IIT-BHU opts for solar power on campus

VARANASI: Taking a step forward in using clean energy, IIT-BHU meets half of its energy requirement through solar power. The institute in partnership with a solar power company commissioned a rooftop solar power plant of 1.5 megawatt capacity across multiple buildings on its premises.

IIT-BHU registrar Dr SP Mathur told HT, “Solar power is clean energy. At present, IITBHU meets 50% of its energy requirement through solar power generated by rooftop solar power. Under partnership, CleanMax Solar set up rooftop solar power plant by installing solar panels on institute’s many buildings a year ago. It provides solar power to the institute.”

Mathur further says, IITBHU’s monthly power requirement is around 3 MW, which is projected to increase to 5 MW in near future. The institute will take the steps required to meet its power requirement through solar energy.

What is good in the initiative that Clean Max Solar, which set up the Solar Power plant, manages and maintains it. It provides solar power to IIT-BHU at tariff rates that are cheaper than the grid tariff, thereby saving the institute around Rs 1 crore per annum, as compared to conventional sources of power.

Director (IIT-BHU) Prof Rajeev Sangal said, “IIT (BHU) believes in moving towards sustainable energy as our source of power. By commissioning the solar plant in association with CleanMax Solar, we are proud to be contributing towards the national goal of becoming a solar powered nation. As an educational institute, we also hope to create awareness about the solar technology besides being an environmentally conscious citizen.”

By commissioning the solar plant we are proud to be contributing towards the national goal of becoming a solar powered nation RAJEEV SANGAL, Director (IIT-BHU)