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Delhi can make hay in power sector while the sun shines

NEW DELHI: The national capital can generate over 2,500 MW of electricity using just 4.42 per cent of the total rooftop space available in the city, a report said today. 

As per the report 'Rooftop Revolution: Unleashing Delhi's solar potential' published by NGO Greenpeace, Delhi's rising power demand could be met by exploiting the 
solar power potential. 

"The city can generate 2,557 MW by using 4.42 per cent of total rooftop space available for photo voltaic systems," the report, released by former Chief Justice of 
Delhi High Court A P Shah, said. 

Currently, the city's gas and coal-based power plants have a total power production capacity of 1,345 MW against its daily demand ranging from 4,800 mega watt to 5,500 mega watt. 

The report said prices per unit of electricity generated through solar power has come down by almost 50 per cent due to introduction of modern technologies and initiatives taken by the players in the field to make it more affordable. 

Delhi's electricity grid infrastructure often collapses under the strain of excess loads. A project of 2 Giga Watt of rooftop solar photo voltaic systems will help stabilize the grid, it said. 

The report claimed 62,000 new full-time jobs can be created through the installation solar panels having a capacity to generate 2 GW of electricity. 

"Rooftop revolution is not just a report but a vision to realise Delhi as a green capital powered by clean and sustainable sources of energy like solar. What is required is political intent to convert this vision into a reality," said 
Anand Prabhu Pathanjali, energy campaigner,Greenpeace India. 

The largest potential for solar power rests with residential buildings at 1.2 GW or 49 per cent of the total solar potential, followed by industrial buildings at 15 per cent, government buildings and public facilities at 13 per cent. 

The report not only maps the potential and viability of the various building types falling under different tariff categories but also details business models and scenarios under which solar rooftop is advantageous.