India's first solar city inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh's Sanchi

Tags: Science and Technology State News

Madhya Pradesh (MP) Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated Sanchi in Raisen district as India's first solar city.

An Overview of the News

• The initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of developing a solar city in every state by 2070.

About Sanchi Solar City:

• Sanchi Solar City has two solar plants - a 3 MW solar plant at Nagauri and a5 MW solar plant at Gulgaon, which cater to the city's power and agricultural needs.

• Currently, an 8 MW grid-connected solar plant is under construction within Sanchi city.

• Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL) acted as the nodal agency for this solar city project.

• MPUVNL launched an 'Energy Literacy Campaign' to educate the people of Sanchi about energy-saving practices.

• Sanchi Solar City is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 13,747 tonnes, which is equivalent to the effect of planting more than 2 lakh adult trees.

• The project is expected to save over Rs 7 crore annually in energy-related expenses for both the government and citizens.

Initiatives under the Sanchi Solar City Project:

• Electric vehicle charging stations have been set up across the city to promote the adoption of electric vehicles.

• Public establishments have been fitted with rooftop solar systems to harness solar energy.

• Individual rooftop owners have also installed solar systems on their premises, thereby reducing their dependence on grid electricity.

National Renewable Energy Target:

• India has set a target of generating 40% of its total installed electricity generation capacity from renewable sources by 2030.

About Sanchi:

• Sanchi is famous for its Buddhist Stupa, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The Great Stupa of Sanchi was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC.

Important Point:- In October 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Modhera village in Gujarat as India's first 24x7 solar-powered village.

About Madhya Pradesh

• It is the second largest state of India by area after Rajasthan.

• Forests occupy 25.14 percent of its area.

• Governor - Mangubhai Patel

• Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chauhan

• Capital - Bhopal