Indian Navy aims to set up 19 MW solar PV by 2018

With innovation driving military technology, a maiden attempt has been made towards use of renewable energy on-board a naval platform, with solar panels fitted on top of Helo Hangar of one of the ships towards producing electricity for battery charging.

Today, ie on World Environment Day, marks three years of the launch of green initiatives drive of Indian Navy. The past three years have seen a unified approach by rank and file in Indian Navy towards pursuance of green goals. The energy optimisation measures in Indian Navy cover its entire spectrum - operations, infrastructure and maintenance. Concerted efforts are being undertaken to reduce energy use (both electricity and fuel) through self-driven conservation measures.

The key result areas of energy conservation, diversification of energy supply and minimising environment impact are in line with the national mission of ‘Reducing import dependency in energy’ and the tenets of the country’s INDC (intended nationally determined contribution) as part of climate change goals.

The initiatives taken in line with the Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan across various Naval establishments have also started yielding tangible results. About 5,600 kg of manure, 450 kg biogas (methane), which is being used in lieu of LPG, is being generated every month from bio-degradable waste and biogas plants using organic waste converters. Considering the positive impact of afforestation, over 14000 saplings have been planted over the course of the preceding year. These are being nurtured by Naval personnel and mitigate an estimated 284 tonnes of CO2.

Impetus is also being afforded to ensure that pollution is kept minimal in Navy harbours and seas. Effluent treatment plants to neutralise toxic wastes prior their discharge, use of oil skimmers, floatsam collection/ disposal through sullage barges and induction of equipment which enable compliance to IMO norms though not mandated for men-of-war is being ensured for the purpose.