Goa Power Minister inaugurates 1 MW first of its kind pilot integrated renewable energy solution
Goa Power Minister inaugurates 1 MW first of its kind pilot integrated renewable energy solution; lays foundation for 100 MW solar project with pumpsets and energy efficient lamps
New Delhi: Shri Nilesh Cabral, Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of Goa, today 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. The 100MW project will be implemented by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
The project will be implemented on unused or degraded land across Goa, located close to sub-stations 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 INR 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 will be significant from the solarisation of these feeders.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nilesh Cabral, Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, said, “Goa has always been a pioneer in its adoption of innovative energy solutions, which can benefit our citizens. Today, 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.
Shri Kunal, Power Secretary, Government of Goa, remarked, “The energy sector has seen rapid changes, on the back of falling costs of renewable power. Projects such as these can uplift Goa’s rural areas, with increased energy access and reliability. Decentralised solar is the future and will be a catalyst in transforming our energy landscape and achieving our sustainable development goals.”
Shri 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. Today’s 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.”
Ms Mahua Acharya, CEO & MD, Convergence Energy Services Limited, said, “Today, 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.”
Shri Rama Krishna S., Chief, Business Development, Tata Power, said “I am so pleased to work with the EESL team and the Government of Goa – decentralised solutions such as these are a powerful way to solarise our villages and grids.”
About Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL):
A 100% owned subsidiary of EESL – Convergence Energy Services Limited (Convergence), a new energy company is focused on delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy. Convergence focuses on energy solutions that lie at the confluence of renewable energy, electric mobility and climate change.
