Disappointment Strikes: Tamil Nadu Government Rejects Coimbatore’s Ambitious 20 MW Solar Plant Proposal at Vellalore Dump Yard
The Tamil Nadu government has turned down a proposal from the Coimbatore Corporation to develop a 20 MW solar power plant at the Vellalore dump yard. This ambitious initiative aimed to transform 50 acres of land into a green energy powerhouse, but it lacks the necessary approval from the State Finance Department. The corporation currently spends approximately ₹10 crore monthly on electricity to operate over 50,000 streetlights, along with multiple water supply and sewage treatment facilities.
Coimbatore Corporation has made strides in solar energy with three existing plants: a 3.6 MW facility at Pullukadu, launched under the Smart Cities Mission at a cost of ₹17 crore, and two additional 1 MW plants at Ukkadam and Kavundampalayam, totaling ₹5.5 crore in expenses. The electricity generated from these plants is utilized to offset the corporation’s overall energy costs.
In 2023, the corporation completed the first phase of biomining at the Vellalore site, an endeavor that reclaim 54 acres at a cost of ₹60 crore. This successful reclamation spurred the corporation to envision a larger solar plant. Last year, it submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the state government outlining plans for the proposed solar facility, estimated to cost ₹150 crore and funded through municipal bonds.
However, with the proposal recently rejected, Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran stated that they’ve pivoted to a new strategy, submitting a revised plan under a Union government scheme. This latest proposal is pegged at ₹120 crore and aims to make productive use of the previously waste-filled site instead of allowing it to revert to a dumping ground. “We have begun planting trees on a 10-acre portion of the dump yard, and we hope the project receives approval,” Prabakaran shared with The Hindu.
The effort underscores the corporation’s commitment to sustainable development and addressing the pressing issues of energy consumption and waste management in Coimbatore. While the rejection is a setback, the renewed proposal reflects a determined push towards integrating renewable energy sources in the city’s infrastructure. As urban areas grapple with rising electricity demands and environmental challenges, initiatives like these are crucial for fostering cleaner, more sustainable cities.
This pursuit of solar energy not only aligns with Tamil Nadu’s broader commitment to renewable resources but also positions Coimbatore as a forward-thinking municipality ready to embrace innovative solutions for its energy needs.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/tamil-nadu-government-rejects-coimbatore-corporations-proposal-for-20-mw-solar-plant-at-vellalore-dump-yard/article69751870.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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Publish Date: 2025-06-29 19:16:00
