Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant on Sunday unveiled a solar power installation program in rural areas. With a 100% power supply, the project will provide renewable energy in areas where grid connectivity is not possible.
The project is in line with an agreement signed by the Goa energy development agency (GEDA) and Convergence energy services limited (CESL). The Sawant project has announced that it will be the first CESL off-grid system, and will incorporate and maintain photovoltaic (PV) systems for five years under the government’s rural electrification program. It will be made using gram panchayats.
“It is a matter of pride for us to announce that we will achieve 100% electricity supply to all households in Goa, and that is clean energy. We have made Goa policy decisions to switch to a green country in a faster and more integrated manner. Congratulations to GEDA and CESL for their excellent work,” said Sawant at the inauguration.
“In Goa, we are committed to providing green and clean energy to all households,” said Energy Minister Nilesh Cabral. “We are very pleased that on Goa Statehood Day, we are impressed with this very important and important project and that GEDA and CESL are working together to increase access to the sun outside houses on the grid and in the province.
Chief secretary Parimal Rai said remote rural communities would benefit greatly from the program. “Our climate goals will be fully realized by the actions of the state, and Goa, through its policies, has increased its ambitions. Our access to the far corner will strengthen climate resilience in communities and contribute to reducing climate change,” he said.
Energy Secretary Kunal said the program would boost the economy of rural areas, and would contribute to inclusive social growth. “Goa districts will benefit from sunlight, cheap electricity and this project is important for Goa’s transformation, and will boost development and growth in rural areas. In the coming days, there will also be an increase in demand for solar power in rural areas, which will improve services,” he said.
GEDA member secretary Sanjeev Joglekar said the agency was “very happy” that CESL had started working so quickly. “The solar system will contribute to climate change in India and achieve the country’s goals of renewable energy,” he said.