Top official of UN has urged Indian Urban Development minister to promote solar energy generation in the country.
Kandeh Yumkella, Under-Secretary-General of United Nations Organization and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy have met Indian Minister of Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu today.
Yumkella is also the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All Initiative.
The UN Official highlighted the need for promoting renewable energy sources in developing nations like India in order to mitigate climate change and its consequences.
He stressed on the need for solar power generation through collaborative effort of all stake-holders.
He has mentioned the praiseworthy initiative by Government of Gujarat for enhancing solar generation, noting that India has great potential in this regard.
Venkaiah Naidu detailed about the efforts taken by the Government in the matter and pointed out the introduction of a proposal to achieve 100 MW of solar power generation through roof top solar panels to be managed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
He also indicated a program introduced by government to replace halogen lamps with LED bulbs.
UN experts explained that efforts are going on to promote increase use of polar panels and other equipment by reducing their weight to 20 percent of the present load per square meter.
It is to be reminded that, two days ago, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked India to make solar energy contribution by 10 percent of the total energy mix by 2020.
He also urged emerging economies including India to take necessary action to combat climate change.
Speaking on the occasion of dedicating second canal-top 10-MW solar power project in Gujarat to the nation, Ban Ki-moon said: “India is taking the lead in ending energy poverty and this project shows us how.”
Sabeena Wahid
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