Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 23 (IANS): Kerala's first premier green resort was commissioned on Tuesday. The Poovar Island Resort on Kovalam beach will run on a combination of solar power and wind generated energy.

Set in the outskirts of the state capital, Poovar Island has pioneered green and environment friendly systems. It plans to go 'Energy Neutal' in future. The current project has cost Rs 31 lakh.

The present capacity of the newly installed system will generate 50 kilo-Watt (kW) of power from solar energy and another two kW from wind energy.

Managing Director of Poovar resort M.R.Narayanan told IANS: "This is the first stage of power generation using non-conventional energy. We propose to increase the capacity by addition of further solar powered system and wind energy generation unit so as to become 'Energy Neutral'."

The non-conventional energy system installed at Poovar will help it save nearly 35 per cent in electricity bills.

Narayanan said:"The total capital cost for these installations has come to Rs 45 lakh, of which we have got a subsidy of Rs 14 lakh. This is the first phase and through this we will be able to save 35 per cent in electricity bills and in less than a year, we will turn completely to this energy,"

Poovar is also launching a hi-tech polyhouse for growing organic vegetables.

As a part of 'Responsible Tourism' initiative they have already implemented various measures for the development of the community at Poovar.

Known for offering the in-demand ayurvedic package, Poovar Island has increased the number of rooms at the resort to 85.