Cuncolim: Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy of Goa Nilesh Cabral inaugurated the country’s 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 Rs 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 will be significant from the solarisation of these feeders.
Speaking on the occasion, power minister Cabral 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.”
Goa Power Secretary Kunal remarked that, “the energy sector has seen rapid changes, on the back of falling costs of renewable power. Projects such as these can uplift Goas 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.”
Also speaking on the occasion, Saurabh Kumar, Executive Vice Chairperson, EESL, said, “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. Todays 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.”
“Today, we begin the journey towards transforming the energy landscape of our rural areas. CESL aims to be the driving force behind Indias 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,” Mahua Acharya, CEO & MD, CESL.
