Varanasi can generate 676 MW of solar energy: CEED

Varanasi has the potential to generate 676 MW power from rooftop solar, said a report.

The Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) report “Vibrant Varanasi, Transformation through Solar Rooftop”, released in Varanasi by Girish Chandra Tripathi, vice-chancellor, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) highlights the holy city’s energy infrastructure and unveils its solar rooftop potential of 676 megawatt (MW), which can be generated by using only 8.3 per cent of Varanasi’s roof-space.

As per the report, the suitable solar rooftop space is calculated to be around 8.01 sq. km, which includes unobstructed and shadow-free rooftop space receiving optimal sunlight for solar power generation. This area is capable of generating 676 MW of solar power. The report proposed the solar rooftop implementation for Varanasi in a phased manner. The first phase entails to achieve a solar rooftop potential of 300 MW by 2025.