Manireda sets 10,000 solar water heater target
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 01 2011: Manipur renewable Energy Development Agency (Manireda) has set a target for providing 10,000 solar water heaters in its endeavour to join the global community in the conservation of energy.

upon installation of the solar energy-powered water heaters the Agency aims to save 75 megawatt power in a five year period, said Manireda Director L Manglem while presenting the welcome address of a day-long workshop on 'solar thermal system' at Hotel Classic today.

The Director informed that taking into account rapid change in the global environmental condition provision of 10,000 solar water heaters in the next five years has been worked out under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewable Mission.

He further explained that usage of the solar water heaters by the general public will not only save 75 megawatt power from conventional sources, but will also prevent carbon emission at the rate of 1.5 tonne in the five year period.

In his address as the chief guest, Health and Family Welfare Minister L Jayentakumar said there is need for an effective mechanism to save as much power as possible.

The people of Manipur have an equal responsibility for combating global warming, he added.

Workshop of solar thermal power system underway

The Minister also applauded the vision of Manireda officials in the installation of a 25 kilowatt solar plant at Moreh Hospital along with a refrigerator run on solar power.

Among others, the workshop was attended by Commissioner (Science & Technology) H Imocha, who is also the member Secretary of Manireda as the president in the presence of Ministry of New Renewable Energy's Director (North East Region) Dr DR Das, the same Ministry's Scientist Anand Narwani, its Under Secretary Premchand and Commissioner (Art & Culture) Dr RK Nimai as the guests of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, RK Nimai pointed out that India's annual economic growth target of 9-10 percent could materialise only when its energy sources are utilised in an effective manner.

While conceding that lack of sufficient power supply in the State had been a bane in the industrial development of Manipur, he also said that power consumption in Manipur is limited to domestic usage.

Addressing technical session of the workshop, Bangalore-based NUETECH representative T Anand said the 100-litre capacity solar water heater could save a family 1524 kilowatt power in a year while expenditure incurred in purchase of the solar water heater at subsidised rate could be recovered within a period of just a year and two months.

It is also informed that expected life of a 100 litre capacity solar water heater is atleast 10 years or more while its contribution in the protection of the environment is reduction in green house gases to the tune of over 21 tonnes.

He further conveyed that installing a single 100 LPD solar water heater is equivalent to planting 10 trees and taking care of them for 10 years.