News Release Details

First ever ‘Solar Mini Utility’ inaugurated at Sathla, Meerut
New Delhi   21-Aug-2008
<b>Green Energy Initiative by IndianOil</b> Indian Oil Corporation’s first ever Solar Mini Utility for charging solar lanterns was inaugurated by Mr B. M. Bansal, Director (Planning & Business Development), IndianOil, at its Kisan Seva Kendra (special format petrol/diesel station for rural areas) at Sathla, about 25 km from Meerut today. The project is being implemented by IndianOil with technical assistance from The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI). Through the Solar Mini Utility, lanterns can be charged using solar energy during the day and the powerful lights can be used in the evening and at night. Solar energy is not only abundant but also environment-friendly. <div align=center><img src=/newimages/thumbnail/Givingawaysolarlanterntvillager_400.jpg></div> It is well known that the fossil fuels (like crude oil) are limited in the world and India imports more than 70% of these fuels. Kerosene, which villagers purchase at about Rs. 10/- from ration shops, actually costs about Rs. 48/- to import. This puts tremendous strain on the nation’s exchequer and the finances of companies like IndianOil. To alleviate these difficulties and also with an aim to provide clean forms of energy, IndianOil has launched the unique Solar Mini Utility initiative to light up homes in villages where electricity is yet to reach. The Solar Mini Utility system consists of a solar panel that converts solar energy to electricity for charging solar lanterns. The system installed at Sathla has the capacity to charge 88 lanterns. At present, 25 lanterns are being charged and 25 more would be kept as standby. The balance capacity will be used either for charging batteries (for running electrical appliances like DC fans, TV sets, etc.) or for running the petrol/diesel dispensing unit at the Kisan Seva Kendra. The solar lantern will provide 20 times brighter light than the local ‘dibris’ and will enable school-going children to continue with their studies even after sunset. Moreover, with the help of brighter light, the villagers can extend their economic activities beyond the usual day light hours, thereby improving their earning capacity. Very importantly, the solar lanterns will replace use of kerosene lamps and ‘dibris’, which emit harmful smoke and hence will be beneficial to the health of users. The expenditure on use of the solar lanterns will be lesser than the expenditure being incurred on kerosene for lighting purpose. Over time, the Solar Mini Utility can be replicated on a larger scale to provide clean, green and healthy lighting options for rural households, thereby reducing their dependence on kerosene.