EESL-Goa govt Convergence project marks start of fresh green revolution: RK Singh

• EESL shall implement the solar energy projects, establish 100 MW of decentralised ground-mounted solar power projects on government lands

• It will replace approximately 6,300 agricultural pumps with BEE star-rated energy efficient pumps

New Delhi: State-run Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and the Department of New & Renewable Energy (DNRE), Goa, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday under which India's first Convergence project will be rolled out in the state. And the project has been hailed by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy RK Singh as a fresh green revolution. Under the MoU, EESL and DNRE will carry-out feasibility studies and subsequent implementation of decentralised solar energy projects. EESL shall implement the solar energy projects, establish 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, Singh said that the MOU signed between EESL and the government of Goa marks the beginning of a fresh green revolution. He said, "When we started the PM- KUSUM, this is what was in our mind to restart fresh green revolution in agriculture sector. This model is expected to be adopted by other states as this will reduce losses as expenditure on water for farm sector runs into tens of thousands of crore rupees in several states. This pre-empts state spending on health, education, and other important sectors." 

Singh also said that he has asked his Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to look out for incentivising savings on energy and ground water by farmers. He added that he expects faster roll-out of this model. Together with the new rooftop solar scheme, this will prove to be a win-win for farmers and states and help them turn into green states. He asked Goa to take the lead in this regard with all possible support by the Centre.

'Convergence project will accrue savings of Rs 2,574 cr to Goa'

Goa Power Minister Nilesh Cabral said, "Goa is the first state to adopt Convergence. The project will accrue 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 as well as energy efficient pump sets which would reduce the power consumption as well as T&D losses associated with transmitting power to agriculture and rural feeder networks."

The projects will accelerate the usage of renewable energy sources, especially for agricultural and rural power consumption in the state. The projects 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 large scale programme where vacant/unused land provided by Gram Panchayats/electricity board will be utilised. The solar power plant will be installed near the substation, with capacities ranging from 500 KW to 2 MW, depending on the size of the land, this will enable DISCOMs to supply power during the day time and reduce transmission losses.

With this project, India will unlock multiple benefits of solar energy: Power Secretary

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary, Ministry of Power, said, "We believe that in a solar power-rich country like India, effective harnessing of this abundant resource can yield handsome returns for all stakeholders. EESL has been one of the pioneers in the implementation of decentralised solar in India and with this project, the country will unlock multiple benefits of solar energy, battery storage and carbon financing."

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Through its Convergence initiative, EESL seeks to connect seemingly independent sectors like solar energy, energy storage and LED lights to provide solutions, which can enable decarbonisation and affordable energy access. Under this programme, EESL is offering convergent interventions, which solve multiple gap areas in the energy ecosystem. It is currently providing solutions such as solarised agriculture feeders, LED street lights in local villages and battery energy storage system. EESL is also leveraging the carbon financing mechanism to rapidly strengthen rural infrastructure in a clean and sustainable manner, to create a resilient and sustainable rural community in India. Its climate financing interventions currently include Gram UJALA, decentralised solar and gram panchayat street lights programmes.

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