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New Delhi : Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power, and Department of New & Renewable Energy (DNRE), Goa, signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) on November 17, 2020, for rolling out of India’s first Convergence Project in the State.
The MoU was signed in the presence of R K 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 decentralised solar energy projects. EESL shall implement the solar energy projects, establishment of 100 MW of decentralised ground mounted Solar Power projects on government lands to be used for agricultural pumping, replace approximately 6,300 agricultural pumps with BEE star rated energy efficient pumps and distribute approximately 16 Lakh LED bulbs for rural domestic households.
Speaking on the occasion, R K Singh said that the MoU signed between EESL and Government of Goa in some sense marks beginning of fresh green revolution. When we started the PM- KUSUM, this is what was in our mind to restart fresh green revolution in agriculture sector. He said, “This model is expected to be adopted by other states as this will reduce losses in terms of expenditure on water for farm sector. This preempts state spending on health, education, and other important sectors.”
Singh also said he has asked his Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to look out for incentivising saving on enegry and ground water by farmers. He expected faster roll out of this model as also utilising opportunities under PM-KUSUM by the States. Together with new Roof Top Solar Scheme, this will prove to be win win for farmers and States and help them turn into green States, Singh said. He asked Goa to take lead in this regard with all possible support from the Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Nilesh Cabral, Power Minister, Goa, said, “Goa is the first state to adopt Convergence. The project will lead to 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.”
These projects will accelerate the usage of renewable energy sources, especially for agricultural and rural power consumption in the State. It will also contribute in reduction of peak energy demand through deployment of energy efficient pumping and lighting thus contributing to overall sustainability. In Goa, with the objective of providing clean power at affordable rates, EESL will install solar projects in a first of its kind largescale programme where vacant/unused land provided by the Gram Panchayats/electricity board will be utilised.