Training on solar energy begins

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), in collaboration with the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), New Delhi, launched the first batch of its training programme on Solar Photo Voltaic Grid connected power plants at its premises on Race Course Road on Monday. Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department Shamim Banu inaugurated the newly launched National Training Centre for Solar Technology. The event was  presided by Managing Director of  KPCL Yogendra Tripathi. Director of MNRE DR B Bhagava was also present. Dr Bhargava discussed the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission which aims to deploy 20000 MW of solar power by 2022. “The government has given several concessions for the setting up of power plants,” he said adding that this sector will need a huge number of engineers and scientists in order to achieve its goals. “Most project developers are not familiar with issues of the power sector, that is why training becomes important,” he said while commending KPCL for their efforts in the renewable energy sector. He also stressed on the importance of the manufacturing industry which supports the power plants and stated that turnover  in 2010 was more than Rs. 10,000 crore.