DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Punjab Government will ramp up renewable energy sources to ensure optimum use of the natural solar energy for providing clean and green environment to the people of the state, stated Aman Arora, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources, while reviewing the major projects of the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). Chairing the high-level meeting at PEDA Bhawan here, the Cabinet Minister directed the officials to assess the feasibility for solarisation of agricultural pumps as many farmers have been using diesel agri-pumps to irrigate their crops, which has been increasing agriculture input costs and polluting the environment. "But, our government was fully committed to increase the income of the farmers by reducing their expenses on farming", said the minister. The Minister was apprised that total 15525 solar pumps have already been installed in the State and target of equipping 9000 pumps with solar panels has been sought from GoI for FY 2022-23. Notably, around 13.88 lakh electric motor pump sets are being used for irrigation in the state and the state government provides free power of worth Rs.6988 Crore annually. Aman Arora also asked the officials to explore the possibility of Floating Solar PV Projects at Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, Bathinda and Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant, Lehra Mohabbat, besides exploring modalities for installation of more Canal Top Solar PV Projects in the state. Chief Executive PEDA Mr. Sumeet Jarangal apprised the Minister that there is the potential of about 1750 MW capacity Solar Power Projects on the top of canals. Of which only 20MW has been harnessed. During the meeting, Rooftop PV Projects on warehouses/sheds have also been discussed. The Cabinet Minister asked the officials to look at the possibilities to establish Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects to make better use of crop residue, apart from strengthening rural economy. Solar power, biogas and other green energy technologies could prove as a game changer for the state, he added. Discussing upcoming Compressed Biogas projects on the issue of utilizing paddy straw as fuel, the Minister was briefed that about 1.8 million ton per annum paddy straw planned to be utilised in the under implementation 42 Compressed Biogas projects for production of 492.58 TPD CBG alloted by PEDA. (editor@dailyworld.in)