Bengal govt wants balance between solar and thermal power

The Bengal government wants to balance solar and thermal energy due to the climate crisis and the extreme transition to renewable energy. Solar and thermal power for the day, along with a judicious mix of battery storage for the night, can prove to be a solution. Chief Secretary of Power, S Suresh Kumar, said that Bengal has several natural resources such as coal mines. The department will not have to carry coal for over 20 to 30 km to generate power. At the 14th environment and energy conclave of Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCC&I), he said that solar power stations cost less or half of the thermal power station, both with the same capacity, and solar power even generated more employment. Consumers will go for cheaper energy like solar power. The fear of losing jobs with the transition from thermal to solar power was unfounded, he said. Previously, a foreign service officer and an ambassador of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Manjeev Singh Puri, said Bengal has great industry opportunities in Kolkata, serving as a gateway to Southeast Asia. International investors are investing less in fossil fuel-based projects. Kolkata's Indian Inc can float renewable energy projects to attract global investments. Image Source Also read: World power sector emissions increase 5% over pre-pandemic levels