Himachal set to be Asia's first carbon-neutral state
Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 28
The hill state is poised to emerge as the first carbon-neutral state
in Asia with a host of programmes under implementation to reduce the
carbon footprint.

The moratorium on green fellings, focus on environment friendly
hydroelectric power and renewable energy sources will help the state
to reduce greenhouse gases and protect the fragile hill environment.

Himurja, the nodal agency for renewable energy, is aiming at a saving
of at least 50 million unit of electricity and 1,80,000 LPG cylinders
per year by providing solar water heating systems and solar cookers.
Till date, 30,573 solar cookers, 1,85,757 solar domestic lights,
6,325 solar speed lights, 22,394 solar lanterns and 3,573 solar
geysers have been distributed, besides energy-efficient devices such
as pressures cookers, compact fluorescent lamps and improved chullahs
(stoves).

At present, the total installed capacity of solar water heating
system is 12,22,700 litres per day and 30,573 solar cookers have been
distributed to save 27,26,6210 units of electricity and 91,719 LPG
cylinders per year. Himurja plans to install two solar units of 500
KW by 2013.

Some remote villages have been electrified by the agency by
installing portable hydro generators. The total installed capacity of
Himurja-owned-and-operated projects is 1,255 KW which is generating a
revenue of Rs 54 lakh annually. Himurja plans to add 25 MW of
installed capacity by 2013.

The agency also proposes to set up four wind energy generating units
of 10 KW each in Spiti area on experimental basis.