55 cities to be developed as solar cities: Piyush Goyal

Soltage-GreenwoodSolarWalpoleMAAs many as 55 cities in 27 states and union territories are currently being developed as solar cities in the country under ‘Development of Solar Cities Programme’, Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy said in Lok Sabha.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been implementing the programme.

The criteria set by the ministry for the identification of cities include:

A) A city having population between 50,000 to 50 lakh (with relaxation given to special category states including northeast states).

B) Initiatives and regulatory measures already taken along with a high level of commitment in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy.