US firm to help Punjab turn paddy straw into energy

The Punjab government is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with a US firm, Lockheed Martin, for logistic support in meeting a target of generating 1,000 MW (megawatt) of solar power in the next three years, a spokesman said here.

The Punjab government is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with a US firm, Lockheed Martin, for logistic support in meeting a target of generating 1,000 MW (megawatt) of solar power in the next three years, a spokesman said here.

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As per the draft agreement, Lockheed Martin would provide plastic structures for solar panels on canals by using nano-technology. The company would also provide technology to convert paddy straw into energy.

This decision was taken at a meeting between Punjab non-conventional energy minister Bikram Singh Majithia and a three-member delegation of Lockheed Martin comprising its chief executive officer Phil Shaw, Tushar Shah and Jagmohan Singh.

Power secretary Anirudh Tewari and senior officials of the Punjab Energy Development Authority (PEDA) also took part in the discussions.

Majithia asked Lockheed Martin to develop cheaper but durable plastic structures for Punjab.

He pointed out that the energy from paddy straw could be of great help to Punjab, which was facing the problem of stubble burning that damaged soil fertility and caused air pollution.