February 9th, 2016
Image Courtesy: indiatimes | thehindu | sriaurobindoashram
Highlighting a positive trend where more and more Indians embracing renewable sources of energy, a Puducherry school recently became the first educational institution in India to become completely energy-independent. With almost all roof tops now fit with solar panels, the school (Sri Aurobindo International Centre for Education) produces 45KW of energy – more than three times its requirement.
The school initially became energy-efficient in 2014 when it produced 15KW. Then, to provide energy to its ashram too, the school expanded its solar panels and today it is fully solar-powered. School authorities reported that they now save up to Rs 10,000 per month due to the almost-nonexistent electricity and utility costs. They hope to recover the investment made on the solar panels (Rs 1 crore) within the next ten years.
Previously, on November 2015, Cochin International Airport became the world’s first solar airport. On December last year, a Tamil Nadu police station made headlines by going fully green. The Delhi and Mumbai international airports are partially powered by solar energy too.
Under Growing support for green energy:
All around India we are seeing positive trends of growing investment and application of renewable sources of energy. This trend will continue to grow as green energy gets cheaper, becomes more cost-effective and attracts more investment. Also, the Indian Government’s approach to alternative energy sources has been commendable. While PM Modi’s plan to increase India’s solar power capacity by five times to 100,000MW by 2022 has been perceived as over-ambitious, the enthusiasm represents a step in the right direction.
The Logical Indian community commends the school, Cochin Airport on setting a greate example to emulate by the rest of the country. Government and the society should unitilize huge potential India offers in the Solar space to reduce pollution and meet our ever rising power demands. We also commend the Prime Minister for giving high priority in increasing Solar power’s share in total power production.