1 MW Integrated RE Project Inaugurated, Foundation for 100 MW Project Laid in Goa

Goa Power Minister Nilesh Cabral recently inaugurated the first 1 MW “convergence project” in the UT, and further laid the foundation stone for another 100 MW project.

Nilesh Cabral, Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of Goa, has recently inaugurated the first “convergence project”, which integrates the delivery of clean renewable decentralised energy with energy-efficient pump sets and LED lamps for rural homes, in Goa. Further, the foundation stone for a 100 MW solar project with pump sets and energy-efficient lamps has also been laid down by the Minister. 

“Goa has always been a pioneer in its adoption of innovative energy solutions, which can benefit our citizens. We are laying the foundation for the creation of a cleaner, greener and energy secured Goa. This 1 MW pilot is a part of an ambitious 100 MW decentralised solar project, which will transform our energy landscape in the years to come,” Cabral said.

The project is being implemented by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).

Mahua Acharya, the newly appointed CEO & MD of CESL said, “We begin the journey towards transforming the energy landscape of our rural areas. CESL aims to be the driving force behind India’s imminent energy transition. It will ramp up areas such as street lighting, domestic lighting, energy-efficient cooking, and e-mobility. The leadership shown by the Government of Goa is very encouraging and I am very excited to see more such integrated projects come to life.”

The project will be implemented on unused or degraded land across Goa, located close to substations and the point of use. CESL will also deliver the pumps and lights as part of the power purchase agreement. The total investment of INR 450 crores will be borne by CESL and will result in a savings of Rs 2,500 crores for the state of Goa over the life of the project. Approximately 400,000 households will benefit from this project, and 140,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) will be avoided. Savings to the distribution company (Discom) will be significant from the solarisation of these feeders.

Saurabh Kumar, Executive Vice Chairperson, EESL, said, “As we move towards a decentralised and renewables led energy sector, our solutions accordingly have to keep pace. Our Convergence initiative is an effort to bring together a diverse bundle of interventions into one comprehensive solution, which can solve multiple energy sector challenges. This inauguration marks the beginning of Convergence, and I firmly believe that it will enable increased energy access and better quality of life for the people of Goa.”

PC: EESL