French envoy opens solar plant

Dehradun, September 13

A solar power plant commissioned by a French firm with an outlay of 4 million euros was inaugurated by French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler at Maheshwari village in Haridway district today. The plant, built by Technique Solaire, would generate 5.5 MW, which is the equivalent of the local electricity consumption of 13,500 inhabitants.

The Indian subsidiary of Technique Solaire, JLTM Energy India Pvt Ltd, was awarded the project. It is spread over 25 acres.

The company has evolved a model that makes local farmers stakeholders in the project, providing them the added benefit of a yearly income from the plant.

“The project embodies the strength of Indo-French cooperation in the solar energy sector and the ability of French companies to deliver,” a statement quoted Ziegler as saying.

“With a cumulative capacity of around 650 MW installed across India, French companies are committed towards becoming one of the major actors in solar revolution in India,” he said.

France actively supports India’s programme for developing renewable energy, which is a key tool in the fight against climate change.

Several French companies are committed to contributing to the development of non-fossil fuel energies in India. Technique Solaire intends to develop more than 200 MW projects in India during the next two to three years. — IANS

About the plant

• Solar plant has been built by Technique Solaire at a cost of 4 million euros 
• Will generate 5.5 MW, which is the equivalent of the local electricity consumption of 13,500 inhabitants.