. Support will be provided to farmers in the area so they may install solar pumps.
In addition, LED lighting, bar lights and low-energy fans will be available to every Sanchi home. Street vendors will have solar lanterns, and about 2,000 pupils will receive solar lights. Surprisingly, sources have revealed that all of the required equipment has already been purchased using funding from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The goal of the solar city project is to produce enough energy to meet the town’s entire demand and feed any extra energy back into the grid.
Image source: Solar Quarter, Hindustan Times, News9Live