Kerala launches solar project for largest Indian solar city

01 Jun 2023 CW Team

The national portal for the rooftop solar scheme was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 30, 2022, marking a pivotal step in India's transition to cleaner and sustainable energy sources.

Narendra Nath Velluri, Director of ANERT, explained the objectives of the solar city project, stating, "The goal of this project is to fulfill the entire power requirements of a city through renewable energy sources. In Thiruvananthapuram, we have identified the potential to generate 800 MW of solar energy. To facilitate the installation process, we have created a solar atlas that identifies three lakh buildings suitable for solar panel installation." Velluri further disclosed that solar panel installations have already commenced in 600 government buildings, with 150 buildings commissioned on Tuesday. The remaining government buildings will be commissioned within the next two months, thereby contributing to the city's clean energy goals.

Additionally, the official highlighted the significance of private participation, stating that if owners of the identified three lakh private buildings also volunteered to install solar panels, an impressive 700 MW of solar energy could be generated. This collaboration between the government and private citizens would not only drive the transition to clean energy but also strengthen the overall sustainability of Thiruvananthapuram.

With this bold initiative, the Kerala government aims to set a shining example for the rest of the country, showcasing the immense potential of solar energy and its role in mitigating climate change. The project aligns with India's larger vision of promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. As Thiruvananthapuram progresses towards becoming a solar-powered city, it serves as a testament to the state's commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

In a significant move towards promoting renewable energy, the Kerala government has launched an ambitious project aimed at transforming the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram into the largest solar city in India. The initiative, spearheaded by the state-run Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), aims to equip every rooftop in the city with solar panels to harness the power of the sun. To kick-start this endeavour, a three-day expo was inaugurated, where the public can explore and purchase various solar energy systems under the central scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The national portal for the rooftop solar scheme was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 30, 2022, marking a pivotal step in India's transition to cleaner and sustainable energy sources. Narendra Nath Velluri, Director of ANERT, explained the objectives of the solar city project, stating, The goal of this project is to fulfill the entire power requirements of a city through renewable energy sources. In Thiruvananthapuram, we have identified the potential to generate 800 MW of solar energy. To facilitate the installation process, we have created a solar atlas that identifies three lakh buildings suitable for solar panel installation. Velluri further disclosed that solar panel installations have already commenced in 600 government buildings, with 150 buildings commissioned on Tuesday. The remaining government buildings will be commissioned within the next two months, thereby contributing to the city's clean energy goals. Additionally, the official highlighted the significance of private participation, stating that if owners of the identified three lakh private buildings also volunteered to install solar panels, an impressive 700 MW of solar energy could be generated. This collaboration between the government and private citizens would not only drive the transition to clean energy but also strengthen the overall sustainability of Thiruvananthapuram. With this bold initiative, the Kerala government aims to set a shining example for the rest of the country, showcasing the immense potential of solar energy and its role in mitigating climate change. The project aligns with India's larger vision of promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. As Thiruvananthapuram progresses towards becoming a solar-powered city, it serves as a testament to the state's commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

Real Estate

29 Jul 2026

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Equipment

29 Jul 2026

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..