Government of India will replace all street lights of the country with LED bulbs in next 24 months. This is in line with the Ministry’s motto of providing energy efficiency and dependable energy in the country. Under Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme efforts are being made to replace all domestic bulbs into LED said Shri. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and Renewable Energy. Addressing the first Foundation Day Celebrations of the Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of the States (AREAS) in Bengaluru today Shri. Piyush Goyal said that Karnataka should join hands with the Central government in its energy efficiency programmes.

Solar Roof Top programme introduced by Government of Karnataka is a learning programme for other states the Minister said. The central government expects Karnataka to be in top five in the implementation of new and renewable energy programmes the minister added. India has the target of producing 1,75,000 MW and Renewable energy in next five years. The government also launched Solar Mission to generate 1 lakh MW solar power in the country. Similarly wind mission targeted at 75,000 MW power generations. The government has taken this programme as nation’s mission. 125 crore people of India should work as ‘Team India’ in making this programme as a reality the minister said. The minister assured that the Central government will extend all possible help to Karnataka in its ongoing new and renewable energy projects the minister added.

Addressing the meet State Energy Minister Shri. D. K Shivkumar said that Karnataka has huge potential for hydro projects but water conflicts between states are hindering the developments of these projects. The minister said that the central government should interfere in this issue and help getting clearance for hydro projects for the growth of New and Renewable energy sector. The Union Minister Sri Piyush Goyal presented awards for representatives from 21 states for showing excellence in New and Renewable Energy sector.