Diu becomes first Union Territory to run 100% on solar power
Diu has become the first and only Union Territory in the country to be fully run on solar energy. The UT generates total of 13 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power generating facilities daily. Of this, 3 MW is generated by rooftop solar plants and 10 MW by its other solar power plants.
Key Facts
Diu’s peak-time demand for electricity goes up to 7 MW and now it daily generates about 10.5 MW of electricity from solar energy, making it electricity surplus. Despite scarcity of land, solar power plants have been installed over more than 50 acres. The solar power also has come as big relief for local residents as their monthly bill charges have fallen by around 12%. It also has significantly reduced electricity loss.
Background
Diu has an area of just 42 square kilometres and population of 56,000. For water and electricity, the Union territory was solely dependent on Gujarat government. The electricity supplied from power grid owned by Gujarat government was causing huge line losses. To overcome this limitation, UT’s administration has decided to set up solar power plants.
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Month: Current Affairs - March, 2018