Park to popularise alternative energy

Park to popularise alternative energy
Deccan Herald

The Rs 1.5-crore project will have a solar-hut with a photovoltaic rooftop system that demonstrates how electrical gadgets can function with solar power.

The next time you step into the City’s Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, opposite Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, be prepared to be bowled over by not just the sight of dancing fountains but also for a power-packed performance from solar and non-conventional energy tapping units.

Energy Park, the first-of-its kind in Bangalore, replete with a solar-hut with a photovoltaic rooftop system, a children’s pool with a solar water heater test facility, battery-operated vehicles that will take you around the park and a wind-mill that pumps borewell water among others is all set to take off in the next few weeks. The park will be thrown open to the public after a formal inaugural ceremony in August.

A demonstration of street lighting and garden lights with a small solar panel has been highlighted. Aero-generators (miniature versions of windmills) have been put up at various places in the park to create energy through wind.

The 1.5 crore project has been undertaken by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), in association with the Horticultural Department. The venture has also been financially supported by the Ministries of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES).

According to KREDL Managing Director Dr B Shivalingaiah, the park aims to disseminate information to the public about the various non-conventional forms of energy and in turn popularise it. “Through this venture we want to let the public know that one can off-set the impending energy crisis by utilising non-conventional forms of energy,” he said, adding that nearly 70 KVA of power will be generated each day through solar, wind and bio-mass units.

As for the solar-hut that has been made of bamboo, he said the photovoltaic roof system would demonstrate how a normal house with electrical gadgets like fridge, TV and computer games could function with the solar power generated.

Efforts have also been made to educate children about renewable sources of energy. The slides, drums and see-saws in the park have a panel that indicates that energy can be created through friction alone.

The Energy park also boasts of solar cookers that can prepare up to 50 meals a day. Plans are on to rope in leading coffee shops to set up base in the park.

As to whether the entrance fee would be hiked, Horticulture Director Dr Vasanth Kumar said a nominal fee would be taken from visitors. Currently, the entrance fee is Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children.