TPREL Makes A Solar Debut at Asia’s Largest Tea Estate

TPREL Lights Up Asia’s Largest Tea Estate With Bifacial Solar System Project. Photo: Pexels

Recently, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Company Limited, successfully commissioned a 1040 kW Bifacial Solar System project with Chengmari Tea Estate, said to be Asia’s largest tea estate in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. This marks the first-ever installation of on-ground bifacial modules in eastern India.

The project involved the installation of approximately 1,900 modules which was completed in six months. It is expected to generate an estimated 1.5 MUs of energy annually for the Tea Estate.

This initiative by TPREL is projected to reduce the region’s carbon footprint, with an estimated annual decrease of 29,420 lakh tonnes of CO2, equivalent to planting 47,000 teak trees, claimed the company.

General Manager of Chengmari Tea Estate Gajendra Sisodia, said, “Chengmari Tea Estate has always been a symbol of quality and tradition. Today, we add another feather to our cap as we step into a greener future. We are immensely grateful to Tata Power Renewables for their commitment and expertise in turning this vision into reality. This project is not just about harnessing solar power; it’s about setting a precedent for sustainable practices in the industry. Together, we are making a lasting positive impact on the environment and paving the way for a more sustainable future for all.”

Renewable Energy push in tea gardens across North Bengal and Assam has become quite popular over time. Many tea gardens in Assam have set up solar installations to reduce costs, maintain a reliable electricity supply, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Studies have shown that tea garden owners prefer to install solar panels as they are feasible and easy to install.

The Assam Valley and Cachar are the two tea-producing regions in Assam. In West Bengal, Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling are the three major tea producer regions. The southern part of India produces about 17% of the country’s total production with the major producing states being Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. With India’s tea sector earning significantly from exports at over $200 million in 2023, the possibilities of seeking even better value with a greener footprint powered by solar exists. With relatively low energy requirements, these estates have multiple options to site solar plants, including their offices and worker’s quarters in many cases, that could benefit further from exiting solar subsidy schemes.