Bihar CM's official residence switches to solar energy

It is now official. Nitish Kumar, chief minister of the power-starved state of Bihar, has decided to go green. The chief minister will use solar energy to power his official residence in Patna, an official on Wednesday said. 

"Larsen &Toubro will set up 100 kilowatt, peak(kWp) solar power plant at the chief minister's official residence at 1 Anne Marg," said Manish Kumar, director, Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency.

Kumar said that L&T was selected for the solar power project at Nitish Kumar's official residence following a national tender for it.

"L&T will begin the work soon, as it has to complete the project within three months," Kumar said.

According to BREDA officials, L&T will install solar panels in the chief minister's official residence complex. The present lighting system will be overhauled.

"Tubes and bulbs will be replaced with LED (light emitting diodes) lights. Air conditioners with five star rating, energy efficient fan regulators and

water pumps will also be used," an official said.

BREDA officials told rediff.com that the solar power plant at the chief minister's residence is unique as it will be a technology intensive. "Digital technology would be used to optimise power generation, delivery and 24x7 monitoring," an official said.

Kumar said that it will set a model for others to follow the chief minister's practical approach to eco-friendly measures.

Bihar has the potential to generate around 2,000 MW of power through renewable energy sources in the state.

The state generates around 6 MW from biomass plants, around 4 KW from solar power plant at Patailiya village in Samastipur district and about 55 MW from hydro electric power plants.

Bihar has a daily power demand of nearly 3,000 MW. But it receives only about 1,200 to 1,500 MW from outside.