Kohima to be Made Solar City

Kohima, Jul 5 : Plans are afoot to turn the Nagaland capital Kohima into a solar city. Selected by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for the solar city program, the step is expected to reduce the power load of the capital town by 10 per cent within a period of five years.

This was stated by MLA & Advisor, New & Renewable Energy, Deo Nukhu in his address at the Renewable Energy Meet held at Zonal Council Hall yesterday. He also informed that a solid urban waste power plant is also being considered.

Stating that solar energy is “God’s gift without any charge”, the MLA underscored the need to tap the non-conventional energy while also stating that it is the safest and also the healthier way.

He particularly emphasized on solar heating systems noting that States like Nagaland would have 80 per cent of the population living in the cold regions.

Pointing out that burning of firewood or use of conventional energy like geysers for heating purposes consume maximum natural resources and power, Nukhu stressed the need to use solar water heating systems for domestic purposes and commercial activities as well as in educational institutions.

The use of solar system is a healthy practice for a healthy living, he said.

Dwelling on the activities of the department, he said a State Level Energy Park is being constructed at the Agri-Expo site in Dimapur, which, he pointed out, is in good progress. The park exhibits various systems which can disseminate the use of renewable energy devices as well as conservation of energy, he informed.

He further stated that this program is being undertaken under Special Area Demonstration Program and that Solar Power back-up would be provided in the Raj Bhavan, Civil Secretariat, Assembly Complex and DC’s Office.

The MLA also informed that the department has identified some hydro electric projects in the State and will be executing Tsutsung Yongki hydo electric project with the installed capacity of one MW in Mokokchung district.

Other programs being implemented by the Department include National Manure Management and Biogas Development (NMMBP), Solar Photo-voltaic Program, Biomass Gasifier Project, Remote Village Electrification Program, Wind Energy, and Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

The workshop was organized by Toiwa Renewable Energy Inc, Nagaland in collaboration with the Department of New and Renewable Energy.