Energy is important in everyone’s life and also for the growth of economy. With rise in population and more urbanization, commercial and engineering activities, the demand for energy has been rising exponentially. Most of the energy is obtained from conventional fuels and these are not only limited but also a source for environmental hazards. To overcome these problems there is a need to promoterenewable energy, which can  help in achieving energy security and offer greater opportunity for sustainability as well as environmental and social responsibility.

The Deptt/HAREDA is continuously working towards achieving these goals by promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation. Some of the majors achievement of the Department of Renewable Energy & HAREDA  in the field of renewable energy are as under:

 During the 11^th FYP, about 94 MW capacity of RE power was added which is more than 100% of the capacity installed earlier. The total RE power generation capacity of the State increased from about 70 MW to 164 MW during the 11^th FYP period. Under the JNNSM, 8 solar power projects of 7.8 MW capacity commissioned. During the year 2007-08, the State saved 88 MW, in 2008-09,  131 MW,  in 2009-10, 165 MW and in 2010-11, 86 MW electricity through various Energy Conservation  measures.  So far, 470 MW of electricity has been saved in the state against a target of 500MW set in the Five Year Energy Conservation Action Plan in 2007.

Haryana has been awarded the National Award for Best State Category for the implementation of  its Energy Conservation Programmes in the State  by the Ministry of Power, Government of India on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day for the last four consecutive years in a row (2008-2011). 

Haryana is the first State in the country  to  issue  a comprehensive notification on Energy  Conservation Measures. It makes Solar Water Heating Systems mandatory for water heating application. CFLs and T-5 tube lights in Govt. buildings made mandatory. Use of conventional bulbs in govt. buildings banned. Use of 4 star rated   pump sets  and ISI marked accessories for new tube-well connections has been made mandatory. Incorporation of energy efficient building design and RE technologies for new Govt. buildings made mandatory. Haryana is the first state in the country to amend the Haryana Schedule of Rates (HSR), to incorporate the energy efficient building materials, to implement the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in the state.

The Department of Renewable Energy/HAREDA, is constructing its office building “Akshay Urja Bhawan” on an institutional plot measuring one acre, at sector 17 Panchkula. It will be the one of the least Energy Consumption Building  amongst the LEED certified green buildings of the country. This building has been awarded “Exemplary Demostration of integration of Solar Passive Featrues” award by Dr. R.K. Pachauri, President, Association for Development & Research of Sustainable Habitat, TERI on 1.3.2012.

To create awareness and demonstration of renewable energy and energy conservation technologies, Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Park has been set up at Gurgaon at a total cost of Rs.2.50 crores. To provide advisory services on energy conservation, Energy Information Centre has been set up at the Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Park, Gurgaon at a cost of Rs.15.00 lacs.

Renewable energy offers viable option for decentralized application. HAREDA has been promoting various SPV devices to meet energy requirement of remote, un-electrified and power starves areas of the state. These include solar lanterns, solar home lighting systems, solar power packs, solar street lighting systems and remote village electrification. Sirsa is the first district in the country in which streets of all the 333 villages have  been illuminated during the year 2010-11 by installing the solar lights. In each village,  20 nos. of solar street lights have been installed.

To create awareness and  to educate students about solar energy, Solar Education Kit are being provided to the schools of Bhiwani, Sirsa, Panipat, Karnal, Kaithal, Rewari, Rohtak, Jind, Jhajjar, Fatehabad, Gurgaon, Ambala & Panchkula districts. 

Haryana is one of the first few states to initiate State Level  Energy Conservation Awards with prize money ranging from Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 2.00 lacs along with certificate and shield. The categories for the award are industries (HT Consumer & LT Consumers), Small Scale Industries, Govt. / Semi Govt. Institutions & Educational Institute.

An innovative Bal Urja Rakshak Mission has been launched on  18.12.08 at Gurgaon to implement a focused programme for the students of 8^th & 9^th class to bring attitudinal and behavioral transformation in them.. The programme has been extended to district Panchkula,  Faridabad and Hisar.

HAREDA  has  implemented  demonstration projects in villages Shimla Molana (Panipat), Kalka(Panchkula) and Sheetla Mata Mandir Complex (Gurgaon) under which the conventional lighting system have been replaced with new eco-friendly LED lighting technology.

I welcome your suggestions/feedback , both on the activities of the Department/HAREDA and about our website.

                                                                                                                        ARUN KUMAR, IAS