On the occasion of inauguration of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Research and Green Technologies Centre and the Rajeswari Towers (Staff Quarters-II) at the VIT University at Vellore on 15 February 2010, Dr. Abdullah, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, mentioned that in next three years, under the National Solar Mission, the Government of India hopes to add 1300 MW of solar energy. Of this 1100 MW would be grid-connected, and 200 MW would be utilized for providing electricity to villages that do not have energy. He also wished for research for reducing the cost of solar energy.
Dr. Abdullah mentioned that the storage of energy is the great problem. Perhaps using batteries topped up with distilled water are solving the energy-storing problem at present. However, the problem increases in remote areas of states such as Jammu & Kashmir where there is no distilled water due to their location. Using the available water from stream and canals is an issue as that leads to dysfunctional batteries . In that case, the usage of batteries that do not use water are expensive. Hence, it is necessary to reduce the prices of such batteries.
Until such time that energy is a problem, Dr. Abdullah called for institutions like VIT University to undertake research to find out ways to store energy at right voltage. There will be complete help to the institute from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy during this research. He also suggested that windmill manufacturers should produce windmills, which can be easily transported to hilly areas.
Dr. Abdullah also mentioned that products should be cheap and good so that ordinary people can use it as well. On this, the Pro Chancellor of VIT University has asked the Ministry of Renewable Energy to ensure the production of photovoltaic solar devices at cheaper cost for the use of common people as well.
Source: The Hindu
