Energy minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the new solar energy policy would be in place from 2014 to 2020.
Speaking at the national convention of natural resources at the Indian Sustainability Congress here, Shivakumar said that the government was striving to enhance generation of power from the renewable energy sector.
The Solar Energy Act 2011, a draft of which was approved by the government, would bring down power consumption by 30 to 40 per cent. “Infrastructure and technology would be improved for the same,” he said.
“The energy conservation building code is being finalised and it will be mandatory for all government and private buildings spread over an area above 500 sq metres to follow it and save up to 40 per cent of power in daily use. Under this, buildings will have to follow prescribed norms of proper ventilation, doors, windows, solar and wind panels. After being finalised, Cabinet clearance will be sought to make it an Act,” he said. Long-term coal access
The State government’s application for long-term coal access is in queue. The power generation will start when it is cleared, the minister said.
“The government will also cancel orders of those who have not installed solar panels, despite getting permission. We want disciplined people in business,” Shivakumar said.