World’s Largest Solar System In Shirdi  Farooq Abdullah |
The world’s largest solar steam system was inaugurated by the New and Renewable Energy Minister, Farooq Abdullah, in Shirdi. This can generate 3,500 kg of steam every day - enough to cook food for 20,000 people.
The solar system has been designed for cooking food for devotees visiting the shrine devoted to Sai Baba, a 19th century Sufi saint who was revered by Hindus and Muslims alike.
The total cost of the solar steam system is estimated at Rs.1.33 crore for which a subsidy of Rs.58.4 lakh has been provided by the renewable energy ministry.
The ministry offers support of up to 50% of the cost of such systems set up by non-profit bodies and up to 35% cost support to profit making bodies.
"Over 40 systems covering a dish area of about 12,000 sq metre have been supported by the ministry so far for various applications, though the major application is cooking only," a government statement said.
