Tamil Nadu’s Shore Temple Transforms into India’s First Green Energy Archaeological Site
The renowned Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has accomplished a momentous feat by evolving into India’s maiden Green Energy Archaeological Site. This transformation is the outcome of the collaborative Green Heritage Project undertaken by the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (Renault Nissan Tech) and Hand in Hand India (HiH).
Thanks to the Green Heritage Project’s dedication, the Shore Temple will now bask in the glow of clean and sustainable solar power. The project strategically installed three solar plants, each boasting a 10-kilowatt capacity, to harness the region’s abundant solar energy. Impressively, any surplus energy generated by these solar plants will be fed back into the grid, ensuring it serves future energy needs while keeping the environmental impact to a minimum.
However, this endeavor goes beyond merely using solar energy to illuminate the Shore Temple. It also focuses on elevating the overall visitor experience and reducing the ecological footprint of tourism in the vicinity. To achieve this, the initiative includes the deployment of essential facilities powered by renewable energy sources. Notably, a solar-operated reverse osmosis (RO) plant has been established as a source of clean drinking water for tourists. This innovative water purification system is complemented by three water kiosks, offering convenient access to potable water for visitors.
Furthermore, the Green Heritage Project seeks to empower the local community by creating employment opportunities. Women from the locality have been engaged to operate electric buggies, an eco-friendly mode of transport that benefits pregnant women, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional transportation methods.
In keeping with the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the project has taken steps to encourage the adoption of clean transportation. A dedicated parking facility equipped with three charging units has been established to facilitate the recharging of electric vehicles.
The conversion of the Shore Temple into India’s inaugural ‘green energy archaeological site’ not only preserves its historical and cultural significance but also sets a remarkable example of sustainable heritage conservation. This initiative showcases the potential for harnessing renewable energy sources to protect our world’s precious heritage sites.