Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: With a focus on delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy to all, Shri Pramod Sawant, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa inaugurated a solar-based electrification programme for remote rural households in Goa.
The solar PV based home lighting systems for households was inaugurated only two days after the Agreement was signed between Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) and Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA). This project will bring electricity, through renewable energy to areas in Goa where grid connectivity is not feasible.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister, Shri Pramod Sawant said, “On Goa Statehood Day, it is a proud moment for us to announce that we will achieve 100% electrification for all homes in Goa, and that too with clean energy. We have made policy decisions for Goa to transition to a green state in a fast and concerted way. I congratulate GEDA and CESL for their good work.”
Nilesh Cabral, Hon’ble Minister of Power, Government of Goa, who has been behind Goa’s green policies was also present at the occasion and said “In Goa we are committed to provide green and clean energy access to every single household. We are very happy that on Goa Statehood Day we are flagging off this high-impact, and crucial project and that GEDA and CESL are working together towards expanding solar access to off-grid and kachha houses in the state.”
Parimal Rai, Chief Secretary and Chairman GEDA said, “Remote rural communities will greatly benefit from this solar home lighting programme. Our national climate goals will get a fillip from state actions, and Goa with its policies has increased its ambitions. Our outreach to the remotest corner will strengthen climate resilience of communities and contribute to climate change mitigation.”
Kunal, Secretary of Power, Government of Goa, said, “The solar lighting programme will improve the economy of rural households, and will contribute to inclusive local growth. Goa’s villages will benefit from solar lighting, cheaper electricity and This project is important for Goa’s energy transition, and it will steer rural development and growth. In the coming days, it will also increase off-grid solar electricity demand in rural area, which will in turn improve the services.”
Sharing her views on the programme, Ms Mahua Acharya, CEO & MD, CESL, said, “We are so proud to begin this project on Goa Statehood Day. Everyone we have been working with in the Government of Goa has shown us nothing but leadership and drive, and I commend the Government for assuming a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude to achieve 100% electrification. Access to energy is a basic need across all sections of development and we are happy to be making this happen.”
Alexio da Costa, Director, DNRE said, “India’s early adoption of solar energy, and provision of very cost effective solar powered is encouraging and will lead to providing greater access to solar in off-grid areas. It will contribute, in universalising access, and strengthening human capital, improving quality of life, and providing greater opportunities to engage in economic activities.”
Sanjeev Joglekar, Member-Secretary, GEDA, said, “We signed the Agreement very recently and we are very happy that CESL has begun work immediately. The solar lighting programme will contribute to India’s climate action and in achieving the country’s Renewable Energy targets.”
This project is CESL’s first off-grid electricity engagement that will install and maintain solar PV systems for five years under the Remote Village Electrification (RVE) programme of the Government of Goa. CESL will undertake the project across villages and hamlets of Goa in coordination with Gram panchayats.
