Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power and Department of New & Renewable Energy (DNRE), Goa, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement solar energy projects. 

 

The establishment of 100 MW of decentralized ground mounted solar power projects on government lands to be used for agricultural pumping will replace approximately 6,300 agricultural pumps with BEE star rated energy efficient pumps and distribute approximately 16 lakh LED bulbs for rural domestic households.

 

The solar power plant will be installed near the substation, with capacities ranging from 500 KW to 2 MW, depending on the size of the land, this will enable DISCOMs to supply power during the day time and reduce transmission losses.

 

The MoU was signed in the august presence of RK Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy; Nilesh Cabral, Power Minister, Goa; Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary, Ministry of Power; and other senior officers of the ministry.

 

Under the MoU, EESL and DNRE will carry out the feasibility studies and subsequent implementation of decentralized solar energy projects. EESL shall implement the solar energy projects, 

 

Speaking on the occasion, RK Singh, Minister (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy said, "The MoU signed between EESL and Government of Goa today in some sense marks the beginning of fresh green revolution. When we started the PM- KUSUM, this is what was in our mind to restart the fresh green revolution in the agriculture sector. 

 

“This model is expected to be adopted by other states as this will reduce losses in terms of expenditure on water for farm sector runs into tens of thousands crore rupees in several states. That preempts state spending on health, education, and other important sectors,” added Singh.  

 

Singh expected faster roll out of this model as also utilising opportunities under PM-KUSUM by the states. Together with the new RoofTop Solar Scheme this will prove to be a win-win for farmers and states and help them turn into green states. He asked Goa to take lead in this regard with all possible support by the centre.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Nilesh Cabral, Power Minister, Goa said, “Goa is the first state to adopt Convergence. The project will accrue savings of Rs. 2,574 crore to the state over the period of 25 years, while improving the health of DISCOMs and providing cleaner power. 

 

This project will provide clean day time electricity to farmers as well as energy efficient pump sets which would reduce the power consumption as well as T&D losses associated with transmitting power to agriculture and rural feeder networks.”

 

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary, Ministry of Power said, “We believe that in a solar power rich country like India, effective harnessing of this abundant resource can yield handsome returns for all stakeholders. EESL has been one of the pioneers in the implementation of decentralised solar in India and with this project the country will unlock multiple benefits of solar energy, battery storage and carbon financing.”

 

Through its convergence initiative, EESL seeks to connect seemingly independent sectors like solar energy, energy storage and LED lights to provide solutions, which can enable in decarbonisation and affordable energy access. 

 

Under this programme, EESL is offering convergent interventions, which solve multiple gap areas in the energy ecosystem. It is currently providing solutions such as solarised agriculture feeders, LED street lights in local villages and battery energy storage systems. EESL is also leveraging the carbon financing mechanism to rapidly strengthen rural infrastructure in a clean and sustainable manner, to create a resilient and sustainable rural community in India. Its climate financing interventions currently include Gram UJALA, Decentralised Solar and Gram Panchayat Street Lights programmes.